Doo’cot lose out
Perth Doo’cot suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday in a low scoring match on a bowler-friendly wicket against Forfarshire.
But the story of the day came from the second team’s triumph over Freuchie, where captain Graham Ferguson smashed an incredible 130 not out to steer his side to victory.
With excellent batting conditions and a short boundary, Perth racked up 255 for six in 45 overs.
Ferguson batted throughout the innings to chalk up his impressive total and was supported well by Stephen Cranston, Paddy Murray and Jonathan Hill.
The Freuchie 2nd XI contained three experienced first team stalwarts, including Scott Gourlay – a former Scotland Saltire – meaning the score to catch was not beyond the hosts.
But the Perth bowlers delivered, with the key being two fine spells from Jamie Koo and Tass Hussain, who went for less than three an over.
Hill, meanwhile, was taking the key wickets of Birrell and Gourlay in a show of 3-42 before Jack Emslie cleaned up the tail to take 4-47 as Freuchie closed on 205 for nine.
Ferguson said:“It’s nice to know I can still put an innings together after a tough year in the Premier Division.
“The bowling in the Premier Division is more challenging and, although the mind still knew what shots it wanted to play, the body just wasn’t willing.
“Stepping down to Division One means the cricket is still competitive but I can relax and enjoy batting again and that was reflected on Saturday.
“But being on the pitch for a full 90 overs is tough going at my age. Everything hurt and still hurts!”
The Perth first XI’s afternoon was not so positive with skipper Kash Khalil no doubt regretting his decision to bat on winning the toss.
He would have expected his batsmen to deliver more than 87 all out against a steady but unspectacular Forthill attack.
Only Tyler Ridder with 21 and a defiant last wicket stand between Trevor Brown and Ivor Patterson prevented an even lower total.
While it’s fair to say early season conditions at Doo’cot have not helped batting, much more patience, intelligence and determination is needed by the Perth batsmen in the coming weeks.
The bowlers did their best and made early inroads but a patient 50 not out by Richard Rennie saw Forthill home for the loss of four wickets with 10 overs to spare. Ridder and Asif Naeem shared the four wickets to fall.
The 3rd XI took on Callander on Sunday and lost narrowly by 41 runs.
Callander scored 173 with Oliver Patterson the pick of Perth’s bowlers, taking 2-19 off eight overs. In reply, Perth amassed 132 for nine in 40 overs.
Ron Rajcoomar scored 30 and James Calder kept up his good form with 28.
Special mention goes to Nilesh Ahuja who opened the bowling and bowled four overs without conceding a run, taking one wicket in the process.
It’s a full weekend as the 1st XI take on Stoneywood 1st XI while the respective 2nd XI’s battle it out at Doo’cot.
The first squad were boosted by the arrival of pro Rizwan Akbar this week and he is raring to go tomorrow.
On Sunday, Helensburgh visit Doo’cot for the first time in a CS Challenge Cup tie, while the 3rd XI travel to Alloa in the R&D West League.
Results
Perth Doo’cot 1st XI 87 all out (G Quinn 4-14) lost to Forfarshire 2nd XI 91-4 (R Rennie 50 no) by six wickets. PDCC three points, Forfarshire 25. Perth Doo’cot 2nd XI 255-6 (G Ferguson 130 no) beat Freuchie 2nd XI 205-9 (J Emslie 4-47, J Hill 3-42) by 50 runs. PDCC 25 pts, Freuchie nine. Perth Doo’cot 3rd XI 132-9 (R Rajcoomar 30, J Calder 28) lost to Callander 173 all out (O Patterson 2-19) by 41 runs.