DRUMPELLIER crashed to a disappointing ten-wicket defeat away to league leaders Aberdeenshire at Mannorfield. It was the Langloan side’s first competitive defeat of the season and leaves them languishing in the middle of the SNCL Division 1. After being sent in to bat on a difficult, seaming wicket, they were immediately up against it when they lost brothers Asad and Zaheer Mohammed to leave the score on 18 for 2. Some gritty batting in difficult conditions by overseas amateur Dan Stevenson and Stevie Allison got the score along to 43 before both players fell in quick succession. This triggered a batting collapse, which saw Drumpellier fall from 43 for 4 to 59 all out. The home side wasted no time in chasing down the total and reached their target with the loss of no wickets. Skipper Graeme McLaren said: "We were always going to be up against it going to Aberdeen. “They are a good team and have made a great start to the season, but to lose in the fashion we did is disappointing. "We have just got try and bounce back against Arbroath on Saturday." Meanwhile, Drumpellier second string continued their excellent start to the season with a comprehensive 166-run victory over Hillhead at Langloan. Having been put in to bat the Langloan side notched up an impressive total of 234 for 6 off their allotted fifty overs, with James Doran top-scoring with 44 not out. He was ably supported by Marc Stewart (28) and Jim Hamilton (25). In reply Hillhead were dismissed for just 68 with youngster Darren Pryde doing the damage with the ball, recording excellent figures of 3 for 15. This Saturday Drumpellier 1st XI travel north to take on Arbroath while the 2nd XI take on Hillhead at Langloan both matches start at 1pm. | 
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