EK stun Poloc in cup win

The sun was shining on East Kilbride Cricket Club at the weekend as they tasted success in the league and cup.

After their opening fixture of the season was washed out by rain and last week’s clash with Weirs ended in defeat, EK’s fortunes took a turn for the better as they beat Helensburgh in the league on Saturday and stunned Premier side Poloc in the Scottish Cup 24 hours later.

On Saturday, EK were put in to bat on a damp wicket. Despite the difficult batting conditions EK managed 123 all out thanks to a fantastic 52 from captain Moneeb Iqbal.

A great display of opening bowling from Umair Khan, taking 6-30, along with three wickets from Saleem Sabir and one from captain Moneeb Iqbal saw Helensburgh bowled out for 85.

The combination of tight bowling and aggressive fielding saw only three Helensburgh batsmen making it off the mark while most of the runs scored came as extras.

Meanwhile, EK headed to sunny Shawholm on Sunday in the last 32 of the Scottish Cup.

EK lost the toss and were put in to field in what was a reduced overs (38) match, due to the wet pitch.

Opening bowlers Umair Khan and Stewart Kampman initiated the innings with pressure at both ends, with Kampman taking three magnificent wickets off Poloc’s top three.

A partnership soon started between both overseas players from Poloc and things started to become uneasy for EK, as the batsmen started to open up.

However, Imran Mughal made the breakthrough taking his only wicket of the innings and this allowed Saleem Sabir and Moneeb Iqbal to capitalise.

They cleaned up the tail leaving Poloc 121 all out. EK continued their momentum with a good partnership between Mughal and Gavin Meikle.

Meikle fell for 21 and Mughal for 44, but Adil Hussain remained and anchored the innings with 31.

Despite the end being on the horizon, a collapse of five wickets left EK needing 12 runs from three wickets.

This was no bother for new boy Sam Cole who finished off the innings with a stylish cover drive to sink a side playing one league above them, underlining that EK mean business this season.

The team will progress to the round of 16 where they will face Royal High Corstorphine or Stoneywood Dyce .

On Saturday EK are in league action when they host GHK at Torrance House.