Saints victory in shortened tie

PEPE’S St Michael’s played host to East Renfrewshire in a Western District Premiership Three match last Saturday at Kingholm Park. Due to some water having got underneath the covers overnight, the match was reduced to 46 overs a side. The away team had batted for more than 20 overs in their innings when Duckworth Lewis rules came into play with East Renfrewshire being behind in the run chase and Saints winning by 14 runs. On losing the toss, Saints batted first on a tricky pitch which favoured the bowlers with once again Adnan Manzoor showing his quality as an opener with some stylish shots, top scoring with 39 in St Michael’s final total of 142 all out in 37.2 overs. The three partnerships of note were Manzoor’s one with Riley Coy (20) of 38 runs, and one with Reece McNay (9) of 33 runs. An important one of 27 runs with Naseer Fazli (25) and Niamh Muir (9) brought the home team up 142 runs, a defendable total on a difficult pitch. The opening attack of Coy and Fuzli caused problems with their pace taking the first three wickets to fall, with Fazli taking two and Coy one. They were backed up by tight bowling by first change bowlers Muir and Farhad Hosankhial another three wickets falling, two to Muir and one to Hosankhial. The fielding was sharp with catches pocketed by Hosankhial, Coy, Chris Lumb and Sahim Naizia. At 88 for 6 after 32.1 overs, the East Riverside batters came off the field due to the rain with the required rate being 103 for an away win. The performance of the day was earned by Naseer Fazli for a crucial 25 runs and bowling really well taking two wickets. The match ball was donated by Jardine Funeral Directors. Elsewhere, Greens Kingholm (St Michael’s 2s) travelled to Glasgow to play Alps but their match was rained off after 24 overs with Kingholm 124 for 4. This Saturday the 1sts are away to league leaders Mearns, while the 2nds are at home to Mearns 3rds. Senior practice is Tuesdays and Fridays 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. And junior practice is on Mondays, 6.30 pm to 8 pm at Kingholm Park. All newcomers will be warmly welcomed.