Stonehaven 2nd XI travelled to Dunecht with a young side and a few old heads which would prove enough to dent Dunecht’s start to the season.

New skipper Dave Long promptly lost the toss and Stonehaven were put into bat. Bruce Findlay and Matthew Colvin opened well with a stand of 59 until in the 15th over with 24 runs to his name Matthew’s stumps were disturbed. Paul Hay followed next ball, beginning a day he would probably prefer to forget. One more run was added before Bruce joined his fellow opener on the sidelines, caught for 20.

This brought the Captain to the crease on 60 for 3. After three balls Calum Findlay was gone and it looked like the rot had set especially when the skipper, after playing some crisp shots was undone by a leg-side full toss brushing his pad and dribbling onto the leg stump, gone for 6.

With two new batsmen at the crease Brian Snelling began the fight back with a sublime 6, his first of 2 whilst Sam Dickinson patiently played himself in. Snelling holed out for 18 after a partnership of 37 and Sam picked up the pace when joined by young Duncan Campbell who played with a maturity beyond his 13 years. Together they pushed the score to 143 when Duncan was caught for 20. 11 year old Matthew Edwards added one to the total before the innings was wrapped up at 144 in the 36th over.

With 54 overs to bowl out the opposition, it was possible to share out the bowling duties though with 2 wickets apiece for Snelling and Dickinson inside the first 8 overs and with Dunecht’s score on 9 it began to look as though no-one else would be needed. Bryan picked up one more wicket before being banished to the gully in favour of Daniel Colvin who with economy of 4 overs for 10 runs was unlucky not to break through. Paul Hay at the other end had good pace but lacked direction.
By 57 for 5 the Dunecht batsmen were set and beginning to gain the upper hand until Matthew Colvin had Burnett caught and bowled for 15.

Calum Findlay picked up a wicket with 1 for 10 before Mr Snelling returned to wrap up the innings with 2 quick wickets and a “Michelle,” five for 10 off 7.4 overs,; Dunecht all out for 67.

A stronger Stonehaven side face Gordonians at Mineralwell on May 3rd; the Countesswells side making a return to Grade cricket, so thus far they are still an unknown quantity.