Glens Beaten but Not Downhearted

In what was the first higher level match ever to be played at the Riverside Park, Glens played host to Stenhousemuir in what was the final match in the first round of 3 matches.

Skipper Greig Hopcroft lost the toss and Stenhousemuir elected to bat first.

With all the goings on of the week before with vandals and signs being stolen etc, it was good to finally concentrate on playing some cricket.

Glens started well keeping the vistors scoring down and with some exceptional fielding including 2 stunning catches from Guy Robinson and Chris Greaves the match was finely balanced. However, this brought Stenny's South African pro Jappie to the crease and he along with Australian amateur Doonan (59) proceeded to put on a 100 partnership for the 3rd wicket, taking the visitors to 149 for 3 in the 34th over, Shahzad quickly followed. However, Jappie then decided to up his scoring a tad and showed some good touches as well as riding his luck. He finished with 124 not out in a total of 257 for 5.

Special mentions to Darren Lewis, Musti Beg, and Shane Munro who bowled well throughout.

This didn't get the Glenrothes boys down and openers Robbie Wright and Greig Hopcroft went to the middle with high hopes for a strong opening partnership. Unfortunately Wright was out LBW with the 3rd ball of the innings. This brought Chris Greaves to join the skipper and they looked comfortable until Greaves was out for 14 after chasing a wider delivery, disappointing as he had been looking in good touch.

Stenny opener Shahzad then quicly claimed his 3rd and 4th wickets with Richard Evason and Ian Dale both going without troubling the score. Guy Robinson came to the crease for what was his first innings of the season due to work commitments. Hopcroft and Robinson managed a 70 partnership and looked to be batting well before Hopcroft was out bowled for 51. Robinson carried on to make a well made 34 before he was out bowled.

Glens finished their innings with 139 which was a disappointing 119 runs short.

Some positives to take out of the game, and plenty of points for the guys to work on. The league starts next week with a visit to Penicuik.