Tuesday 20th July - Forthill (3 Counties Cup Semi Final)
PSCC 109 all out beat Forthill 69 all out by 40 runs
Batting first Strathy struggled throughout the innings, with the tone set early on with the run out of stand-in skipper McKinnie. The team appeared desperate to set a total of 150 plus on what was a tricky pitch after the recent damp weather. In reality a total of 125 was probably a par score, but with too many big shots played, only Fowad and Marcus look likley to help the team reach this target. With a dissapointing score of 109 on the board the PSCC bowlers were up against it in defending such a low target.
Forthill dangerman Yellowlees was dropped early on and this looked to be crucial as the Broughty Ferry men eased to 32 without loss. Yellowlees then inexplicably played across a Patterson straight one and was clean bowled. Panic seemed to set in and in the blink of an eye, Forthill found themselves at 37-6, a combination of a run out, a great catch from Fowad, and some excellent bowling from Haddow (4-14) and Patterson (3-13), had done the damage. This soon became 47-8, and despite numbers 9 and 10 putting on 20, Kirkman and Hill picked up a wicket each to wrap up victory with 3 overs to spare.
A great achievement to reach the final of the Union's premier cup competition in the clubs first season at this level.
Saturday 17th July - Strathmore - Away (Premier Division)
PSCC 133 all out lost to Strathmore 136-6 by 4 wickets.
Sunday 18th July - Brechin - Home (Division 2)
Brechin 155 all out, lost to PSCC 156-1 by 9 wickets.
A dry breezy day at Doo'Cot and the seconds were looking to make it two from two against Brechin. The visitors batted first and Kirkman and Murphie opened the bowling and made immediate in roads. Walker batting at 3 for the Angus team, offered the only real resistance eventually falling to Kirkman for 72. Wickets fell regulalry around him and Hussain chipped in with 3 wickets later in the innings, which eventually closed on 155.
Marcus Fenton and Kirkman opened the innings after tea, and looked very solid until Fenton was out for 29. A good kncok to follow up last weeks 48. Simon Edwards (aka Lord Lucan, Shergar, Willo the Wisp etc) re-appeared at number 3 and set about making up for lost time, as he and Kirkman moved serenly towards the victory target. Simon finished on 25* and Richard on 78* as the win was secured by 9 wickets in little over 30 overs.
Sunday 11th July - Rossie Priory XI - Away (Divison 2)
PSCC 110 all out beat Rossie Priory XI 93 all out by 17 runs.
With only 8 men in the line up the second team did really well to come out on top, against local Inchture rivals Rossie Priory. Batting first it was thanks mainly to the partnership between Marcus Fenton and Richard Kirkman that the score of 110 was eventually posted, Marcus top scoring with 48.
In reply Rossie struggled throughout with Kirkman and Fraser Mearns the main destroyers with 4 wickets a piece. Dissapointing to go into a game so under strength, but a much needed win for the 2's keeping them in the safety zone in Division 2.
Saturday 3rd July - Arbroath United - Away - (Premier Division)
PSCC 118 all out lost to AUCC 122-6 by 4 wickets.
A bad day at the office for the first team, with defeat to Premier Division strugglers Arbroath. Batting first, none of the Perth batsmen got going and once again wickets fell at regular intervals, with some of the guys surrendering their wicket fairly cheaply. Only Fraser (28) and Haddy (22) managed to put a meaningful partnership together, but at 71-7 the innings was on the rocks. A bright and breezy 22 from Richie managed to get us up to a final total of 118. The was dissapointing against an inexperienced Arbroath team for who youth players Fleming (3-7) and Sim (3-30) made the most of things and led the attack well.
The mood was brightened at the tea interval as the legendary Arbroath teas not only lived up to expectation, but went far beyond. The sight of a whole salmon and boiled new potatoes, quickly despatched memories of last weeks forgettable hospitality.
Perked up by feed with the nutritional value most of the team don't experinece in a whole week, the bowlers were keen to make their mark on the match, and things were looking good with a couple of early wickets in the bag. However Gove (48*) and Hurst (31) settled the nerves for the home side and theye ventually reached the target with 6 wickets down.
Stav and the team could only reflect on what might have been had we managed to put another 30 or 40 runs on the board. The team retired to the bar to enjoy more of the excellent local hospitality, an aspect of Premier Division cricket that seems to be lacking at some clubs in the Premier Division. With the higher standard of cricket, the games can be intense and hard fought, but it is always healthy to enjoy a drink and a chat with the opposition afterwards, with any disagreements left on the field of play, where they belong. Hopefully this will improve in the second half of the campaign.
