John Pagan & Son Kingholm

Match Reports 2010

John Pagan & Son Kingholm

McNay Helps Kingholm to Draw

On a bright and breezy last Saturday, St Michael's second string John Pagan & Son Kingholm travelled to springburn Park Glasgow to play top of the table Active Life Club.

Saints' skipper McNay won the toss and fielded first as the aim was to get as many points as possible from this difficult trip. Openers Rizwan and Raj raced away to 100 off the first thirteen overs as kenny Wilson and Davy Armstrong tried to slow the scoring rate, Armstrong being the only bowler on the day to achieve this.

Raj was first to go for a superb 44 caught by newcomer Jamie Smith at long off from the bowling of Armstrong. The best bowler on the day Armstrong also had Ali caught by Smith for 35. But both Wilson and Shyam went for around 10 runs per over as opener Rizwan powered his way to 100, falling soon after to a superb run out. The excellent Faizan then blasted a quick 50, taking 26 from one Shyam over. Active Life declared at 293 for 6 immediately after Lumb had Faizan caught in his first over. At this point only 35 overs had been used leaving 65 overs for Kingholm to chase the target!

After a splendid tea provided by very generous hosts, openers Lumb and Wilson put on 30 for the first wicket before Lumb played on for 10. Davy Fallas went quickly for nine with the score on 43 and Kingholm were up against it. At this point a steady 60 run partnership between Kenny Wilson and John Mutthiah carried the score over 100 before Wilson departed for 43, caught off Wajid.

Four wickets then fell quickly as Saints were reduced to 130 for 7, only John Mutthiah making a meaningful score with 26. At this point good friends Sandy McNay and Davy Armstrong came to the crease with over 30 overs to survive. In 20 overs of dogged defence against some masterful spin from the Active Life bowlers they added 90 runs and completely changed the face of the game. This took the score to 220 for 8, with still 13 overs to survive.

As happened on the same ground two weeks before, junior Connor Bowie strode to the crease to join his captain. Incredibally they survived another 11 overs before Bowie departed after being caught in the slips for six. This left skipper Mcnay and "Kebab Boy" himself Lee Johnston to survive the last ten balls, which they did to secure the draw with the score at 250 for 9. Astonishingly, against some very stiff bowling, Sandy McNay, 62 years young finished not out on 72 and for this he took the John Pagan & Son Man of the Match award.

John Pagan & Son Kingholm would like to thank their generous hosts Active Life Club for a very enjoyable day and hope they are promoted as they deserve to be in a higher league when Glasgow Council can supply them with a grass wicket.

07/07/10

Fallas Peppers Boundary for Kingholm Win

Last Saturday John Pagan & Son Kingholm entertained Torrance House (East Kilbride 2nd XI) in a crucial Western Union Division III match. The toss proved crucial as Torrance House were inserted to bat and Kingholm chased down their 208 for 3 to win by 5 wickets with 4 overs to spare.

Opening bowlers Davie Armstrong and Dougie Sloan bowled well in tandem, Armstrong producing his naggingly accurate length and Sloan getting exaggerated swing. Two early wickets fell, one to each bowler. However this was to be the last bearkthrough for a long time as N. Ralphs and B .Kampman consolidated while still punishing the loose ball.

A variation of change bowlers brought on young Connor Bowie bowling a good line and showing a good temperament despite being pressurised by the hard hitting Kampman. The only other wicket to fall was that of Ralphs, who was bowled by another promising youngster John Woodhouse. Kampman finished 101 not out of a Torrance House total of 208 for 3. The fielding didn’t wilt under the heat, Chris Richards and Lee Johnstone making countless good stops and Andy Vickers pocketing a good catch at long off.

Kingholm opened with the unorthodox pairing of Davy Fallas and Richards but Richards fell for 6 undone by a slower ball from A.Meikle. The match winning partnership then ensued between Fallas, who batted in his usual aggressive manner, peppering the boundary with some magnificent leg side shots and Sloan who justified his promotion up the order as the perfect foil combining sound defence with some intelligent shot placement as befits someone who is going to Cambridge University. This duo put on 128 priceless runs with Fallas falling eight short of his ton and Sloan scoring 32.

