Methlick 1XI v Fraserburgh 27.07.2024
The spectre of relegation now seems to be a looming reality after Methlick once again ended up on the end of another loss against local rivals Fraserburgh at Lairds on Saturday.
Despite posting a heathy 173, thanks in the main to a majestic century from Mike Hordley, the total fell well short of par as the visitors overcame the score with plenty of overs to spare, despite some last minute excitement at the death.
Batting first, opener Woodhouse was undone in the first over by a fine catch by Ryan Duthie from a drive hammered off the meat of the bat. Returning skipper, Smith, went without scoring to a similar catch but then last week’s hero Crutchfield, today very much on the defensive, and Hordley set about steadying the ship.
Hordley was superb in taking advantage of any poor balls, smashing anything loose to the boundary, and quickly reached his half century. Ably supported by Crutchfield the two batsmen took the score past the 100 mark when both went in quick succession; Hordley caught and bowled bang on 100 from the pick of the bowlers, McLeman, and Butch on 22 caught off Duthie.
With a strong batting line-up a big total seemed to be on the cards but once again the usual scorers were unable to cope with some quite friendly bowling. After Cordiner went for a duck and Veersema for 2 the rest of the batting imploded with the last 6 batsmen only able to contribute a further 24 runs off the bat.
After tea the Bowie brothers set off at a brisk pace against some decent bowling from the opening attack of Veersema and Crutchfield. Liam went for 19 until undone by the in swing of Crutchfield, who also got Rohani for a duck, but Cory Bowie made a good start for the Brochers scoring 36 until given LBW to John Moore.
We then saw a classic Chris Gospel innings, blasting the unfortunate bowling of Moore and Hordley to all parts of Lairds until the latter exacted his revenge, bowling him with a tidy cutter for 70. But the damage had been done and an easy target had been set for the middle order to polish off the innings. There was a deal of excitement at the death as Fraserburgh, with only a handful of runs needed, lost 3 quick wickets to a fine late spell by Veersema, but there just hadn’t been enough scored in the first innings to defend as Methlick ended up losing by 4 wickets.
Next Saturday will need MCC to be at their best to defeat Grade 2 leaders, Grampian, to have any chance of avoiding relegation.
Our thanks today goes to the match ball sponsor, Alan Hill.
By Mark Woodhouse