Disappointing Drumps opening defeat

Drumpellier started the season with a disappointing seven wicket defeat at the hands of promotion hopefuls Stirling County.

Following last season’s relegation from the Premier Division the Langloan side had hoped to get back to winning ways in the league, but it wasn’t to be as they were bowled out for 80.

New league skipper Gordon Shaw won the toss and elected to bat on what was a good dry wicket. However, with the loss of three wickets in the first three overs - with only four on the board - including overseas duo Zander Erasmus and Hayden Sweet both for ducks, it looked to have backfired.

However, a quick-fire 37 from Will Leslie gave the home side renewed hope, ably supported by Shaw they took the score past 50, but once again they lost wickets in clusters before eventually being bowled out for 80.

Opening bowler Darren Pryde picked up two early wickets to give Drumpellier hope, but it wasn’t to be as a partnership between Stirling skipper Matt Tweedie and Tom Jones took the visitors to within touching distance of victory before the latter fell for 23.

Tweedie continued to take his side home with an unbeaten 31 and a deserved victory.

Following the match, captain Shaw said that the loss was part of the rebuilding process: “It’s always disappointing to lose the first game of the season, particularly at home, but we always knew this was going to be a season of rebuilding.

“We have lost six players from last season and while we have added a few, it will take time for this youthful side to find its feet.”

This Saturday Drumpellier travel to league favourites Weirs, who notched an impressive opening day win, in the process posting a huge score of 463.

Shaw added:“Weirs have really invested heavily this season and attracted a lot of good quality players, but we will be ready for the challenge.”

Meanwhile, Drumpellier’s second string also suffered opening day disappointment following a six wicket defeat at the hands of rivals Uddingston. They posted an impressive 203, with opener Gordon Bryson top scoring with 63. In the end, they couldn’t stop Uddingston passing the total with the loss of four wickets.