Doo’cot boss full of praise for young guns
Youthful squad a hit
Perth Doo’cot Cricket Club hope to reap the benefits of fielding a youthful squad this season.
Captain Graham Ferguson was particularly pleased with the performance of up and coming Fair City stars in last weekend’s win against Arbroath.
That victory has instilled confidence in the Perth side ahead of Saturday’s SPCU Premier clash with Dundee High School FP’s.
“While Arbroath were not at their strongest last week, it still takes a big effort to score 242,” Ferguson told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“And with five batsmen contributing 20 and more, we are looking to build on that again tomorrow.
“Our young overseas amateur, Emeul Knoesen, bowled really well last week in taking six wickets.
“I expect a pitch that will aid bowlers and I feel we are stronger in that department.
“What was also really pleasing last week was that, in addition to Emeul who is only 21, we had six home-grown lads playing too between the ages of 16 and 20.
“Given we have played matches in recent years where six players were over-40, it is great to see the necessary change in the age of the 1st XI. This is a deliberate development aim for 2017 although performance on the pitch will continue to be a key factor in selection.”
Ferguson had a busy weekend after finding himself helping out the third squad as 11th man, 11th batsman and taxi driver for the game away at Aberfeldy.
Perth triumphed in a high scoring game with Grant Anderson the main man with a classy 84.
But the skipper was especially impressed with the contribution of 15-year-old Tassewar Rehman, who guided Doo’cot home with 36 not out.
“Tassewar’s knock was really classy for such a young lad with so little senior cricket behind him,” Ferguson said.
“He played second fiddle when Grant was scoring but when Grant was out, he became the player responsible for securing the win and did so excellently.
“The 3rd XI really have a great attitude to their cricket under Ali Blair and credit too to Breadalbane who have their own crop of youngsters with promise.”
Weekend squads are: 1st XI v DHSFP at Dalnacraig on Saturday - From G Ferguson (capt), S Boyd, E Knoesen, J McCreanor, S McCreanor, T Brown, K Sarral, G Anderson, R Pennycook, I Patterson, J Hill, C Taylor. R McPhee (scorer). Players meet Doo’cot Park 11.20am prompt.
3rd XI v Stirling at Doo’cot Park on Sunday - From A Blair (capt), F Ali, K Mullangi, S McKenzie, T Rehman, M Rehman, A Marx, R Rajcoomar, T Sarral,
Emeul Knoesen was in fine form for the Perth side D Armstrong, R Armstrong, G Parsons. Players meet at Doo’cot at 12pm. Food for two.