Match Report - Partick vs Meikleriggs 02/05/21

The Partick XI got their season underway with a victory against the Ferguslie 2nd XI.

Arriving to a green wicket, the team were glad to be asked to bowl first. With movement off the pitch and in the air, sometimes too much, the Ferguslie openers started carefully. Etheridge bowled cleverly without reward and Singh showed aggressive intent, finally picking up his two wickets in his final over. After the first two batsmen were dismissed, wickets continued to fall in regular intervals. 

 Hulatt showed off his wide array of variations and was difficult to play, extracting both turn and bounce - a good test for keeper Little in his first match for the club. Taking 3-8 in his 5 overs, he dismissed the dangerous Stafford for a duck and opener Mahapatra, who had shown a lot of resilience for his 23. Marriott-Laurie used the conditions well to take his two wickets - an excellent return on his debut for the Partick XI.

There was also time for Strachan and Dhillon to come in and clean up the tail, taking one and two wickets respectively, the Ferguslie team all out for 71 after 25 overs.

Though wary of some variable bounce, the Partick openers Malik and Mills latched onto anything loose, both hitting some lusty blows. Mills went for one shot too many and was caught at gully. Jakobson combined with Malik to see off the rest of the runs, Partick chasing down the total in the 12th over.

It was decided that the team would bat through to 25 overs as well. After reaching the first West 50 of the season, Malik retired, bringing Marriott-Laurie to the crease. Jakobson fell to an excellent catch in the deep shortly after. Cole and Marriott-Laurie batted through the remaining over, with Cole reaching 46* and Marriott-Laurie contributing with some lusty blows.

 It was an excellent start to the season from the Partick XI, with everyone involved contributing. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come this season...

Ben Cole - Partick Captain