Published: Thursday, 7th May, 2009 10:45am

Knights open league season with victory

Comments (0) | Print | Email

DUNFERMLINE Knights opened their league campaign with a win against Ferguslie at McKane Park.

The Knights lost Mushty Beg early on and worse was to follow when pro Alistair Gray was harshly adjudged lbw. Vassu Reddy and Azar Sharif followed and at 60-4 the Knights" innings seemed in tatters.

However, a bright knock of 27 from Roger Barnes enabled the Knights to recover to 110-5. Another collapse saw captain Gowtham Rai run out and the overseas amateur Marshall Bunting dismissed without scoring.

With the score at 128-7 opening batsman Sanjay Rakshit was joined at the crease by Yasar Arfat. They, along with Safyaan Sharif and Matthew Bremner took the Knights" score to 222.

An indisciplined bowling performance delayed victory for the Knights. Ferguslie were clearly on top before the first wicket fell at 78 in the 12th over.

Thereafter, although the Knights regularly took wickets, the number of wides they conceded kept the visitors in the game.

Ferguslie were finally dismissed for 189 with Bunting taking four wickets and Arfat three wickets while Gray bowled his miserly 10 over spell, taking 2-17.

Dunfermline 222, (S Rakshit 57, Y Arfat 46, R Barnes 27, S Sharif 24). Ferguslie 189, (S Murray 33, D Sturgeon 26, M Bunting 4-34, Y Arfat 3-40, A Gray 2-17).

Dunfermline second XI narrowly lost in a high scoring match against SMRH in Edinburgh.

Batting first, Dunfermline scored 290 all out with Chad Sabatta scoring 49 and Chris Humphries 54. Normally this would be a match-winning score but SMRH reached the required target with six wickets down. Brent Walker took 2-37.

Dunfermline third XI recorded their second win in a row at McKane Park on Sunday against Leith Fab 3s.

Leith Fab 3 45 all out, (V Shipley 4-5). Dunfermline 46-0, (A Leitch 27no, D Penman 6no).

The Knights" Colts section are holding an open evening tomorrow (Friday) at McKane Park from 6.30-8pm. This is an opportunity for all Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils, boys and girls, to come and try cricket. Club coaches are visiting many primary schools in the area and would be delighted to see as many there as possible. There will be a programme of coaching and games.

l Townhill Cricket Club lost their opening game in East League Division 4 at home to Haddington.

Under-strength Townhill were asked to bat on an underprepared wicket and despite a 65-run partnership between Andy Pringle and John Hynd, could only manage 94 in their allotted hours.

In reply, Haddington were soon in trouble at 40 for 5 with Campbell Spowart taking four quick wickets but just when Townhill felt they had an opportunity to win, Haddington"s captain led a rearguard action to see his side home.

Townhill 94 for 9, (Andy Pringle 33, John Hynd 23). Haddington 95 for 5, (Campbell Spowart 4 for 9).

Anyone interested in playing cricket should contact Drew Smith on 839608.

l Dunfermline Carnegie Cricket Club kicked off the 2009 season with a hard fought tie against Watsonians 3s at Pitreavie on Saturday.

Carnegie won the toss and elected to bat first and found themselves in deep trouble at 22-5. A good partnership between Martin Honeyford (pictured) and Matt Wauchop took Carnegie past the 50 mark before Wauchop was caught behind for an aggressive 20. Honeyford was last man out for a well made 29 as Carnegie finished on a disappointing 87 all out.

In reply, Wauchop and Mitchell bowled very well to have Watsonians in trouble at 21-3 off 20 overs. Neil Harris and Gary Steward took over the bowling and Harris continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals.

Watsonians found themselves needing five to win with only one wicket left. A boundary put Watsonians in the driving seat before a good catch from Gary Steward ensured a draw.