Report on game against Luncarty on 2^nd June 2001

Finally at Doocot Park, Strathearn were asked to bat first on an excellent batting strip by visitors Luncarty and made good progress early on against some tidy bowling by Messrs Cox and Simpson. The introduction of Chic Nicoll in the 12th over had an immediate impact as he claimed the wicket of Stuart Morris (16) at 42-1. He should have had another wicket soon after when Hill was dropped at slip when on one.

It proved to be an expensive drop as both Hill and Gordon McKinnie increased the tempo in adding 78 ruins before McKinnie’s departure for 52 in Nicol’s 10th over.

Due to the quality of the pitch, a total in excess of 200 was required and the Strathie batsmen went in search of runs to achieve the required total. Having run out Jan Pattullo (18) at 152-3, Hill took Strathie to 189-5 before holeing out to Jim McNicol for 71. A flurry of late run outs saw the hosts close in 196-8.

In reply, Luncarty lost opener Nicol for a duck which allowed Geoff Cox and Gary Ferguson to take centre stage. The pair showed a very positive, and in Geoff’s case, an aggressive approach as the Strathie bowlers took a lot of punishment.

Cox sped to his 50 in quick time before falling to a fine catch by David Baird in Ian Pattullos final over for an exciting 63. Ferguson, meanwhile who survived two dropped catches in the opening 10 overs, continued in a positive manner before falling to Hill in the

27th over for 54 at 142-4. At this point, Luncarty were still in with a shout of victory but a flurry of wickets saw them tumble to 149-7.

However despite a further wicket falling in the penultimate over, Luncarty safely settled for the draw at 168-8 with Mylankal (3-23) and Hill (3-36) the main wicket takers.