Glenpark XI back to winning ways
Glenpark XI v Albert Park
The Glenpark XI returned to form on Saturday with a convincing win over Albert Park.
Skipper Mark Robertson won the toss and and without hesitation, stuck the opposition into bat. Taking the new ball for the first time this season, Jeeta (Bradman!) Singh got Glenpark off to a flying start, removing the Albert Park openers in quick succession. He was to end up with the splendid figures of 4 for 33. Greenock were glad to see batsman 3, Hanif, at the crease so early. However, they knew that he had scored 115 not out in the first meeting of the sides at the start of the season so getting him early was a must.
Hanif was going well and threatening to score heavily when Robertson brought himself on to bowl. This brought immediate success as the danger man was trapped LBW for 53. Greenwood quickly followed in the same manner. David Thomson and Mark Farrell finished off the Albert Park innings which almost went the full 50 overs thanks to some determined batting by their tail-end batsmen.
Special mention must go to Jamie "Hawksie" McDowell for his superb run out and Dougie "Gilchrist" Moore for his fantastic keeping skills. Well done lads!
Defending 126 on what was potentially a tricky wicket, Albert Park made early inroads into Glenpark batting line up. Makeshift opener Dougie Moore mistimed one straight to the fielder which brought Mark Robertson to the crease. Things continued slowly from there as the wicket dictated matters but just as things settled, Albert Park struck with 2 wickets in consecutive balls, dismissing Peter Hempsey and David Thomson. This brought Brian Roberts to the middle but from that point he and his skipper batted superbly, giving next to no chances. The captain scored 68 not out which included 14 boundaries and he was supported all the way to the end by the Glenpark XI's newest star, Brian Roberts. The overall performance was impressive and everyone contributed to what was a superb victory.
The Glenpark XI are travelling to Dumfries this Saturday and are looking for a mini bus driver to help the team out. Anyone who can help please contact the skipper!
Albert Park (3pts) 126 (46 overs) S Hanif 53, J Singh 4 for 33, DC Thomson 2 for 27, MI Roberton 2 for 28
Glenpark XI (25pts) 130 for 3 MI Robertson 68 not out, B Roberts 27 not out, S Mir 3 for 33
Glenpark XI won by 7 wickets.
Glenpark XI Man of the Match - Was a close run thing but skipper Mark Robertson was awarded the MOTM for his 2 for 28 off 15 overs and his match winning 68 not out.
Scooby Award: Jamie 'Hawksie' McDowell - for telling the skipper on Friday night that he was playing the 'Wild Card' rather than the 'Rain Card' and then getting home at 10am on Saturday morning.
Mark R