Doo’cot certainly delivered for their fan base
It was billed as a must-win match and Perth Doo’cot duly delivered with a hard-fought but deserved 40 run victory over Arbroath.
Batting first, the recent problem of losing early wickets was still an issue as Fair City batsmen struggled to 62 for four.
But soon followed the key partnership in the game between Tyler Ridder (38) and Jamal Ali (33) which, aided by late contributions from Trevor Brown and Rory Pennycook, saw the Perth side end their innings on 168 all out.
In reply, Arbroath scored steadily but slowly and were 67 for one after 23 overs.
However, a run out and some excellent bowling by Rizwan Akbar and Ridder saw the visitors slump to 89 for five.
From that point the home bowlers just needed to stay patient and wait for the young visiting batsmen to make mistakes.
They did exactly that and Arbroath were bowled out for 128 in the 39th over.
Ridder completed a fine all-round performance with 3-38 and Akbar was very impressive in taking 2-14.
Results elsewhere went in the Perth side’s favour and they now sit in sixth place.
Earlier in the week, the first squad won their first group match in the 3 Counties Cup with an exciting last over win against local rivals Meigle.
Meigle scored a healthy 145-6 in their 20 overs with Alan Neave top scoring with 42 not out. Asif Naeem was pick of the Perth bowlers with 2-19.
He then scored a rapid 38 in the Perth innings but it was left to youngster Stuart McCreanor to guide the Perth side home to victory.
The second XI, meanwhile, maintained their good form with a resounding nine wicket win away to Dundee High School XI.
A challenging total of 165 for seven in their 45 overs was set by the hosts but Perth were in a menacing mood.
Jonathan Hill bowled an excellent opening spell of 1-19 but it was under-16 star Iain Chalmers with 3-22 and Tassewar Rehman Hussain with 2-37 who were the main wicket takers.
In reply, James Calder scored a solid unbeaten 40 in his second XI debut giving great support to Graham Ferguson who fell four short of a century, top scoring with 96.
This weekend sees three matches with the firsts travelling to Meigle on Saturday as the seconds entertain Kinloch.
On Sunday, the 2nd XI are on duty again as they travel to take on Forthill in Broughty Ferry.
Results: Saturday - Perth Doo’cot 1st XI 169 all out (T Ridder 38, J Ali 33) beat Arbroath 128 all out (G Peal 40, T Ridder 3-38, R Akbar 2-14) by 40 runs. Perth Doo’cot 25 points, Arbroath 10 points.
Perth Doo’cot 2nd XI 166-1 (G Ferguson 96, J Calder 40 not out) beat Dundee High School XI 165 for seven (Iain Chalmers 3-22, T Rehman Hussain 2-37) by nine wickets. Perth Doo’cot 2nd XI 25 points, Dundee High five points.