The 3rd XI gathered on Sunday for a historic occasion: the final ever match on the old astro turf wicket at the school playing fields before its long‑awaited replacement. Unfortunately, the pitch’s last chapter was not a fairytale - instead, it was a chaotic, frustrating afternoon where extras dominated the story and DHSFPs 3 took full advantage to post a huge total and secure a convincing win.

Dundee High won the toss and chose to bat, and from ball one Falkland were on the back foot. Mo Hussain’s opening over went for 14 - all wides - setting the tone for a fielding display that never settled. At the other end, Andrew Armstrong bowled superbly, beating the bat repeatedly and deserving far more than his figures suggested.

The first bowling change came after 10 overs, with Conor MacHugh and skipper Gary Lennie switching ends from their usual roles. DHSFPs batted with patience and discipline, finding edges that flew to the boundary and punishing anything loose. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 16th over when Gary bowled Reid, followed by Conor removing the other opener in the next over. Conor struck again before drinks, giving Falkland a glimmer of hope at 148-3.

After the break, Shrimal Siriwardena delivered a lovely three‑over spell, trapping Babu LBW - a fitting wicket in the final match on the old surface. From the other end, Owen Forbes produced arguably his best spell for the club, beating the bat, finding movement, and even drawing a handled‑the‑ball incident from Makda. In the spirit of the game, Gary withdrew the appeal, and Makda went on to top‑score with 71.

Despite moments of quality, the innings unravelled. DHSFPs accelerated brutally, adding 124 runs in the final nine overs, with Falkland unable to stem the flow. The final tally told its own story: 330 for 4, including a staggering 98 extras - 52 wides and 42 byes/leg‑byes. It was, simply put, a fielding and bowling performance that wasn’t good enough.

The chase began with hope but quickly collapsed. Shrimal fell early, Mo and Owen followed soon after, and Nick’s duck left Falkland reeling at 12–4. Gary and Martin rebuilt briefly, with Gary striking a lively 24 from 14 balls before being run out inches short of his ground. Martin was also run out, and a third run‑out soon after left the score at 46-7.

There were bright moments late on. Andrew Armstrong blasted 24 from 11 balls, supported by Struan Keddie, before both fell. The highlight of the innings - and the day - was the final‑wicket partnership of “Little and Large”: Conor MacHugh and young Roo Green, who struck his first senior league runs, including two excellent boundaries. Falkland were eventually bowled out for 121, ending the astro’s long service with a familiar mixture of grit, humour, and chaos.

After the match, players from the 3s and Lynx gathered for a few words from the skipper and a ceremonial pint of Tennents poured onto the pitch - a fitting farewell to a surface that has seen generations of Falkland cricketers come through.

There are two more chances this season to chase that elusive win - Forfarshire 3s next Sunday at Forthill, and Glenrothes 2s the week after at Gilvenbank. Despite the heavy defeat, there were positives: Owen’s bowling, Roo’s first senior runs, and the spirit shown in patches.

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye to the old astro.
Here’s to what the new one will bring.