Forres St Lawrence defeat Ross County in season's penultimate game

FORRES St Lawrence made hard work of beating Ross County on Saturday, their batting failing to fire after a good fielding performance.

Still, they left with full points and some food for thought about their batting line-up.

After winning the toss, Ross County decided to bat first. They produced a slow start with only 26 on the board after the first 10 overs – but crucially they lost their first wicket then too. Blake was caught behind to a lovely low diving catch from keeper Ian Roberts off Tahir.

The next over saw number three, Carney, head back to the pavilion too, he didn’t wait to be given out, caught behind off Ali after only two deliveries.

The innings settled down a little with opener Scott and Farid at the crease together, a mix of batting styles with Scott slow and steady whilst Farid quite explosive.

When Scott tried to hit big he chose the wrong ball and ended up catching an edge which popped up to Bashir at mid wicket giving Tahir his second wicket.

His 26 runs were the top score of the innings, with Ross County at 52 for 3 in the 14th over.

Three more runs added and Farid hit Tahir to deep mid wicket where Sajid took the catch. Then next over Lucas was bowled by Tahir leaving the Ross-shire side sitting at 56 for 5 after 18.

Sugden and Morgan tried to steady things but when Sugden was bowled by Tahir for 8 it looked bleak.

Morgan went for a big shot through mid on but was well caught by Gus Farr to give Tahir his sixth wicket of the day. Then a stand from Ahmedzai and Singh who threw caution to the wind.

The ball flew around as the batsmen took their chances until, on 99, Singh got a leading edge which was caught at point and the end of the Ross innings was in sight.

All out for 104 in the 30th over, Bashir taking the last three wickets 3 for 11 with Tahir 6 for 29.

Aziz and Sajid opened the batting for Forres and things were going well until Moxon got his line right and bowled Aziz for 11, following it next ball by bowling Ali for a duck. 23 for 2 was soon 23 for 3 when Ahmedzai had Sajid caught at mid on then Bashir fell to a good catch from Morgan, above his head at cover.

What had seemed like a case of knocking the runs off now became a bit of a scramble as Dhami came in to settle things down.

As ever he played with a measured calmness, all of which was needed when Tahir pulled the ball to square leg for Singh to hold on to.

The tried and trusted Dahmi and Gus Farr partnership was now in operation and they had some distance to go with only 33 on the board with 5 wickets down. They took their time, coming together in the 11th over, and were soon well into the runs.

The unfortunate Haidary took the brunt of the final few overs, going for 26 off his first two including four consecutive boundaries for Dhami, and the final runs were posted in the 24th over, two down to long off from Farr to finish the match.

An unbeaten 41 for Dhami with 20 from Farr whilst Ahmedzai should be mentioned for his 3 for 19 opening spell.

This Saturday is the last home game of the season with Highland of Inverness the visitors.