Weather dampens opener

East Kilbride began the new cricket season with a trip to Stirling to play Glasgow Accies, but their hopes of an opening day victory were washed away by bad weather.

The visitors started well and found themselves in a favourable position before rain stopped play late on Saturday afternoon.

As it was, the EK captain, Moneeb Iqbal, lost the toss and the visitors were put in to bat on neutral ground (Glasgow’s pitch is unavailable in the opening weeks of the season).

Despite a strong start, the wickets of both openers and the captain fell in quick succession leaving East Kilbride 49 for 3.

A strong partnership of 81 between Adil Hussain and Stewart Kampman steadied the ship but again wickets fell in clusters as EK fell to 163 for 7.

However, a great display of hitting from Khan, supported by juniors Matthew Deighan and Liam Lawwell, along with a quick 11 from the number 11 Saleem Sabir, saw EK post a strong total of 223 from their 50 overs on a difficult batting surface.

When play resumed early wickets fell to Umair Khan and Iqbal as Accies were reduced to 34 for 3.

Despite the promising start with the ball, after only seven-and-a-half overs, rain forced the players off the ground.

The players waited patiently for the showers to pass, but once the weather lifted the ground was not fit for play to be resumed.

East Kilbride continue their First Division campaign next week as they play host to Weirs at Torrance House.

The action starts at noon on Saturday.