A flurry of wickets then ensued and144 for 1 became 168 for 5, but a solid sixth wicket partnership between Alex Taylor (36 not out), who played some sumptuous off drives and skipper Sandy McNay (12 not out), playing in his usual determined fashion and the pair saw Kingholm home by 5 wickets.

Although Kingholm won the game, the real winner was cricket because the match was played competitively but in a sporting manner.

The John Henderson and Son man of the match was shared between Davy Fallas for his 92 and Dougie Sloan for his all round contribution to the match.

Scores: Torrance House 208 for 3 (Kampman 101 not out, Ralphs 28) : John Pagan & Son Kingholm 209 for 5 (Fallas 92, Taylor 36 not out, Sloan 32)

05/07/10

What Happened to the Spirit of Cricket?

On a scorching hot Saturday last, a John Pagan & Son Kingholm XI fielding some veterans and three under 14's travelled to Glasgow's Springburn Park to take on the mighty batting unit of Pakistani side Victoria who sit near the top of Western union Division 3.

Fielding first,opening bowlers Mark Pagan and Kenny Wilson both bowled well but openers Raja and Shula raced away to almost 100 from the first 14 overs. Pagan, the best bowler on the day trapped Raja lbw for 30 and had Shula caught behind by Lumb for 60. This was to be the last wicket taken as the feared partnership of Sajin Jose and Niamat Ali posted what must be a record 300 plus partnership, dispatching straight ball after straight ball over the legside boundary for fours and sixes. All other bowlers went for 10 runs per over and it was a relief when the innings finally ended on 427 for 2 in 50 overs. The three kids in the team fielded fearlessly particularly Connor Bowie who took some fierce hits trying to save runs.

Having provided a halal meat barbeque when Victoria visited the Kingholm last summer at considerable cost to the club, it was quite a surprise to see the miserable tea provided by the so called hosts, which consisted of a few packet sandwiches and a packet of biscuits. The same level of hospitality pervaded the entire Kingholm innings which teetered at 22 for five and then 60 for seven as the superior bowling skills of Victoria became apparent. However a 32 over 90 run partnership between veterans Sandy McNay, 62 years young and Mike Lumb, a mere 42 by comparison held up the Victoria charge until the 46th over when Lumb was bowled for 33. This left over four overs to survive with the score on 155 for 8. Excessive appealing and intimidation of the umpires took over in clear contravention of Law 42, and into this hostile atmosphere strode Saints' young Connor Bowie. Showing a strong temperment he and McNay blocked out the last 27 balls to secure a draw much to the disgust of the hosts. By that time McNay had survived 35 overs for his not out score in the twenties.

For various reasons Victoria, who do not have their own ground are denied promotion above Division 3 and thus denied games against similar strength teams two divisions higher. It was certainly not an atmosphere to encourage youngsters to take up the sport and for sure those who took part took no pleasure from the experience.

The John Pagan & Son Man of the Match went to Sandy McNay whose survival at the crease for 35 overs at 62 years of age was a joy to behold for those who appreciate the true values of the sport.

23/06/10

Kingholm Survive

On Saturday past John Pagan & Son Kingholm entertained league leaders Hamilton at a picturesque Kingholm Park. The home team were aware they would be facing a hard game short of a couple of their regular bowlers and several other players. But the team that took the field, including three under 16s, stuck manfully to their task and, despite being outplayed for the majority of the match, managed to escape with a draw.

Opening bowlers Kenny Wilson and Davey Armstrong started well, both taking an early wicket to leave Hamilton on 45 for 2 after 15 overs. Unfortunately, this proved the high spot of the match for Kingholm as the aggressive visiting batsmen took full advantage of some wayward bowling by the makeshift attack to amass 276 for 8 in their 50 overs.

Armstong was definitely the pick of the bowlers, completing 15 overs for only 39 runs and no wides. Young Ben Johnstone showed his promise, pocketing four wickets with his off spin and another youngster, John Woodhouse had the satisfaction of claiming the wicket of centurian Richardson.