Saturday 26th June - Mannofield - Away (Premier Division)
PSCC 191-9 lost to Mannofield 193-6 by 4 wickets
A frosty reception awaited the team as they arrived in the granite city, the home team obviously wary of the Premier Division newcomers who has so far swept all before them. Batting first the make shift opening pair of Hill and McKinnie put on over 50 for the first wicket. Once wickets started to fall, they fell at regular intervals, and a score of 191-9 was posted. There were steady contributions throughout with no-one really making the most of their time at the crease, with steady bowling from the current champions, as would be expected. The less than friendly welcome from the home side was unfortunate, however the match official was also less than welcoming as he proceeded to warn McKinnie for running on the wicket, and then seemingly extended this warning to the remainder of the team, an unusual occurence considering this hadn't been an issue once in the season to date, for any PSCC batsmen, or in any recent season for that matter! To be fair, Gordy is just glad to be still running, whether its on the wicket or not!
Tea came and went and the Mannofield openers started their innings in aggressive fashion. The scoreboard rattled along, with the normally frugal Hill and Blomfield suffering for the first time this season. A sharp chance was spurned at second slip early on which may have changed the momentum. The score passed 100 inside 15 overs, and Mannofield were cruising. Patterson was introduced to the attack and he and Graham Haddow had early success, as the visitors began to slow the rate. Despite going on to take 6 wickets it was all in vain as the target was reached at 193-6. A first loss of the season but it was an encouraging fightback against a strong side. The team headed to the bar to enjoy a well earned beer with the opposition to debate what was a hard fought game, only to discover the earlier frost had still to thaw, as the home team had all headed home, without a word. Taking into account some of the batsmen's footwear it is possible they had a gig at a 70's Dance Tribute Night, down in the city.
All in all though dissapointing hospitality from one of Scotland's biggest, and well thought of clubs.
Thursday 24th June - Breadalbane - Home (3 Counties Cup)
PSCC 155-7 beat Breadalbane 138-6 by 19 runs
Sunday 20th June - Glendelvine - Away (Division 2)
PSCC 164-3 lost to Glendelvine 165-1 by 9 wickets
A numerically depleted Strathearn XI were soundly beaten by Glendelvine by nine wickets at Spittalfield. Gratefully accepting the opportunity to bat first, Strathy used their time wisely at the wicket and carefully accumulated runs against the tidy home attack. Gordon McKinnie maintained his form with a dogged 43 whist Olly Middlemiss made a pleasant 51 before being the final wicket to fall as the visitors made a respectable 164-3. Unfortunately, as well as being short of numbers, Strathy were also short of bowlers and this made defending their score almost impossible. Michael Yellowlees(85n/o) and Robert Thomson (45) took full advantage as the threadbare attack was flayed to all parts to pass the target after only 17 overs and get the players home in time for their Sunday dinner.
Saturday 19th June - Dundee HSFP's - Home (Premier Division)
PSCC 292-3 beat Dundee HSFP's 101 all out by 191 runs.
Hearts sank as yet another toss was lost, but the top order (and the bowlers more to the point) were delighted when they were asked to bat by the FP's, on the warmest Saturday of the year to date. Openers McKinnie and Patton were in no mood to pass up the opportunity and runs flowed at a steady rate as the opening stand reached the hundered mark, despite a couple of missed chances by the visitors. McKinnie was eventually out for 52 and Tramontanas came to the crease with a great platform of 160 on the board. The skipper made the most of the attacking postion and played a shot a ball as his fifty came up in 30 balls. Patton edged towards his hundered, making the most of another couple of lives, and score approached the 250 mark. Patton finally fell to Nadir for 101, with the same bowler accounting for Tramontanas for a rapid 89. The final score was a mammoth 292-3 leaving the FP's weary and shell shocked.
As is often the case in these situations, chasing big scores, the visitors struggled throughout. Hill and Blomfield were again economical at the start, and the top four were all back in the hutch scoring 23 between them. Landwehr and Bayne offered brief resistance, but Oswald with 4-17 mopped up the tail as the FP's were all out for 101 in the 34th over.
A big game at Mannofield next week, with the champions losing to Stoneywood Dyce this weekend, leaving PSCC top of the Premier Division.
Saturday 12th June - Forthill - Away (Premier Division)
Forthill 186-8 lost to PSCC 187-3 by 7 wickets
Bowling first Strathy got off to a good start with the reliable Hill and Blomfield sharing the new ball. Yellowlees opening the batting for Forthill played some expansive shots, as Blomefield removed the other opener Findlay for 9. Yellowlees then fell to Hill for 22, and when each bowler claimed a further wicket, the home team were in trouble at four down and barely 60 on the board. McCandless and Wallace steadied things as they took the score beyond 120 before the latter fell to Haddow, caught and bowled for 33. McCandless (48) received further support from Singh and Cameron as Forthill finished their 45 overs, on 186-8.
