Sunday, 28 June 2015
Midweek Rearrangement
The midweek friendly against Murrayfield-DAFS at Roseburn has been rearranged from Tuesday 14th July to Tuesday 4th August.
Friday, 26 June 2015
League Weekend 10 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
Midweek -
- 1sts vs Freuchie at Arbo (NB, this is the last 1pm start).
- 2nds vs Freuchie 2nds, away.
- 3rds vs Leith FAB 2nds, home on the Inverleith Park arti.
Midweek -
- Tuesday evening, Parks Trophy QF vs S&N Tranent at Arbo.
- Thursday evening, friendly vs Tranent at Arbo - CANCELLED.
Uni Staff Teach 2s a Lesson
It was a tough week for availability. We had ten - though not the ten we'd expected, with "Apples" Appleby and Tom Frenzl kindly stepping up late on - while the Staff had eleven. And that was probably the margin between the two teams.
Of course for a while we weren't even confident we had ten, as six Crossers waited by the pitch, while four of us lounged in the rather distant Peffermill changing rooms until fetched by Mike Nevin, who would lead the way once more later on. The start was further delayed after the toss, which we lost, when eight players started to pad up. We asked whether the Staff were experimenting with a novel four-wicketkeeper formation before Smudger realised that he'd misunderstood their decision to bat.
Despite some good bowling from Vik (8.5-0-31-3) and Apples, Bristow and Hands looked fairly assured in putting on 41 for the first wicket. Then Gerry (9-1-28-2), refreshed by three weeks in the American Southwest, put the brakes on, removing both. Smudger (9-1-33-2) and Nipun (5-0-22-2) chipped in with important wickets and soon enough the Staff were 51 for 3 and 94 for 5.
Overall it was a good bowling performance with even JB (6-3-22-1) recovering from conceding 18 off his first two overs to remove top scorer Nath (36). But a 9th wicket stand of 30 between Ratnarajah (23) and Shylini (18) frustrated us until Vik returned for his third spell to remove both. Staff 179 all out in the final over. Incidentally this was only the third time we'd bowled a side out this season, and the first time we'd bowled out a full side.
By the end of the 15th over we were 34 for 5 thanks to some fine bowling from the aggressive Nath (9-0-25-2) and Kumar (9-2-21-3) and a fine, very low catch from Keily. Serious embarrassment seemed on the cards but Vik (53 no, his second successive half century) and Mike (39) built an important stand of 82. When Mike was out in the 39th over we needed a rather improbable 11 an over from the last 6. With Vik in there was always an outside chance but long boundaries, a defensive field and some decent bowling, notably from Vijayakumar (9-2-32-2), denied us. At least a final score of 153 for 8 meant some valuable batting points had been secured.
In many ways this was a Saturday much like the others this season - a relaxed, friendly game against nice, sporting opponents. We've now played all the other teams in the division and it's quite clear that this year's Div 4 is one of the nicest I've played in in 22 years in the East League. In addition the umpiring has been conspicuously fair. One indication is the number of lbws, roughly 20% of the total wickets - 11 of the 56 oppo wickets we've taken and 14 of the 75 Cross wickets which have fallen. In some ways that's a miracle as the umpires don't always seem to be fully focused - last week it was the Watsonian who insisted on wearing a thigh pad throughout his stint, while this week one of the Staff was reprogramming a computer in his lab via his mobile phone.
In one respect at least, however, this was an untypical Saturday for the 2015 season. It was warmish and even occasionally sunny. Let's hope that's an omen for the second half of the season.
Of course for a while we weren't even confident we had ten, as six Crossers waited by the pitch, while four of us lounged in the rather distant Peffermill changing rooms until fetched by Mike Nevin, who would lead the way once more later on. The start was further delayed after the toss, which we lost, when eight players started to pad up. We asked whether the Staff were experimenting with a novel four-wicketkeeper formation before Smudger realised that he'd misunderstood their decision to bat.
Despite some good bowling from Vik (8.5-0-31-3) and Apples, Bristow and Hands looked fairly assured in putting on 41 for the first wicket. Then Gerry (9-1-28-2), refreshed by three weeks in the American Southwest, put the brakes on, removing both. Smudger (9-1-33-2) and Nipun (5-0-22-2) chipped in with important wickets and soon enough the Staff were 51 for 3 and 94 for 5.
Overall it was a good bowling performance with even JB (6-3-22-1) recovering from conceding 18 off his first two overs to remove top scorer Nath (36). But a 9th wicket stand of 30 between Ratnarajah (23) and Shylini (18) frustrated us until Vik returned for his third spell to remove both. Staff 179 all out in the final over. Incidentally this was only the third time we'd bowled a side out this season, and the first time we'd bowled out a full side.
