Falkland Continue Title Push

Dundee High School FP 170 for 9
(R Horne 59, B Strachan 47, W Sullivan 4 for 30, C Hepburn 3 for 35)

Falkland 171 for 1
(J Henderson 101 not out, A Bychkov 31 not out).

Falkland won by 9 wkts.

Falkland had an easy victory at Dalnacraig against Dundee High School on Saturday in their quest for the First Division (Eastern Section) League Championship.

The Dundee side batted first and struggled to make fast runs against a mainly accurate Falkland attack. The opening batsman Horne put on a ponderous 59 runs and he was helped by the professional Ben Strachan's 47, but the total of 170 for 9 after 50 Overs never really looked enough. For Falkland the pick of the attack was Wayne Sullivan with 4 for 30, but Craig Hepburn also starred with 3 for 35. Wayne Sullivan brought off a brilliant catch at one point - but it was a free hit brought about by a No Ball the previous ball! - and the fielding showed a great improvement from the Ferguslie game. Once again the rapid Over Rate is to be commended (50 Overs in 2 Hours 40 Minutes on a hot day with two drinks breaks!) and for connoiseurs and cricketing "geeks" like your writer, a rare event occurred when Falkland were awarded five penalty runs because of the Dundee batsmen running up the centre of the wicket.

This meant that Falkland started at 5 for 0 wicket in their pursuit of 171, but they hardly needed that boost. Jack Henderson, clearly on a high after his return from Norway where he saw his beloved St Johnstone win a European tie (a moment to treasure, one feels!) was imperious and dominating with his 101 not out which included 15 4s and 1 6, as Falkland romped home for the loss of one wicket.

Six games remain, and Falkland now travel to Linlithgow next Saturday to play West Lothian before two crucial home games against Forfarshire and Freuchie. But following the depression of the Scottish Cup campaign, optimism has now returned.

David Potter