Once again openers Mearns (24) and McKinnie (36) managed to take the PSCC score past 50 before the first wicket fell. Tramontanas then came in and took the game away from the home side blasting a quickfire 45, before being caught with the score on 122-3. Time was on Strathy's side and Hill (37*) and Patton (22*) esnured the total was reached with 8 overs to spare in a comfortable win.
Another good bowling performance, and a much improved batting display as PSCC continued their unbeaten start to the season.
Sunday 6th June - Arbroath United XI - Home (Division 2)
Arbroath United XI 154 all out, PSCC 53-2 (19 overs) - Match Abandoned due to rain.
A frustrating afternoon came to and end when a good finish was in prospect. Richie and Olly were both 22 not out and well set, when it became too wet to carry on. Earlier in the afternoon the highlight was 5-21 from 9 overs by occassional bowler Andy Fennell. The men from Arbroath may be famed for their smokies, but here they showed they are also unable to resist the odd pie when its on offer !!
Saturday 5th June - Rossie Priory - Home (Premier Division)
PSCC 196-9 beat Rossie Priory 192-8 by 4 runs
Stav kept up his 100% record at the toss by losing yet another, and again PSCC were asked to bat first on a greenish wicket. The wicket however was firmer than it had first appeared and openers, Gordy and Fraser enjoyed the added pace as the innings got off to a steady start passing 50 without loss. Not long after this both openers departed for 20 and 29 respectively, and they were soon joined back in the dressing room by Stav and Haddy. This left Hilly and Hamish with a rebuilding job on their hands, as once again the innings faltered at the half way stage. Runs did start to flow as the middle order (Hilly 50, Hamish 22 and Richie 31) helped set a challenging target for the visitors form Inchture. The innings closed on 196-9 with G Lynch and Turner taking 3 wickets apeice.
Rossie's innings was restricted at the start with some tight bowling again from Hilly and Hamish. Hamish has spent his first 5 weeks in Scotland with eight layers on, after arriving form New Zealand, but got all excited at the appareance of the sun and slapped on enough factor 50 to the make Adam Ant proud. After that fine opening spell, but with no rewards, Ossi replaced Hamish at the road end, and soon removed opener A Lynch with a waist high full toss, which was pulled straight to Ivor at short fine leg. Stevens and McAlpine then moved the score on steadily until Hamish returned to the attack to remove McAlpine and Ivor accounted for Stevens. Wickets began to fall more regulalry but the visitors were still on track to reach the target, but when the eighth wicket fell the game looked to be Strathy's. Lauder and G Lynch however had other ideas and took the game to the final over which was bowled by Richard Kirkman. Despite a couple of wides, Richie kept a good full length and PSCC eventually scraped home by 4 runs. A great game from the two newly promoted sides, who are both proving they can compete at this level.
Saturday 29th May - Stoneywood Dyce - Home (Premier Division)
PSCC 176-9 beat Stoneywood Dyce 146-8 by 30 runs
Once again we found ourselves batting first on a slow low pitch that had a bit of added spice from some heavy morning rain. After an early loss skipper Tramo found himself at the crease sooner than he would have liked, but soon begain the find his form. The innings started to take shape and it was dominated by the skipper as the score reached 100 with only two wickets down and plenty of overs in hand. However in true Strathy style it was a rollercoaster afternoon and the healthy situation soon became a very unhealthy 129-8. After Tramontanas departed for 89 several batsmen came and went, some quicker than others! Hamish Blomfield with 31* managed to hold things together as the tail wagged and a score of 176-9 was eventually posted.
Whilst not a bad score, it was dissapointing after such good foundations were laid earlier in the afternoon. The Aberdonians reply was steady if not spectacular, with Wattie playing the anchor role. Despite being well set halfway through the innings, some tight bowling from Patterson and Delaquaglia in the middle section meant they scoring rate was awlays behind what was required. Richard Kirkman weighed in with 3-43, with Wattie out in the penultimate over as the innings closed 30 runs shy of the target. Another fine win as the season continues to exceed expectations, with a local derby with Rossie Priory to come this weekend.