By the end of the 15th over we were 34 for 5 thanks to some fine bowling from the aggressive Nath (9-0-25-2) and Kumar (9-2-21-3) and a fine, very low catch from Keily. Serious embarrassment seemed on the cards but Vik (53 no, his second successive half century) and Mike (39) built an important stand of 82. When Mike was out in the 39th over we needed a rather improbable 11 an over from the last 6. With Vik in there was always an outside chance but long boundaries, a defensive field and some decent bowling, notably from Vijayakumar (9-2-32-2), denied us. At least a final score of 153 for 8 meant some valuable batting points had been secured.
In many ways this was a Saturday much like the others this season - a relaxed, friendly game against nice, sporting opponents. We've now played all the other teams in the division and it's quite clear that this year's Div 4 is one of the nicest I've played in in 22 years in the East League. In addition the umpiring has been conspicuously fair. One indication is the number of lbws, roughly 20% of the total wickets - 11 of the 56 oppo wickets we've taken and 14 of the 75 Cross wickets which have fallen. In some ways that's a miracle as the umpires don't always seem to be fully focused - last week it was the Watsonian who insisted on wearing a thigh pad throughout his stint, while this week one of the Staff was reprogramming a computer in his lab via his mobile phone.
In one respect at least, however, this was an untypical Saturday for the 2015 season. It was warmish and even occasionally sunny. Let's hope that's an omen for the second half of the season.
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Blood, sweat and beers. A Saturday in the life of Holy Cross
There were mixed fortunes for the men of Fortress Arbo across the Capital and points were won, earned and gained in day of eclectic cricket.
Six boundary rope clearances in an unbeaten 97 by Kashif Parvez and a cracking 62 from Dougie Russell set next door neighbours Stew Mel a total of 240 to chase at Fortress Arbo.
In response, the visitors went from 54-1 to 115-8 and an early night looked on the cards. A. Khan and J. Chapman clearly didn’t read the script as the pair went on a late salvage operation attempt with a decent partnership of 82.
Both men were finally despatched by Bainbridge, with SMRH finishing on 209.
Captain Si McOscar picked up 4 wickets for 27 runs with Russell, Parvez joining Bainbridge in grabbing braces at a sunny Arbo.
Meanwhile, a few hundred yards down the road, the 3s were involved in a typically surreal afternoon of Cross cricket.
With the start of the clash against Edinburgh South fast approaching, the numerically disadvantaged ‘Fuds’ spotted a familiar face sitting on an Inverleith Park bench with a carry-out in Matthew Cunningham.
The 10 men of Holy Cross (working title) were first to field and restricted South to 71-2 at drinks. By close of play, they had amassed 150-6 in the crudely cut out oval. It could have been mistaken for a dress rehearsal for a comedy show for the forthcoming Fringe as the makeshift side stuttered to 40-2, although technically for 3 with a forced retiral seeing one of the yoofs departing early.
Whilst Cunningham was hitting the ball for fun, unfortunately it was no laughing matter when Russell Eberst hit the ground in dramatic circumstances after twirling round like a spinning top attempting to play a Dodson dolly. After treatment for a grazed head (from our self-styled Florence Nightingale that is Dave Munroe) and bruised ego, the 72 year old was helped off the field to be replaced by ‘youngster’ Keith Geddes.
Geddes rolled back the years to hit a peach of a boundary as the 3s looked to be on the brink… oh, wait… sadly it wasn’t to be and despite a brave return to action from Eberst, it was to be an agonising 5 run defeat.
Across town at Peffermill, Edinburgh Uni Staff batted first and made 179 AO with Vik Gaware grabbing a 3-fer with Gerry Lohan, Smudger Smith and Nipun Mehta all taking two wickets a-piece.
In response, Vik Gaware continued his fine return to action with a half century (53) whilst Mike Nevin recorded a solid knock of 39 as the 2s reached 153-8.
A defeat on the road however the batting points gained may prove to be vital come the end of the campaign.
Reports from individual captains detailing the trials and tribulations in greater detail may or may not appear online any time soon.
Six boundary rope clearances in an unbeaten 97 by Kashif Parvez and a cracking 62 from Dougie Russell set next door neighbours Stew Mel a total of 240 to chase at Fortress Arbo.
In response, the visitors went from 54-1 to 115-8 and an early night looked on the cards. A. Khan and J. Chapman clearly didn’t read the script as the pair went on a late salvage operation attempt with a decent partnership of 82.
Both men were finally despatched by Bainbridge, with SMRH finishing on 209.
Captain Si McOscar picked up 4 wickets for 27 runs with Russell, Parvez joining Bainbridge in grabbing braces at a sunny Arbo.
Meanwhile, a few hundred yards down the road, the 3s were involved in a typically surreal afternoon of Cross cricket.
With the start of the clash against Edinburgh South fast approaching, the numerically disadvantaged ‘Fuds’ spotted a familiar face sitting on an Inverleith Park bench with a carry-out in Matthew Cunningham.
The 10 men of Holy Cross (working title) were first to field and restricted South to 71-2 at drinks. By close of play, they had amassed 150-6 in the crudely cut out oval. It could have been mistaken for a dress rehearsal for a comedy show for the forthcoming Fringe as the makeshift side stuttered to 40-2, although technically for 3 with a forced retiral seeing one of the yoofs departing early.
