Cricket: Drumpellier fail to recover from early collapse

Jul 8 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

OVERSEAS star Duminda Perera hit the run trail but Drumpellier Cricket Club were unable to stop Arbroath United racking up a comfortable victory.

The Langloan professional scored 84 to help his side to 141 all-out in their National League First Division match at Lochlands Park.

Skipper Graeme McLaren had elected to bat first in excellent conditions after winning the toss, but Drumps made a poor start and were 30 for 4 at one stage.

However, Perera grafted well when he arrived at the crease and added some crucial runs as partners came and went, before he too had his innings ended.

In reply, the Drumps bowling attack bowled some tight lines and made the Arbroath batsmen work hard in order to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

But a fine half-century from captain Greg Peal saw the Angus outfit cross the line and secure a solid seven wicket win.

The result saw Drumps fall back down to seventh place in the table at the halfway point in the season, ahead of this Saturday’s crunch clash with Penicuik.

McLaren said: “It is disappointing that our batting let us down early in the innings and we never really recovered.

“Credit to Perera, it was a good knock from him and he took us to a respectable total.

“We bowled well again and are left wondering what might have been had we not collapsed early-on.”

He added: “We have just got to move on from this and look at this weekend’s home game against Penicuik.

“It is a massive game for us and if we win, it gives us some breathing space between ourselves and Penicuik in the relegation places.”

Meanwhile, Drumps’ second XI got back on track in the Western Union League with an impressive four wicket triumph over St Ninians at Langloan.

After dismissing the visitors for 167, Steve Foster’s troops reached their target with just two overs to spare.