Unavailability and last minute call-offs left the 2nd XI with an under strength side with which to defend their unbeaten record against Queens Cross, with predictable consequences.

Trying to protect his young batting line-up in this “top of the table clash” skipper Long won the toss and elected to field for the first time this season. At 14 years old Daniel Colvin opened the bowling for the first time alongside David Long Jnr. though neither made a breakthrough until Long had the wicket of Murphy for 8 in the 9th over.

Despite ringing the changes the next wicket did not fall until the 30th over when Queens Cross were on 144 and they accelerated well to reach 200 in 44 overs. though C.Arkless who made 80 had been lucky to survive a stumping whilst on 35; this could have put a different complexion on the match.

Best of the bowlers was D.Long Jnr. with 3 for 27 off his 12 overs.

Thistle knew they had to bat well and started well with Bruce Findlay 11, and Steve Crozier 26, keeping to the run rate. Young David Crozier and Thistle’s best chance of to reach a decent total was then given out on 17 to a shocking LBW decision when the umpire was intimidated by the Cross. The rest of the batting line-up didn’t turn up and Stonehaven were rolled over for 87; a miserable afternoon capped by Sian Crozier’s “very professional scoring” being called into question by the opposition.

Queens Cross bowler Blair Findlay had the best of the afternoon with 2 for 14 from his 7 overs. Thistle will have to realise that in order to compete at the top they will have to beat sides with hard-nosed attitudes towards winning. A good lesson for the youngsters!

The Match ball was sponsored by Euronics. Next week Thistle get the chance to welcome Huntly Highlanders to Mineralwell for the first time and will hope for an encounter more within the spirit of the game.