Portcullis Cricket Club

🏏 Match Report 🏏

Portcullis fell short against Fraserburgh in a closely fought encounter, with the hosts chasing down 98 to claim a four-wicket victory.

Batting first, Portcullis found runs difficult to come by against a disciplined Fraserburgh attack.
Aarif provided some early momentum with 3 early boundaries, but wickets fell regularly subsequently. Ankush looked in good touch for his 37 off 33.
Andy battled his way to an unbeaten 19.

However, Portcullis were eventually dismissed for 98, leaving Fraserburgh with a modest target but a tricky pitch to navigate.

The Skipper asked for one thing before the match “bat the overs” unfortunately some of the batters quickly forgot this getting out to some silly shots.

The visitors refused to let Fraserburgh cruise home Vinay produced an excellent spell of 3-28 from eight overs. Jaimin was economical, conceding just 14 runs from six overs. The fielding was exceptional.

With wickets falling, Portcullis continued to apply pressure and briefly threatened to turn the match around.
Fraserburgh, however, held their nerve and eventually reached 101-6, securing victory by four wickets.

For Portcullis it was a frustrating defeat close to the of the season. Godse’s three-wicket haul and Panchal’s miserly spell ensured Fraserburgh had to work hard for every run but they got there in the end.

Next weekend we face the mercurial grammar 2nds so we will see what that brings.

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢

This Sunday! Marshall Bell 7s Tournament at Kessock Park Cricket Pitch.
Matches on all afternoon.
Why not pop down watch some cricket buy a raffle or two (some nice prizes) and a bite to eat! 💪🏼🏏

🏏 Team News 🏏

It’s a Fraserburgh double header this week with an important League match against the Burgh massive on Saturday then the Annual Broch Cricket Gala Day on Sunday 💃🏻

Getting to the business end so the selectors were forced to call up the big guns Jake and Dave 🫢

Everyone welcome on Saturday and especially Sunday where there will be food, families, stalls, and smiles 😃

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢

🏏 Match Report 🏏

Following last week’s successful chase of over 200, choosing to bat proved a wise decision. Owen hit his personal best of 147, smashing 25 fours and two sixes. His classic drives, pulls and sweeps propelled the total to 278 in 39.1 overs. While some unlucky wickets fell in the middle, Faraz, Andy and Jaimin held the innings together effectively. Jaimin, especially in the lower middle order, shared a partnership of over 100 runs with Owen, who scored 41. A target over 300 seemed achievable but was thwarted by a late fumble. Nevertheless, we’d take such a first-innings total on any day.

After tea, our regular openers Andy and Jaimin started well. However, one MBA opener was particularly keen going aerial on the shorter side, whom Andy caught and bowled eventually. Their fourth-wicket partnership proved formidable, featuring quick singles and punishing shorter-length deliveries. By drinks, the scores were level at 133 but they held a significant lead with more wickets in hand. A break was needed to regain control. Ankush took a well-judged skier in the cow corner, inches from the fence. Another quick wicket fell, but the catch of the day was at long on. Vinay took a stunning catch that came towards him like a bullet, removing another dangerous batsman who was well set and scoring freely.

Another mini assault ensued, but it was Owen again who delivered a peach of a delivery to bowl him through. This put a brake on MBA’s ability to maintain the required rate. However, the actual turnaround came with Ankush and Jaimin’s disciplined spell, denying boundaries. Then it was business as usual to mop up the tail. Throughout, we demonstrated incredible effort, holding on to the nerves, sticking to the basics, using long barriers to save several maximums closer to the line, backed up for each throw and remained positive. Perhaps being a bit more frugal with extras would have helped on such a flat track, but that’s perhaps a takeaway for remainder of the season.
Finally, Manoj was excellent behind the stumps taking everything that went his way.

Credit should be given to MBA for their determination in chasing the target till the end, keeping the game alive throughout.

That’s two win on the trot, pushing us one up in the table to seventh. Our next is away to The Brochs.

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢

🏏 Team News 🏏

After getting back to winning ways against a good Banchory side the lads are looking to keep the momentum up against Master Blasters 💥
The selectors had a selection headache with a myriad of players available 🤕

Debut for up and coming superstar Antony 🤩
Everyone is happy to see Owen back 🤗
Gruesome Twosome of Sudhir and Aarif is a bonus as well 🧟‍♂️

This is the last home match of the season already!So come down and enjoy scenic Duthie Park while we can 🌅

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢

🏏 Match Report 🏏

Portcullis secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Banchory, chasing down 210 in the final over.

After being asked to bowl, Portcullis started a little sluggish before recovering well and kept Banchory to 209/5, with Vinay taking 2 wickets.

The chase saw contributions throughout the Portcullis order including a superb 75 run 7th wicket partnership with Andy top-scoring with 43 and Jaimin adding 30, taking Cullis to single figures required before departing. Ankush made 26, alongside useful knocks from Kannan, Ross and Faraz.

With the game going right down to the wire, Vinay and Andy P saw Portcullis over the line to seal a brilliant two-wicket win 🎉

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢

🏏 Team News 🏏

After being short on number last week the selectors had more of a selection to make this week 🤔

Jason is back to bolster the batting 🦆
Manoj to cover the stumps 🤲
Jaimin to try and do everything 🦸‍♂️

Back at Duthie Park this week looking forward to seeing you all there 💃🏻

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢

🏏 Match Report 🏏

Portcullis fell to a four-wicket defeat against Gordonians, with a battling effort in the field after being bowled out for a disappointing 83. Ankush top-scored with an aggressive 36, while Ross added a patient 17. Regular wickets prevented any real momentum, a combination of excellent bowling and some average shot selections left Portcullis with a low but challenging total to defend.

The bowlers responded well, with Faraz producing an excellent spell of 1-13 from 8 overs to keep the pressure on throughout. Kannan claimed two wickets, while Andy and Ankush picked up one apiece as Portcullis fought until the end. Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from the disciplined bowling effort and the team's commitment in the field - with chances being created aplenty.

On to next week back at Duthie Park

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢

🏏Team News 🏏

With Ross and Jake away it’s up to the minions to run the show this weekend 😬

Senior players Owen and Kannan return to keep everyone in check 🤝
As well as club stalwarts P Man and Dave 🙌

Will be a tough battle with Huntly sitting clear at the top of the table.
Hopefully, home advantage will prevail and the boys can take home the W.

Viva Portcullis
🟢⭐️🟢⭐️🟢