Despite the onslaught, the fielding was good, Alex Taylor and newcomer Alex Vasey showing composure under pressure to complete some good stops while Matt Moss put in an accomplished performance behind the stumps, standing up to all the bowlers. However 15 year old Lee Johnstone was particularly outstanding, making countless fearless stops, eventually having to retire for ice treatment after one blow on the arm too many.

In reply John Pagan & Son once again started poorly, losing Mike Lumb, Moss and Wilson with only 21 on the board. But John Mutthiah and Taylor rallied the team with a fighting partnership of 50 before Taylor nicked one behind for 19. Mutthiah and Vasey then put on another 27 before hard-hitting Vasey was caught for 16. By the time Skipper Sandy McNay edged to the keeper, the score had moved on to 127.

Survival was now the order of the day and Mutthiah, helped by the other tailenders managed to see the innings out with one wicket standing, as Kingholm finished on 155 - 9.

The Tennant House Stores, Ecclefechan Man of the Match award went to John Mutthiah for superbly mixing his natural aggression with solid defence to make an excellent 58 not out.

Scores: Hamilton 276 for 8 (Richardson 103 ; Johnstone 4-73, Wilson 2-77) : Kingholm 155 for 9 (Mutthiah 58 n.o.)

17/06/10

Kingholm in Another One Wicket Defeat

Last Saturday John Pagan & Son Kingholm travelled to play Motherwell at Carfin on yet another glorious day for cricket - but lost an enthralling match by one wicket. The gap between defeat and victory has been narrow for Kingholm this season and this was the second occasion they have lost by the tightest of margins.

On being inserted to bat on a firm wicket, they started confidently and Mike Lumb and newcomer Henry Whalen were in no difficulties, running well between the wickets and stroking the loose ball to the boundary until Lumb was run out for nine in the 12th over going for a quick single. This was the catalyst for a minor collapse as Alex Taylor was yorked for four and Kenny Wilson run out without scoring.

The away side never really recovered from these early blows and despite minor partnerships between Whalen and Davey Fallas (who made 22), Mattie Moss (10) and Dougie Sloan (14), the innings subsided to 161 all out after the departure of the opener for a cultured 58, Kingholm fatally not making use of their full 50 over ration.

Despite losing an early wicket to Whalen, Motherwell replied aggressively as opening bat Hussain scored a quick fire 28 before being bowled by Wilson. The introduction of Davie Armstrong to the attack bowling a tight line reduced the scoring rate and Dougie Sloan bowled his spell of the season, backed up by good fielding and catching One diving catch by Moss at deep long off was a contender for catch of the season.

As a result Motherwell lost wickets at regular intervals but the fact that Kingholm did not bat their full 50 overs and get extra runs came back to haunt them as Motherwell sneaked over the winning post with the one wicket to spare.

Armstrong picked up four wickets in his economical spell, Wilson and Whalen two each and Sloan one.

Despite the defeat this was a spirited performance by John Pagan & Son Kingholm. Whalen looks a real find and early promotion to the First XI beckons. The bowling and fielding were the best of the season so far, but work has to be done on staying at the crease.

The Benvenuto Takeaway Man of the Match Award was won by Henry Whalen for his good opening knock of 58.

Scores: Kingholm 161 all out (Whalen 58, Fallas 22) : Motherwell 162 - 9 (Armstrong 4-44, Whalen 2-38, Wilson 2-47.

10/06/10

Priceless Win for Kingholm

Last Saturday John Pagan & Son Kingholm played host to fellow Division III strugglers GHK/Strathclyde on a damp Kingholm ground. After three successive defeats a morale boosting win was the required order of the day to boost team spirits.

Prospects did not look promising with light rain falling before the start but both Captains indicated their keenness to play because of the importance of the game and play commenced on time with GHK/Strathclyde taking first lease of the pitch.

Opening bowlers Graeme McKirdle and Kenny Wilson were an ideal foil for each other, McKirdle generating a lot of pace off the pitch and Wilson varying his deliveries and including a lot of slower balls. Wickets duly fell at regular intervals, only left-hander Duke proving to be a thorn in the side of the home team with an impressive 54 as McKirdle finished with four wickets and Wilson one.

