Banchory 1st XI 258-8 (40 overs): Singh 71, Rabbani 56; Hadden 3-28, Maxfield 3-47
Inverurie 216-8 (40 overs): Norval 62, Watson 57; Khalid 2-36, Rotheram 2-54

Banchory 1st XI won by 42 runs

A strong Banchory 1’s headed to Inverurie determined to get a first win on the board. Skipper Hendriksen lost the toss but was not disappointed to be put in to bat. Sam Rotheram and Will George marched out to open the Banchory innings.

The visitors got off to a very positive start, adding 27 runs in the first 3 overs, taking Inverurie by surprise. However, the hosts balanced the scales and managed to get a break through it the 4th over when Will George (10) was tempted forward and edged behind. Sam Rotheram fell in the next over, caught to a mistimed shot, for an impressive 28 off just 13 balls.

Mausam Thapa and Pulkit Singh settled down to business for the next few overs playing positive cricket and keeping the score moving. Unfortunately Thapa was lured forward for a tempting ball which dipped and the keeper took a fine stumping.

This bought Zayd Rabbani to crease who together with Pulkit Singh built a very solid partnership of 136. Singh was eventually trapped LBW by Inverurie veteran George Hadden bringing his fine innings of 71 to a close. Bimal Gopinathan (1) followed shortly after, caught by a well placed fielder at short cover. Rabbani was eventually dismissed LBW to a ball that kept very low having notched up 56 - his first half-century for the club.

The Banchory tail wagged, as Hendriksen (11), Khalid (2), Brown (12*) and Mohsin (9*), added a useful 33 to the final tally of 258-8.
An impressive score and the first time the side have batted out the full allocation of overs this season.

After a superb tea courtesy of the Inverurie lads Banchory took to the field, Sam Rotheram and Will George both looking a little groggy having made a very good attempt on the cream scones.

Khalid and Addinal got the Banchory defence off to a solid start but the Inverurie opening pairing of Norval and Mirashi proved up to the challenge. After playing themselves in they set about the Banchory bowlers with regular boundaries. It wasn't until the 24th over that the partnership was broken by Brown, who was rewarded for his perseverance and bowled Norval for 62. Mirashi then retired, having to leave early.

With the openers out of the way new batter Chris Watson settled quickly and was scoring well. However, at the other end the Banchory bowlers were making headway at the other end. Rotheram removed Kola and Doherty, while Addinal trapped Hadden LBW and Khalid bowled Tallet.

Inverurie were struggling by this point and Banchory capitalised in the 39 over with a surprisingly athletic piece of fielding from Hendriksen to run out Mannohar. 3 balls later Thapa tempted Watson to go for gold and was he was caught on the boundary by Brown.

Khalid put a cherry on the top and bowled Ewen on the last ball of the inning to leave Inverurie someway short on 216-8 after 40 overs.

A well contested game by both sides played with great attitude and sportsmanship. A thorough debrief was held in the bar with the Inverurie lads and many wrongs of the world put right! All in all, a wonderful day of cricket and well deserved win on the board for Banchory 1st XI.

We look forward to the return leg at Burnett Park in August. Next weekend see's a home tie against Bon Accord where Banchory will look to avenge their Aberdeenshire Cup defeat.

Banchory cricket club

Inverurie

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