On Saturday Stonehaven’s 2nd XI played at home against their counterparts from Gordonian's, a game that turned out to be a one-sided in affair in favour of the hosts.

However overnight damage to the pitch due to vandalism could have destroyed all chances of a game; the normally flat wicket resembled the surface of the moon when the grounds man removed the covers at 8 am. Hasty “West Indian style” repairs restored the surface but left the Captains’ scratching their heads on how it would play.

Another lost toss saw Stonehaven batting first again. Matthew Colvin was out early LBW for 0, followed by Bruce Findlay 6, leaving Stoney on 2 for 10. In a welcome return to the side David Crozier joined brother James at the crease and together they built a steady partnership of 58 with good shot selection and control. David was eventually caught on 31 in the 22nd over to be replaced by Paul Hay with a quick fire 9 before he played an ugly swing across the line.

David Garden 17, and James Crozier 30, pushed the score to 113 when both were out in quick succession. Skipper Dave Long and his Vice Captain Nigel King had differing styles on how to play the innings. Nigel’s attack finished early for 5 with Thistle on 118 while Long 4, and the following batsmen were content to offer the strike to King’s replacement Bryan Snelling who played with freedom at the end of the innings, pushing the score to 160 off 46 overs. Bryan carried his bat for 29. The best of the Gordonian's bowling was Ravid with 4 for 44 from 12 overs.

With a strong bowling attack, the Captain turned to his openers from a week earlier and they didn’t disappoint. Sam Dickinson struck in the 3rd over when
Long collected a sharp overhead catch at 2nd slip, then Smith was LBW to Snelling who then took 2 wickets in 2 balls to dismiss Raj caught King and Rowell bowled, both for no score. At 11 for 4 there seemed no way back for Gordonians.

The Captain turned to David Garden who joined in the wicket fest with his first ball and the important wicket of Ravid 8, caught in the covers by Paul Hay. David then bowled his next 3 victims cheaply. At 36 for 8, 14 year old Danny Colvin entered the attack and Bowled Gordonians top scorer A. Lowden 25, with his fifth ball.

Leg spinner David Crozier finished off the innings in 3 balls, again to the safe hands of Paul Hay. Bryan Snelling finished with 5 overs, 2 maidens, three wickets for 3 runs and David Garden, 4 for 15 in 4 overs. Match ball sponsor was the Marine Hotel.

Next week the 2nd XI meet Portcullis at the Duthie Park, looking to extend their good start to the season.