Stonehaven Thistle thrash Grade 1 new boys to go third in the league
Caledonian 37 All Out, Stonehaven Thistle 1st XI 39 for 2 – THISTLE WIN.

The 1st XI arrived at Mineralwell Park to find a flat hard pitch thanks to some great weather and good work by the groundsman, D. Long Sr.  The opposition this week were Grade 1 new boys, Caledonian, who have put in good performances in their first two games against Cults and Ellon.  Thistle skipper, C. Hinchcliffe, won the toss and elected to field, boosted by the return of strike bowler J. Van De Ruit.  The start was one to remember with the Van De Ruit brothers opening the bowling from each end and Chris taking a sharp catch at Gully to get rid of the opener for a duck in the 2nd over. When J. Van De Ruit followed it up with batsmen 3, 4 and 5 all returning to the pavilion in single figures, the South African had effectively wiped out the top order single handedly and Caledonian were reeling at 20 for 4 after 12 overs.  Number 2 batsman, Chapman, stuck at the crease for some time trying to stabilise the innings before skipper Hinchcliffe joined the action and removed numbers 2, 6 and 7 with some excellent variations of pace.  There was just time for A. Long to bowl the two tail enders and with just 10 players, Caledonian were all out within 22 overs for just 37 runs.  J. Van De Ruit finished with 4-22 and C. Hinchcliffe with 3-6, a comprehensive Thistle bowling display.

The reply from Thistle was swift and openers A. Keith and A. Milroy put on 34 runs from the first 3 overs with some big shots around the ground.  Milroy departed by edging to slip for 6 and A. Hinchcliffe was run out for 9 with a direct hit after both trying to wrap the innings up quickly.  A. Keith eventually smashed the winning runs with the last ball of the 5th over to win emphatically by 8 wickets to cement 3rd place for Stonehaven.  A. Keith finished unbeaten on 24. 

Next weeks game is against the other Grade 1 new boys, Cults 2nds, at Mineralwell Park where Stonehaven can further strengthen a fantastic start to the season for both senior teams.  All support would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to match ball sponsors Euronics and The Station Hotel, STCC’s Main Sponsor. (www.stationhotelstonehaven.co.uk)