Cricket First Division: Birrell hails Freuchie

FREUCHIE skipper Scott Birrell hailed the killer instinct of his side after their precious cross-Tay triumph over Dundee HSFP.

The Dalnacraig encounter in the SCL First Division was the only one in the league to beat the weather. And in spite of the tricky conditions, Birrell was thrilled with the way the Fifers applied themselves to the task.

Looking back on the 12-run success in the 27-over tussle, he said: “It was a great afternoon’s work from the guys. Obviously we knew the game would be rain-affected, so we were happy to make the decision to bat first and get runs in the bank. We set ourselves a target of around 100 and we ended up on 96 for eight. It was then a case of putting early pressure on High.

“Scott Gourlay bowled brilliantly to take four for 19 off seven overs, including the scalp of their pro Ben Strachan with a smart return catch. I managed to take two for six, also off seven, so we had a bit of a stranglehold. The win gives us something to build on.”

Strachan (three for 23) and Dinesh Bailwal had been the pick of the home attack. But they couldn’t recover from their early batting difficulties and slumped to 76 all out.