Falkland 2s fell 32 runs short at Spittalfield on Saturday, chasing bravely but ultimately unable to haul in Tay Lions’ total of 231 in a competitive and hard‑fought match.

Tay Lions chose to bat first and were made to work for their runs early on. George Cutler (2‑41) and Greg Chambers (2‑27) bowled with excellent control, removing both openers and keeping the scoring rate in check. Alan Hamilton (2‑24) then produced a superb spell through the middle, picking up two key wickets and drying up the runs.

The Lions rebuilt through Boruppa’s patient 50 and late acceleration from Hewage (29* off 21), but Falkland stuck to their task. Ryan Hepburn (3‑37) struck three times to halt the momentum, and Rory Mackenzie (1‑38) chipped in with a wicket of his own. Despite 32 wides inflating the total, Falkland restricted the hosts to 231 all out, a target that felt challenging but achievable.

The reply began badly with the early loss of Devon May, but Callum May (75 off 114) anchored the innings superbly, batting with patience and composure to keep Falkland in the contest. Wickets, however, fell regularly around him.

Contributions from Craig Hepburn (21 off 19) and Reuben Forbes (24 off 20)* injected life into the chase, with Reuben’s late hitting briefly threatening to swing the momentum back Falkland’s way. But once Callum fell at 157‑8, the task became too steep. The final wickets fell quickly, and Falkland were bowled out for 199 in 43.4 overs.

A spirited effort, with strong spells from the bowlers and a standout innings from Callum, but ultimately the Lions’ total — helped by a flurry of extras — proved just out of reach.