Things are just marvellous as Falkland advance in Village Cup

The game was played in the right spirit throughout and in circumstances of mounting excitement before a reasonable crowd, Falkland triumphed in the last over against their rivals.

Freuchie decided to bat first but found it difficult to get going against a good Falkland bowling attack and tight fielding.

At the end of the 32nd over they were only 114 for 3, but then Birrell and Kelly began to accelerate while, at the same time, Falkland deteriorated badly and the concession of 32 wides in particular was unacceptable.

The total of 201 for 4 looked to be a demanding one for Falkland.

But there was hope, and Falkland were indebted almost entirely to Matt Surry for his 105 not out, and although he was ably supported, no other batsman topped 20.

There was a time when, with 100 runs needed in the last 15 overs, the game looked beyond Falkland, but the outfield was fast and Surry judged everything to perfection to help his side over the finishing line.

Final score - Freuchie 201 for 4 in 40 Overs (R Birrell 83,L Kelly 31 not out) Falkland 205 for 5 in 39.3 Overs (M Surry 105 not out).

The club has a proud recent history in the prestigious Village Cup.

In 2015 Falkland made headlines because of their long run in the competition, reaching the last 16.

The club’s journey to the latter stages included a thrilling one run win in a game in Yorkshire against Ouseburn.

Back to the weekend, and the day before the side’s cup heroics, Falkland disappointed at Forthill before a strong Forfarshire team.

Forfarshire won the toss and decided to bat.

Falkland bowled and fielded well to restrict the Dundee men to 218 with Alan Hamilton performing brilliantly for his 3 for 29, although credit must also be given to Ryan Hepburn for his economy as he conceded only 25 in his 10 Overs.

There was also a brilliant catch behind the wicket by Thomas Brunton to dispose of one of the openers.

Falkland got off to a reasonable start and were in with a definite chance when Harsha Cooray and Aaron Paul were in together, but Aaron was given out caught behind with the score on 64, and the rest of the batsmen failed to give Harsha enough support and the team collapsed to 140 all out.

Watsonians come to Falkland on Saturday with Falkland still looking for their first league win as the season approaches the halfway mark.

Final score - Forfarshire 218 for 4 (R Johnston 74, C Greaves 58, A Hamilton 3 for 29) Falkland 140 all out (H Cooray 53, M Walter 3 for 22).