Banchory 2nd XI 124-7 (40 overs): Redpath 86*; Gouws 2-18
Stonehaven Thistle 125-8 (22.3 overs): MacAulay-Dicks 47; Watt 4-17

Batting first the start was truly calamitous for the visitors. Redpath hit two shots straight to fielders, called yes both times, and Scotting (0) and Counsell (0), found themselves walking off without facing a ball. Shakir (0) then nicked one behind and the score was 0-3.

Watt joined a rather sheepish Redpath in the middle and a rebuild began. The accuracy of the hosts bowling made runs hard to come by and some much needed luck went Banchory's way with three dropped catches. However, after the frenetic start things calmed, somewhat, and a much needed 87 was added for the 4th wicket stand.

After Watt (22) was caught behind Banchory added another 37 to the total. There was time for Redpath to run out a third teammate, Davies (0), for the third, and final, diamond duck of the innings. Adyanthaya (1*) added her first run for the club to the final total of 124-7.

Redpath finished on 86 not out and was also arguably the top wicket taker for Stonehaven, whose bowling attack was excellent.

Redpath bowled Gale (1) early on, but Stonehaven recovered and looked to be cruising to victory at 73-1, but some sharp bowling from Watt (4-17) made things interesting. First up he responded to being hit for six by bowling the Stonehaven captain, MacAulay-Dicks for 47. A triple-wicket maiden followed as Ramasamy (22), Sanderson (0), and Oosterhuizen (0) all fell.

Vas then trapped Bonds (0) LBW and the hosts were 82-6, having lost 5 wickets for 9 runs. However, Gouws and King steadied the ship and put together a 42-run stand to tie the scores.

There was time for some last minute nerves as young debutant Stutter (1-19), dismissed Gouws (29), and Brown (1-9) claimed the wicket of King (16).

Fittingly it was one of Stonehaven’s excellent junior bowlers, Hussain (1*), who hit the winning runs of a chaotic, entertaining, and hard fought match.

Next week Banchory 2nds travel to Harlaw to take on Aberdeen Tigers, their captain and author of this report, vows not to run anyone out!