The Glenrothes 2nd XI "fun bus" didn't have to go on their travels, but it was a great return against Kinloch 2nd XI at Gilvenbank Park on Saturday 19 June in the Breedon Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union (SPCU) Division 2.
With pre-match rain and more forecast, both skippers agreed to a 35 over match to give the best chance of getting a result in.
Kinloch batted first and were soon in trouble as Dave Snook took two early wickets, soon followed by Jordan Smith with a run out and two wickets (both bowled). Kinloch at 35 for 5 in the 18th over.
The lower order showed good resistance with heavy rain now falling, but young Charlie Burton was to make the breakthrough with two in two balls (last ball of his first over and first ball of the second over), with the hat-trick ball defended well. With Ani Apparaju taking a wicket also, it was Charlie to rap up the innings with his third wicket (3 for 5 from 2) with Kinloch finishing on 82 all out.
Glenrothes opened the seconds innings with Apparaju and Joe Burton, with both standing firm against good early bowling. It was though to be Burton first to go as he missed a straight one from second change bowler Iqbal (1 for 7 from 7) for 14.
Reyon Thomas joined Apparaju, and like the first wicket both batted with little trouble - Apparaju in particular upping the tempo with 3 well struck boundaries.
But first Thomas lost his wicket, stepping across to whip to legside only to be bowled and then Apparaju soon followed just four short of a deserved half century. It was left to Muhammed Tala and Alan Benny to see Glenrothes through to victory, finishing 85 for 3 in the 26th over.
A few runs left from poor running, but overall a good performance. Many thanks to Kinloch for getting the game played through the rain difficulties!