A young Glenrothes 2nd XI welcomed Kinloch 4th XI to Gilvenbank Park on Saturday - the first game of the season held on the artificial wicket on the Ramsay Oval.

It was to be a 30 over friendly with batters retiring on 30 and a focus on giving everyone a chance to contribute and have fun.

For Glenrothes, it was to be a familiar story repeated a number of times over this season as the top-order looked to play their shots rather then take their time and defend the good balls. But for a 4th XI there was some excellent bowling coming through from Kinloch, particularly from change bowler Usama Ahmed (3 for 5 from 5 overs).

It was to be skipper Joe Burton to show the mid-innings grit as he batted well to reach 40 - the scorers enjoying his efforts too much that they forgot to call him in!

Following his retiral, it was to be Ravi Coppisetty to add some late innings blows but he was excellently supported by young Scott Beveridge, making his debut in senior cricket, who protected his wicket very well. Glenrothes finished on 104 for 6 from their 30 overs.

Kinloch got off to an excellent start, with both openers Iqbal and Zayyan retiring - but both offered up any number of chances which if taken could have changed the game.

As it was, Kinloch were able to get past their target in around the 22nd over (not quite clear from the scorebook) for the loss of one wicket - to Ravi Coppisetty.

From there, the remaining overs were played out, with Kinloch progressing to 148 for 4 from their 30 overs, with young Rayaan Shahid (also making his senior debut) taking two wickets and young Wahab Tawheedi picking up another.

All in, a very successful day for all - Glenrothes in putting out two teams on the same day and creating a fantastic vibe at Gilvenbank Park with the 1st XI playing on the Bell Oval, the continued development of the young players as they gain more match experience and for Kinloch in fielding a 4th XI! Many thanks to them for the game - and for everyone who made it possible with a huge amount of hard work to get the ground prepared!

Match details

Match date

Sat 10 Jun 2023

Kickoff

13:00

Meet time

12:15

Location

Glenrothes CC (Ramsay Oval)

Instructions

SPCU Division 2 game to be considered for rescheduling as a friendly.

Will likely be played against Kinloch 4th XI - younger players plus some others who would normally push for inclusion in the 3rd XI. Aiming to play on the Ramsay Oval (artificial pitch) on Saturday, though back-up is to shift to Sunday instead if the ground can't get prepared.

Please arrive as early as possible to set up the ground and facilities.

Reminder to bring "teas for two" and ensure you do your bit to tidy up everything during and after the game.

Wear black tracksuit bottoms to go with the club's coloured tops.

Team overview