The Firsts first teamsheet of the season contained six of last year's regulars, with one new face and a smattering of second XI support. Jim put the visitors in on a far better pitch than the sticky strips we are used to early in the season. The pitch did little for the bowlers, and the gusty conditions made control difficult. However, Silky extracted leading edges to mid-on from both Stirling openers, and was unfortunate not to have the No.3 caught at slip first ball. Faisal came into the attack early and also took two wickets. At 60-4 in the 19th, Stirling were struggling. Taking advantage of his first ball let off, the No.3 went on to accumulate 90 runs in a 138 run partnership that Senthil finally broke in the 43rd. With wickets in hand Stirling were able to hit out in the final 10 overs, and closed at 262-8. Mark took 2 wickets in the at the end, but this didn't really make up for a woeful final over.

Livingston's reply did not start well, with 3 wickets falling early. Bobby One Shot steadied  the innings, and Senthil knocked 52 off 41 balls. Dabasis showed fine form on debut to score 45, and was ably supported by Faisal in the lower order. Although Livingston had kept up the run rate, the loss of early wickets proved crucial. Despite a lusty 16* from Conner, Livingston were dismissed 65 runs short of the target in 48th over.

Although the Stirling victory looked comfortable in the end, Livingston managed a creditable effort against a team that is likely to be in the top couple in the division. Among the positives were the appearance of a new 1st team batsman in Dabasis, and the strong performances from Bobby and Faisal who looked more than capable in Div 2, and will press for 1st team places when more of the regulars return. Livingston need some work on the basics - fielding and running between wickets - and were probably short a bowler and a batsman. However, there was enough ability evident to remain confident of a competive showing in division 2.

Stirling II 262-8 (50 overs)
Faisal Anwar: 9-0-2-29
Mark Collings: 10-1-2-58; 3 catches
Andrew Wilcock: 10-1-2-65

Livingston 197 all out (48.2 overs)
Senthil Kumar: 52
Dabasis Tail: 45
Faisal Anwar: 21
Robert Bowering: 17
Conner Clark: 16*