County push ahead in cup competition

Stirling clinch place after previous day’s league defeat

Stirling County bounced back from a disappointing Western Union Premier Division defeat on Saturday to clinch a place in the next round of the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

League leaders Ferguslie came out on top on Saturday at New Williamfield in a match of fluctuating fortunes.

The visitors batted first and lost wickets at regular intervals - just as it looked like one decent partnership would take them close to the 300-mark.

Rukman Hewage took three for 30 with wickets shared by Ali Mubarak, Brandon McMullen, Tom Bradburn and Tom Jones as the Paisley side registered 213 for nine off their alloted 50 overs.

In replay, County made a brisk start but three quick wickets put them on the back foot. Jones (38) and Bradburn (18) then put together a partnership which looked like taking the game away from Ferguslie but when the latter was bowled and his partner freakishly stood on his stumps, it looked a lost cause.

Gavin Anderson and Akash Rawal tried manfully but Anderson was run out chasing the win for 45 and Rawal was left not out on 22 as Stirling’s last few wickets fell. They were all out 173 with five overs left.

On Sunday, County travelled through to the capital to meet Edinburgh Accies in the Scottish Cup which was postponed last week.

The home team batted first and reached 93 for two at the halfway stage but collapsed to 175 all out with wickets being shared among the bowlers.

Anderson was in the runs again, scoring 84 not out and with Graeme Taylor hitting 47 and McMullen ending on 35 not out, it was a comfortable eightwicket win for County. They now play host to Heriot’s FP on Sunday, June 3.

Recent matchball sponsors: Delia Muirhead, Ken Johnston, Gerry James c/o Towergate Insurance, Derrick Forbes and Ian McCulloch c/o Mailers.

On Saturday, County are at home again in the league with Ayr being the visitors to New Williamfield.

●Stirling 2nds were sadly depleted on Saturday with only nine players available to travel to league leaders Hillhead in Western Union Division Two.

Invited to bat, they were skittled for 72 in 38 overs with Hillhead knocking off the runs for the loss of three wickets.

They will be hoping for better luck on Saturday when they make the long journey to Galloway.

●The Sunday XI went down by seven wickets to Alloa at New Williamfield in their latest Strathmore and Perthshire Development League match.

Batting first, Stirling made 154 for seven with runs coming from Jason Jones (48), Steven Hopper (31) and Alasdair Morton (28).

Hamish Paterson took a wicket and his dad Andrew took two but the strong Alloa side went on to win.

Special mention for Joseph Paddon and Archie Marshall who performed admirably with the ball.