Both were well supported by change bowlers Raj Shyam and Davey Armstrong, Shyam in particular bowling beautifully to pocket five wickets. Although Armstrong finished wicketless, several catches were dropped during his steady spell. Overall the fielding was however greatly improved, with Chris Richards, Ben Johnstone and newcomer Lilanter all making good stops, while youngster Arran Seymour performed confidently behind the stumps.

In reply Mike Lumb and Graeme McKirdle started positively and 46 runs were on the board before Lumb was out for 12. Davey Fallas and McKirdle then made light of the opposition bowling to put on an entertaining 74 runs. Fallas dealt brutally with any leg side deliveries while McKirdle batted stylishly to score a chanceless and well-deserved 51 not out.

This was a priceless win for John Pagan & Son Kingholm and gives them a bit of respite before their last three tough fixtures in the first half of the season.

The Billy Smith Tyre Services Man of the Match Award went to Graeme McKirdle for an excellent all-round performance.

Scores: GHK/Strathclyde 119 all out (Duke 54 ; Shyam 5-31, McKirdle 4-37) : John Pagan & Son Kingholm 120 - 1 (McKirdle 51 n.o., Fallas 42 n.o.)

02/06/10

Kingholm Outplayed

On a scorching hot day, John Pagan & Son Kingholm travelled to the southside of Glasgow to play the very strong Albert Park last Saturday and, having lost the toss, were invited to field.

Early wickets for Kenny Wilson and Raj Shyam had the visitors at nine for two but it was the last joy the visitors experienced for a long time as Mir and Hanif enjoyed a partnership of over 100 runs, aided by numerous dropped catches and spurned chances to dismiss them. When these two batsmen were eventually out the reins were taken up by Sweeney who was severe on anything leg side and raced quickly to his fifty.

Wilson and Armstrong were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets each but the total of 234 seemed very unlikely to be reached.

After Alastair Smith was bowled for a duck in the third over with the score on four, a steady partnership between Lumb and Alex Taylor took the score to 40 when Taylor, who had raced to 22 with a series of sweetly timed fours was undone by an acrobatic catch at long off and was caught at the third attempt. Lumb was given lbw for 10 soon after, despite being well forward and wickets started to tumble, with only Kenny Wilson offering any resistance with 16 runs.

A procession of batsmen gave their wickets away with rash shots and the game ended with Kingholm managing only 81 runs in total.

John Pagan & Son Kingholm were outplayed in all departments and will need a huge turnaround in fortunes if they are to avoid relegation.

The Anderson Kilts Man of the Match award went to Davy Armstrong for a brave bowling performance in searing heat, producing three wickets for 50 runs from 15 overs when the batsmen were well set.

25/05/10

Poor Fielding Holds Kingholm Back

Last Saturday John Pagan & Son Kingholm entertained Clydesdale Cavaliers in Western Union Division III. What on paper should have been a match earmarked as a possible victory turned out to be the opposite.

The main reason was the below par fielding and batting performance produced by the home team but a contributory factor was that Cavaliers were able to include several members of their Second XI, who did not have a game and play two Divisions higher than Kingholm.

The late arrival of the away team meant they forfeited the toss and were put into bat. Their first six batsmen all batted well and grew in confidence, helped by dropped catches and poor fielding. They finished on 222 all out in the fiftieth over, Kenny Wilson taking three wickets and Ray Shyam, Davey Armstrong and Alastair Smith each claiming one apiece. Farrukh Shah also bowled well but was the main victim of Kingholm's dismal afternoon in the field. The sole highlight was a good stop and direct hit by Connor Bowie to produce a run out.

In reply John Pagan & Son Kingholm started poorly when John Whitehouse had to retire hurt and Alastair Smith and Kenny Wilson were both back in the pavilion with only 21 on the board. A partnership of 40 between Farrukh and Skipper Sandy McNay produced a glimmer of hope but both then fell quickly when Farrukh was sharply caught at square leg and McNay was trapped lbw.

The best partnership of the day than ensued as Armstrong and young Ben Johnstone salvaged extra batting points, Armstrong playing powerfully while Johnstone displayed a fine temperament and a sound defensive technique. Armstrong finished top scorer on 24 when Kingholm were finally all out in the 93rd over.

