Falkland Exit Village Cup

Village Cup Scottish Final at Victory Park, Meigle on Sunday June 6

Meigle 175-9
(Z Rasheed 59, A Hamilton 3 for 29)

Falkland 99 all out
(E Sloan 41, Z Rasheed 4 for 42, A Neave 4 for 7).

Meigle won by 76 runs

In glorious weather, Meigle won the toss and decided to bat first. They got off to a slow start and at one point when they were 60 for 5, Falkland fancied their chances of removing them for less than 100. The bowling, particularly that of Ryan Hepburn was tight and difficult to put away, but then in came Zahid Rasheed who, after riding his luck for a spell, hit four 6s and 7 4s in a total of 59 before he was caught in the outfield by Ewan Sloan off Steven Meikle. Meigle's tail wagged to a certain extent, and the total of 175 looked a decent, but not necessarily, unbeatable score. Once again Falkland had reason to be annoyed at themselves by bowling 22 Wides, which also gave Meigle almost another four Overs.

Falkland's reply started well with Sloan in particular looking as if he could carry Falkland to victory but he fell to a catch in the deep off Charlie Clark after reaching 41. Only two other batsmen reached double figures, and that tells its own sorry tale as Rasheed and Neave each took 4 wickets to dismiss Falkland for 99. Full marks however to Ryan Hepburn for his sportsmanship in "walking" after being caught by wicket keeper Harvey. It was a contentious game with one or two debatable Umpiring decisions, but the relationship between the two teams was basically very good, and Falkland wish Meigle well in the next round.

David Potter