Stonehaven Thistle 1st v Inverurie. Sat 26 Aug 2006

Stonehaven travelled to Inverurie for their biggest game of the season. A low scoring draw or defeat would mean certain relegation to Grade 2.
Thistle won the toss and invited the home side to bat first on a very firm wicket.
Openers Clive Hinchcliffe and Andrew Wilson set about their task restricting the score to below 2 per over for the first 9 overs.
Few chances were given with the ball falling between the waiting fielders on several occasions.
Williams and Murrison were batting sensibly for the home side. In an innings mainly devoid of risk, the run rate although slow, protected the fall of wickets.
Skipper Donald Grewar made the first bowling change after 12 overs. With the score on 28 runs Thistle were pushing for the breakthrough.
Andrew Hinchcliffe replaced his younger brother Clive, whilst Bryan Snelling replaced Wilson .
This change acted like the green light for Inverurie as both batsmen took on an agressive approach. Although Hinchcliffe bowled a maiden, Snelling was dispatched for 14 runs, including two fours and one six.
Hinchcliffe, although accurate, didnt get any reward. Risks were now being taken.
The total moved onto 51 from 17 overs when Snelling struck. Murrison (25) played over the top of a straight ball which dispatched his off stump accordingly.
Both bowlers proceeded to create chances however Snelling was replaced finishing his spell on 1 wicket for 25 runs off 5 overs. Andrew Hinchcliffe finished his spell with another maiden.
Brian Campbell (Thistle's answer to the great Muralitheran) came on to entice Williams into a catch. Andrew Wilson joined him by also resorting to spin.
With several key fielders keenly waiting on the boundary, Wilson claimed the important scalp of Williams (39) not caught as expected but ably stumped as he danced down the wicket looking for the “big hit”. Matt Jenkins taking advantage of very few stumping opportunities this season.
Thistle's grip took hold as Wilson took another wicket in his next over, Coutts (14) superbly caught by Grewar on the boundary “doing the dump”.
Wilson then ripped the heart out of the Inverurie line up. The “dangling maggot” proved too much for Norval(1) as he struck the ball high into the air and was easily caught by A Hinchcliffe in much the same manner as the previous batsmen.
Dunderdale (13) was then clean bowled in the very next over whilst attempting to “hit one out of the park”
Thistle were clearly on top with 5 wickets for 106 runs from 33 overs.
Inverurie were looking like taking all 46 overs in a desperate bid to score as many runs as possible, however wickets kept falling.
Wilson ended his excellent spell on 4 wickets for 22 runs from 12 overs.
Clive Hinchcliffe came on to bowl his best of the day however failed to take any “scalps” ending on 0 wickets for 35 runs from 12 overs.
Andrew Hinchcliffe came back on for his second spell with immediate effect. A superb run out came from an excellent throw by Grewar. Straight back to the bowler with a clean take which resulted in Fleming (0) continuing his run back to the pavillion.
Jessiman (0) follwed quickly as Matt Jenkins took a flyer high up to his right hand.
Andrew Hinchcliffe ended his spell on 2 wickets for 18 runs from 8 overs.
Brian Campbell resumed service and was partnered by the skipper Donald Grewar.
Both “flighted” the ball well looking to draw the error from the Inverurie “tail enders”
Lamb (4) was the first to go clean bowled, having earlier pulled a leg muscle and finding movement painfull.
Grewar (2 wickets for 0 runs from 2 overs) then lapped up the applause as he took both remaining wickets for no added runs. Inverurie ended with 135 from 46 overs all out.
Campbell ended with 1 wicket for 27 runs from 7 overs.
A superb tea was taken with Inverurie's hospitality proving to be the best of the season. The variety of sandwiches and cakes did little to hamper Thistle's determination to put on a batting display.
Dennis Garden and Barry Milne opened very sensibly as few runs came from the accurate and difficult bowling.
Only 15 runs came from the first 10 overs prooving the risky shot wasn't quite worth it.
Milne struck out as Garden's stroke play kept the scoreboard ticking over however Garden (12) fell first having played a good supporting role.
Andrew Hinchcliffe came into the crease and showed great early promise. Defending the risky delivery and smashing the poor ball to the boundary.
The run rate accelerated as both “big hitters” struck out with confidence. After 20 overs the score reached 60 for one wicket.
The home side showed desperation with an early bowling change. This had no effect on the two settled batsmen. Coutts was brought back on to tighten the flow of runs and his accuracy paid off. Milne (37) playing down the wrong line saw his excellent innings prematurely ended. Campbell (0) followed suit the very next ball much to the delight of the home side.
This brought Matt Jenkins to the crease on the “hat-trick” ball. Seeing the danger off, both batsmen drew strength from their excellent understanding.
Jenkins played well showing good determination.
Hinchcliffe was on fire, smashing several boundaries in combination of 4's and 6's. Breaking his first 50 of the season with a mighty straight 6, the bad ball was being severely punished. Some solid defensive selection saw his best performance of the season.
As the rain clouds gathered Thistle's total suddenly looked short as a torrential downpour was imminent.
Hinchcliffe took control smashing 26 from two overs. Two consecutive 6's saw Thistle win in great style, with 139 runs coming from 33 overs for 3 wickets.
Jenkins (11 not out) joined Hinchcliffe (71 not out) in celebration as the champagne corks flew.
Man of the Match, Andrew Hinchcliffe congratulated his teammates in recognition of a fitting end to a difficult season. Never far from the relegation zone yet having beaten the Grade 1 top flight on several occasions.
Celebrations continued well into the night with an end of season dinner and lots of high spirits.
The match ball was sponsored by Charles McHardy Butchers .

Return to Match Reports