John Pagan & Son are finding life in Division III hard but are working hard to pick up points and hopefully will gain enough wins to ensure survival.

The George Adamson & Sons Man of the Match Award was won by Davey Armstrong for being top scorer and bowling tightly.

Scores: Cavaliers 222 all out (Ahmed 63, Robertson 41, Mhamood 35 ; Wilson 3-59) : John Pagan & Son Kingholm 132 all out (Armstrong 24).

18/05/10

Spirited Performance by Kingholm

Last Saturday John Pagan & Son Kingholm faced their longest journey of the season for an away fixture against Glenpark at their beautiful Greenock ground. It was a bit like arriving at an oasis in the desert. Once again the squad's preparations had been affected by the unavailability of First XI players, and the fact that the side that left Dumfries included four talented younger players underlined the benefits of the club's newly-formed Under 16 team.

The team, which on paper looked as if it would do well to avoid a thrashing against a home XI including Australian former Scotland coach Tony Judd, once again punched above their weight to produce a spririted performance, eventually losing an exhilarating match by just one wicket. If all the catches had been pouched, it could quite easily have turned into the victory of the season.

Kingholm were inserted to bat on losing the toss but openers Alastair Simith and Alan Coulter got the away innings off to a reasonable start on a firm pitch, putting on 36 before Smith was undone by a slower ball for 15. Coulter batted responsibly and positively. After good partnerships of 35 and 59 with Alex Taylor and Kenny Wilson respectively, Kingholm were 131 - 3 at the drinks break after 25 overs.

After the loss of Coulter for 56 and Wilson for an aggressive 38, the wheels came off the away team's innings and, with such a long tail, skipper Sandy McNay attempted to shepherd the youg lads, scorin 22 not out. John Woodhouse hit a fine four of the last ball of the innings, to take Kingholm to 200 for 9, a score that was under par for the pitch but one that would have been accepted before the start of play.

As John Pagan & Son Kingholm were a couple of bowlers short, McNay had to shuffle the bowling around, which he did to good effect. Wilson and Raj Shyam bowled impressively, taking four wickets and two wickets respectively. John Whitehouse, Ben Johnstone and Alastair Smith weighed in with a wicket apiece, backed up up by good catches by Connor Bowie, Alan Coulter, and McNay as well as athletic fielding by Lee Johnstone, Woodhouse, and the fleet-footed Alex Taylor.

Kingholm were always in the hunt but the lack of a further frontline bowler who could have put pressure on the tailend batsmen proved to be the vital difference between the two sides, and the home side scraped home with two overs and one wicket to spare.

Nevertheless this was a tremendous performance by John Pagan & Son Kingholm who came so close to winning and earned a useful 10 points. The club will benefit from the inclusion of the younger players in years to come. We are always on the lookout for players and anyone who fancies a game at a decent standard should contact Sandy McNay on 01387-710713.

The John Pagan & Son Man of the Match was once again earned by Kenny Wilson for yet another inspiring all-round performance.

Scores: John Pagan & Son Kingholm 200 - 9 (Coulter 56, Wilson 38, McNay 22 not out) : Glenpark 201 - 9 (McDougall 42, Robertson 27 ; Wilson 4-40, Shyam 2-55)

11/05/10

Kingholm Escape as Rain Intervenes

Last Saturday John Pagan & Son Kingholm played host to Active Life of Paisley in what was confidently expected to be one of the toughest tests of the season.

After heavy rain delayed the start for an hour and a half, Active Life lost the toss and were asked to take first use of the Kingholm pitch. The away side proved to be a classy batting side, who made light of the conditions and batted with power to make the Kingholm bowlers and fielders look like novices at times.

All the bowlers tried hard and did not bowl badly, only conceding five wides which was the lowest total for some time. However, the unorthodox Active Life batsmen batted extremely well, swinging their bats like helicopter blades and making contact more often than not to take full advantage of the short boundary at one side of the ground. By the end of 50 overs, the visitors had amassed 242 all out, a large total given the prevailing pitch and outfield conditions.

