Stonehaven 2nd XI played Huntly Highlanders at Mineralwell on Saturday and followed up a well crafted innings of 183 with a clinical bowling effort dismissing the visitors for 41.

After losing the toss Skipper Dave Long opened the batting with regular opener Bruce Findlay. Both were in need of a good knock but in the 7th over Long was gone for 6 and the score on 21. James Crozier started slowly with only 7 runs coming from as many overs and together with “Sherpa” Findlay then built up momentum until the latter was bowled for 44; the partnership worth 63.

David Crozier then joined his brother in the middle and 39 runs flowed from the next 7 overs until James was bowled for 43. As Crozier accelerated at one end, David Long Jnr.10, played a supporting role until replaced by Matthew Colvin 8. In the 43rd over Crozier sacrificed his wicket in an effort for more runs having made 38 in 50 balls. A cameo from Bryan Snelling 8 not out from 7 balls faced, finished off the innings in fine style.

After impressing the Captain at Harlaw, Calum Findlay opened the bowling for Thistle for the first time and was rewarded with his 3rd ball, bowling Mitchell for 0. From that point Huntly never really got going.

At the other end David Long Jnr. took the steam out of the top order with 3 wickets for 5 runs from his 7 overs. Calum finished with 2 for 19 being replaced by Daniel Colvin (1 for 7) who didn’t disappoint with Ritchie LBW for 6.

At the other end Nigel King was proving unplayable with 5 straight maiden overs; the last a wicket maiden. Nigel picked up another wicket in his next over conceding only 1 run. Bryan Snelling mopped up; his wicket bringing Huntly’s woe to an end. The match was sponsored by The Station Hotel.

Though Huntly couldn’t compete on the day they are a young side with good technique and one day their youth policy will come to fruition as Stonehaven’s has. Thistle now find themselves top of Grade 1 and Grade 4 for the first time in their history. 

Next week the 2nd XI host Gordonians in the quarter final of the Johnston Cup.