Sunday 16th May - Rossie Priory XI - Away - (Division 2)
PSCC 168-9 lost to Rossie Priory XI 169-6 by 4 wickets
The second XI made the short trip to Inchture to play Rossie Priory in the second division. Batting first the visitors got off the worst possible start as Fawad was coaught off the bowling of Robertson without scoring. However this brought the experienced Andy Fennell to the crease to join Fraser Mearns. Runs started to flow as the pair took the score comfortably past 50 to set the lower order up for a late onslaught on the bowling attack. However after Fennell (39) and Mearns (62) both departed to the bolwing of Stephens (4-25) only young Paul Collins batting at number 9 was able to make double figures, as extras were third top scorer with 37. The final total of 168-9 was a decent total, although it was again a case of what might have been. The Rossie reply always had a steady tempo with all top 5 batsmen making double figures, with Stephens (38) and Saed (30) making the main contributions. Fraser Mearns bowled a tidy spell taking 2-19 off 9 overs, and was the pick of the home attack. The score reached 169-6 in the 39th over as Strathy were left to rue the lack of runs on the board and some loose bowling during the visitors innings.
Saturday 15th May - Strathmore - Home (Premier Division)
PSCC 144-7 bt Strathmore 64 by 80 runs
At last a relatively warm and sunny day at Doo'Cot Park, as the first team took on Strathmore. Batting first the hosts once again got off to a sticky start, on a low slow pitch. Of the top six only Tramontanas got a start, as he made his way to 19 before being caught. With 6 men back in the pavillion and barely 60 on the board it was looking like a tough afternoon for the Perth team. Richard Kirkman (20) in his first start of the season, and John McKenzie (27) started the familiar mid innings rebuilding work,as those looking on, realised that anything over 130 could be a competitive total. Further wickets fell but last pair, Laing and Patterson saw the total up to a fighting 144-7 before the tea interval.
As the visitors from Forfar began their reply it wasn't too long before the target of 145 was looking like a fairly challenging one. Opening bowlers Hill and Blomefield once again achieved quick success, with three of the top order removed in the first handful of overs. Sayers (13) and his skipper Milne (20) briefly got the innings moving in the right direction before the change bowlers Patterson and Oswald accounted for the pair. From this point the Strathmore innings petered out with nearly 20 overs unused as they finished on 64 all out. Once again all the bowlers performed well with Blomfield (3-19) and Patterson (3-10) the chief wicketakers.
All in all, an impressive win for Strathy, and the good start to the season continues, but once again the top order batting faltered, albeit on a bowler friendly wicket. Next week the team face the long trip north to Huntly and the batsmen will be keen make the most of some drier warmer weather.
Thursday 13th May - Glenrothes - Away (National Murgitroyd 20/20)
Glenrothes 112-3 lost to PSCC 117-3 by 7 wickets
In the opening round of the National 20/20 competition, Glenrothes won the toss and chose to bat on what was a dark and murky night, which led to both captains agreeing a 15 over match would be wise, to ensure a finish. The home side got off to a slow start, with some tight Strathy bowling from Hill and Blomfield. After 6 overs they had stuttered to 15-2. However the wet ball and some shortish boundaries made things tricky for the bowlers all evening, and Lewis (45) and Wardle (33*) made the most off it as the run rate soared. The innings eventually finished on 112-3 from the allotted 15 overs. McKinnie and 'pinch hitter' Oswald opened the reply, and things were not going to plan when Oswald (8) was out in the 3rd over. Skipper Tramontanas joined McKinnie and the pair set about the Glenrothes attack, and when McKinnie fell for 21 the scoreboard had raced on to 81-2. Graeme Haddow then batted sensibly to finish unbeaten on 15, as Tramontanas fell for a well made 49, attempting to win the game in spectatcular fashion, with the scores level. The target was reached with the loss of 3 wickets and with 9 balls to spare. Both teams should be commended for getting the match played in what were pretty miserable conditions, and in the end it was a decent game of cricket. Stirling County or Freuchie lie in wait for Strathearn in the next round.
Sunday 9th May - Mayfield - Home (Division 2)
Strathearn XI 115 all out lost to Mayfield 116-5 by 5 wickets
Strathearn batted first in this 'local derby', and got off to a sticky start when McGaffney removed Callum Laing for 3. Gordon McKinnie (55) and Fraser Mearns set about rebuilding but with the exception of McKinnie runs were hard to come by, and boundaries even more so. When the last wicket fell on 115 the fact that 'extras' were the second highest scorer was an indication of the teams' struggles with the bat. The stand out bowlers for Mayfield were Smith, Samir and Lockett with 3 wickets each, although Armstrong and McGaffney showed their years of Premier Division experience in a tight opening spell.