For Kingholm, Kenny Wilson took five wickets, Dougie Sloan two and Mark Pagan and Davey Armstrong chipped in with one apiece. The fielding perfomance was not as good as last week's effort but the bumpy outfield was certainly a contributory factor. Young Arran Seymour showed great promise behind the stumps, taking one catch and only conceding four byes.

In reply John Pagan & Son Kingholm were confronted with an excellent open bowling attack and were staring down the barrel of defeat at 68 -3 when the rain intervened again and the game was abandoned as a no result.

Alastair Smith opened the innings batting with style to score 23, indicating that he could do the job permanently, while Alex Taylor continued his form of last week to end undefeated on 22 not out as the heavens opened.

The Kirkton Stores Man of the Match went to Kenny Wilson for his five wicket haul.

Scores: Active Life 242 all out (Raj 95, Rizwan 53, Priminder 30 ; Wilson 5-63, Sloan 2-34) : John Pagan & Son Kinholm 68 - 3 (Smith 23, A Taylor 22 not out)

05/05/10

Surprise Victory for Kingholm

On Saturday John Pagan & Son Kingholm travelled to East Kilbride to face Torrance House with some trepidation following a spate of call-offs for the opening game in Western Union Division III. But the side, led by Sandy McNay after Skipper Mark Pagan was called up to the First XI, put on stunning display.

After Kingholm's mixture of seasoned campaigners and talented youngsters were consigned to field first, opening bowlers Dougie Sloan and Kenny Wilson bowled tightly. Wilson got quickly into a good rhythm and all the Torrance House batsmen found him quite a handful.

Ishaq was the first to fall, run out by a brilliant pickup and throw by newcomer Arran Seymour but Kingholm had to wait a while for the next breakthrough. Meikle and Kampman batted well until youngster Ben Johnston struck with his well-flighted off spin. The former fell to a smart stumping by Davey Fallas when he unwisely went down the wicket, while the latter went to a catch in the gulley by Wilson.

After another wicket fell to Wilson, Kingholm were well in the match at 84 for 4 at drinks. However the following 25 overs were a different matter as Torrance House highlighted the lack of the vistors' front line bowling, plundering another 146 runs to finish on 230 for 7.

The John Pagan & Son Kingholm bowlers and fielders stuck manfully to their task. Twelve year old Chris Lumb showed his promise, bowling four overs and completing an excellent run out and veteran John Whitehouse put in a useful six overs at the death.

The fielding was good despite the run onslaught with Alex Taylor covering the boundary like a gazelle. Arran Seymour, Dylan Muir and Chris Lumb all made some fine stops while wicketkeeper Davey Fallas took two stumpings and only conceded four byes.

The Kingholm reply started poorly when openers Arran Seymour and Alan Coulter, making his last appearance before departing for Australia, were both back in the pavilion with only 30 runs on the board. Seymour was out lbw to a yorker while Coulter fell to a magnificent diving catch near the boundary edge.

However the match was completely transformed by a third wicket partnership of 154 featuring the blossoming talent of Alex Taylor and seasoned campaigner Kenny Wilson. Both batsmen adopted a positive approach to the varied seam and spin attack of the home team, producing an array of cultured shots. Taylor was particularly severe on any loose balls on the offside while Wilson capitalised on the leg.

The next wicket fell on 184 when Wilson was caught but the game came to a quick conclusion after the arrival of Davey Fallas who batted in his own inimitable style, contributing 22 not out to a partnership of 47 and an unlikely seven wicket victory for John Pagan & Son Kingholm. Alex Taylor remained undefeated on 92 not out, a truly memorable knock.

The AC Eggleton & Co Ltd Man of the Match Award was shared by Alex Taylor and Kenny Wilson.

Scores: Torrance House 230 for 7 (N. Ralphs 68, S. Pearson 34, A. Kampman 32 not out, B. Kampman 29, A Meikle 22 ; B. Johnston 4 - 85) : John Pagan & Son Kingholm 231 for 3 (A. Taylor 92 not out, K. Wilson 58, D. Fallas 22 not out)

27/04/10

St Michael's Cricket Club Website by Colin Taylor

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