Kilmarnock bowlers on song to set up a win

May 22 2009 by Stef Lach, Kilmarnock Standard

KILMARNOCK welcomed Glenpark to Kirkstyle on Saturday and made it three wins in a row to continue their perfect start to the season.

The home team have been bowling well all season, so it was no surprise that when skipper Alistair Smith won the toss he decided to have a bowl.

In the absence of Zubeer Pasha, Jim Hill and Tom McFadzean (2 for 19) opened the bowling and quickly had the visitors in trouble at 12 for six with a very controlled spell.

Smith was short of bowling options so, as D Sharma (20) and S Sanghera (21) started to build a partnership, he decided to bring himself and Bilal Baig on for a bowl.

This proved a successful move as the captain took his first-ever senior wicket and Baig picked up two for 21, including the dangerous Sanghera.

Hill came back on to pick up the final wicket to finish with four for 15 as Glenpark were dismissed for just 70.

Kilmarnock started their innings in very poor fashion losing Z Saeed without scoring.

Alan Hill (17) provided some stability but wickets continued to tumble, Sanghera picking up five for 39 during his spell.

McFadzean arrived at the crease with the score on 28 for four and was soon joined by Smith after two wickets fell in consecutive deliveries.

The pair steadied the innings and took the home team to within two runs of victory with a vital partnership of 32.

McFadzean finally fell for 24 but Smith got his team over the line, finishing on 10 no and ensuring a three-wicket victory.

This was a very important win for Kilmarnock as they maintain their quest for promotion. Next week the 1st XI welcome Langloan to Kirkstyle and the 2nd XI travel to play local rivals Marress.

KILMARNOCK Cricket Club have started their own Twenty20 Cricket World Cup Fantasy League to raise funds for the club.

And the winner will scoop a third of the total money raised as a prize.

Entry costs £5 and forms can be downloaded from the club’s website at www.kilmarnockcricketclub.co.uk

The club is also hosting its annual sportsman’s dinner next Friday night, May 29, at the Park Suite at Rugby Park.

Speakers include former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough and Scottish cricketer Sandy Strang.

Call Alistair Smith on 07989423398 for tickets, which cost £25.