The Mayfield reply got off to a steady start despite an economical spell from Dellaquaglia (8-4-12-0), and the opening pair of Ferguson and Riley moved steadily towards the target. Mahesh struck to remove Ferguson leg before, and immediately removed Samir in the same fashion, going on to finish with 3-14. However the target set earlier in the afternoon was simply too small and Mayfield coasted home with 5 wickets in hand.
Saturday 8th May - Meigle - Away (Premier Division)
PSCC 141-7 bt Meigle 134 all out by 7 runs
With confidence high after the week 1 win at home to Arbroath, Strathearn visited Victory Park, Meigle looking to make it two wins from two Premier Division outings. Things were not going to plan at 55-5 but a 6th wicket stand of 32 from Hamish Blomfield (43) and John McKenzie, steadied the ship. Duncan Marsh then joined Blomfield to add a further 52 for the 7th wicket, as the pair were put under pressure by the Meigle bowlers and fielders. The innings finally closed on 141-7 with Clark the pick of the Meigle bowlers with 3-36.
The Meigle reply followed the earlier pattern of the Strathearn innings, and the home side soon found themselves at 43-5, before Drummund Jnr (60) and Christie took the score to 95/6 when Christie eventually fell. Blomfield then re-joined the attack to finish with 4-26 as ten man Meigle finished 7 runs short on 134.
A tight tense hard fought game was finally won to make it an encouraging start to the new season, but the team are well aware that the batting needs to improve with some testing fixtures on the horizon.
Sunday 2nd May - Strathmore XI - Home (Division 2)
Strathmore XI 90 all out lost to PSCC XI 91-6 by 4 wickets
After winning the toss the home skipper asked Strathmore to bat and they were quickly in trouble with some tight bowling on show. Mahesh in particular bowled well taking 5-20, as the visitors struggled to 96 all out with Hewitson top scoring with 21. Confidence was high in the home dressing room as tea was taken, but this quickly evaporated as they found themselves teetering on 51-6, 28 of which had come from the bat of Fawad. However the experience of Andy Litster (18*) with assistance from Callum Laing (18*), his confidence high from the previous day, saw the team home with no further mishaps.
A winning start, with batting practice at nets this Thursday high on the agenda, as the team look forward to next weeks local derby with Mayfield.
Saturday 1st May - Arbroath United - Home (Premier Division)
PSCC 203-7 bt AUCC 137 all out by 66 runs
The first team got off to the perfect start in their first ever Premier Division outing at home to Arbroath United. Despite skipper Tramontanas losing the toss and being asked to bat on a green pitch a healthy score of 203-7 was posted. However initially it was the visitors who had the perfect start as experienced opener Gordon McKinnie, eager to take advantage of the fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs, wafted at a wide one, and was caught off the very first ball. After the loss of 2 more early wickets, Graeme Haddow (74) and David Patton (47) took the attack to the away side, with some agressive batting. A couple of tough chances were spurned by the visitors, which were made all the tougher by the cold drizzly conditions. With the tail wagging healthily the score rose above the 200 mark.
As the teams moved to the pavillion for some heat, it became apparent that whilst Strathearn were a match for AUCC on the field, the 'smokies' still set the standard off it, particulalry in terms of mid-match refreshment. An acceptable effort from the home team, but still room for improvement lads !!
With the new ball in hand, club veteran Hill and new arrival from New Zealand, Hamish Blomfield, bowled a tight opening spell with each bowler accounting for an opener apiece. Salmond and Riddler then steadied the Arbroath innings until Salmond was run out after a mix up between the pair, and good work from Oswald in the field. Riddler was then unforutunate to receive an unplayable delivery from Oswald which kept very low, leaving him square in front as the ball rapped his pads. This was a critical time in the game and the introduction of young spinner Callum Laing was the move that firmly tilted the game Strathy's way, as he went on to take 5-16, and the visitors slumped to 137 all out in the 39th over.
It was a great start for the team and a solid all round performance, which they will hope to repeat at Meigle next Saturday.
Saturday 24th April - Falkland XI - away (Friendly)
PSCC 195-6 bt Falkland 171 all out - PSCC win by 24 runs.
The First XI began their 2010 season with victory in a friendly away to Falkland last Saturday. Batting first Strathearn posted 195-6, a decent total with the main contributions coming from skipper Tramontanas with a rapid 63, McKinnie 48, Haddow 25 not out and Mearns 25 retired. Despite looking on course for victory mid way through their innings the Falkland reply eventually fell short by 24 runs with most of the Strathearn bowlers getting to opportunity to turn their arm over. The main wicket takers were Hill (2-33) and young Paul Collins with 2-18 in a pleasing first team debut. All in all this was a fine workout for the team in advance of their Premier Division debut this weekend in the Strathmore and Perthshire Union.
