Deadly duo hit centuries
Meigle CC’s first team were left frustrated as heavy rain swept into Doo’cot Park in Perth at teatime on Saturday meaning no result could be returned for their match against their hosts.
However, the disruption meant the club’s second string took centre stage against an understrength Forthill third XI in windy conditions on Sunday.
Bob Edington has given youth a chance all season and the talented players from the club’s blossoming youth section have also benefited from experienced players giving up their time in the reserves.
Meigle batted first and exBlairgowrie, Coupar Angus, Gordonians and Perth County run-maker Warren Sutherland struck an 11th career ton as he crashed 15 fours and one six on his way to 106 runs in 95 minutes.
Young all-rounder Charles Clark has had a steady if unspectacular season with the ball in hand but has been a sensation with the bat, averaging 30 at first XI league level and 50 in Division Two North for the second string.
Clark smashed 16 boundaries on his way to 100 in 100 minutes as the Black and Golds ended their 30 overs on 226 for three.
U15 captain Fergus Barron again took the gloves behind the stumps and looks as if he could be the long-term successor to PJ Drummond.
Hansen Kayani took three wickets, spinner Ross McDonald took two for 17, and Gordon Croll and young Aedan Milne also took wickets to wrap up the tail of the Broughty Ferry outfit.
Josh Edington bowled economically to build pressure on the batsmen at the other end, allowing other bowlers to attain success.
As far as the first team was concerned 43 overs were possible, with Perth Doo’cot reaching 184 for four. Meigle skipper Matty Farmer will be pleased with some reasonable bowling performances from Jamie Morrison and Iain Stewart, as well as his own pacey spell.
The fielding again saw catches dropped and numerous run out chances were missed during exAshington all rounder Stephen Boyd and veteran Jonny Hill’s partnership of 75.
The hosts looked set to reach 200 had they received the 13 balls that remained in the innings but the rain, which Premiership umpires Mime Nash and Ryan Milne to their credit tried to play on in as long as possible, ensured they were fighting a losing battle.
Meigle travel to Mannofield on Saturday needing to win and hope the talented Arbroath United reserves can beat table toppers Arrowdawn Gordonians by a handsome margin.
The Smokies’ B squad is capable of beating any team in the division if they click however, like most teams, they have suffered from the stuttering pattern of the season with games and training sessions washed out.
The second XI play Dalnacraig in Dundee at the High School of Dundee playing fields on Sunday at 1pm.
The final senior midweek match of the season takes place on Wednesday this week against Kinloch, who now play out of St Andrews.