Whilst Cunningham was hitting the ball for fun, unfortunately it was no laughing matter when Russell Eberst hit the ground in dramatic circumstances after twirling round like a spinning top attempting to play a Dodson dolly. After treatment for a grazed head (from our self-styled Florence Nightingale that is Dave Munroe) and bruised ego, the 72 year old was helped off the field to be replaced by ‘youngster’ Keith Geddes.
Geddes rolled back the years to hit a peach of a boundary as the 3s looked to be on the brink… oh, wait… sadly it wasn’t to be and despite a brave return to action from Eberst, it was to be an agonising 5 run defeat.
Across town at Peffermill, Edinburgh Uni Staff batted first and made 179 AO with Vik Gaware grabbing a 3-fer with Gerry Lohan, Smudger Smith and Nipun Mehta all taking two wickets a-piece.
In response, Vik Gaware continued his fine return to action with a half century (53) whilst Mike Nevin recorded a solid knock of 39 as the 2s reached 153-8.
A defeat on the road however the batting points gained may prove to be vital come the end of the campaign.
Reports from individual captains detailing the trials and tribulations in greater detail may or may not appear online any time soon.
Friday, 19 June 2015
Fairly Elementary for Watsons - 2s Lose
Another week, another bone-chilling Saturday afternoon. The wind had been turned down but so had the lights. Grey, grey, grey. In fact it was so dark that pre-game a passing seagull mistook one of the bails for a chip and made off with it.
Watsons, winless so far, were three short at the start with reinforcements unlikely to arrive from a school game for an hour. We won the toss and put them in. I'm still not sure whether we thought this was the best way to secure a quick game and get back in the warmth or whether it was a strange bit of sportsmanship.
Either way, when they were 4-1 in the fourth over with Dan (9-1-23-1) and Vik (9-1-26-0) bowling well, it looked a fine decision. 41 overs later at 229-2, with Counsell Senior (85) and Mawdesley Senior (78 no) putting on 163 in a fine second wicket stand and MacLeod Senior twisting the knife with a rapid 34 no, it looked a bit less so. There was some good dogged fielding, especially from Michael and the returning PVB, but little else of note from our side. Even the umpires were more noteworthy, with one insisting on wearing a thigh pad throughout his stint. For warmth? For a bet? For protection against seagulls?
In reply we made 171 for 9. MacLeod Senior (9-3-29-3, including a stunning caught and bowled) and Brown (9-2-27-3) did most of the damage, but they were well backed up by Brooks (9-3-19-1) and MacLeod Junior (6-0-15-0). Vik was our main man with 67 - a fine innings that started quite cautiously but exploded later on.
Thanks to Watsons for a game played in very good spirits, especially considering the weather. Let's hope the summer has arrived by the time we see you again in August.
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| Watch out. There's a gull about. |
Watsons, winless so far, were three short at the start with reinforcements unlikely to arrive from a school game for an hour. We won the toss and put them in. I'm still not sure whether we thought this was the best way to secure a quick game and get back in the warmth or whether it was a strange bit of sportsmanship.
Either way, when they were 4-1 in the fourth over with Dan (9-1-23-1) and Vik (9-1-26-0) bowling well, it looked a fine decision. 41 overs later at 229-2, with Counsell Senior (85) and Mawdesley Senior (78 no) putting on 163 in a fine second wicket stand and MacLeod Senior twisting the knife with a rapid 34 no, it looked a bit less so. There was some good dogged fielding, especially from Michael and the returning PVB, but little else of note from our side. Even the umpires were more noteworthy, with one insisting on wearing a thigh pad throughout his stint. For warmth? For a bet? For protection against seagulls?
In reply we made 171 for 9. MacLeod Senior (9-3-29-3, including a stunning caught and bowled) and Brown (9-2-27-3) did most of the damage, but they were well backed up by Brooks (9-3-19-1) and MacLeod Junior (6-0-15-0). Vik was our main man with 67 - a fine innings that started quite cautiously but exploded later on.
Thanks to Watsons for a game played in very good spirits, especially considering the weather. Let's hope the summer has arrived by the time we see you again in August.
Thursday, 18 June 2015
League Weekend 9 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
No midweek friendly this week.
- 1sts vs SMRH at Arbo.
- 2nds vs Edinburgh Uni Staff at Peffermill.
- 3rds vs Edinburgh South 3rds on the Inverleith Park grass wicket.
No midweek friendly this week.
Friday, 12 June 2015
Largo at Largo - Windy Win for the 2s
With the sun shining and no rain forecast for tomorrow, we are on the verge of completing the first eight games of the season without a rain-off. I can't remember the last time that happened. Yet, with one exception, Saturdays have been so cold and blustery as to verge on miserable.
This was the blusteriest Saturday yet - double decker buses had been banned from the road bridge and repair works suspended. Largo's East Drive ground is a beauty with extraordinary views down and across the Firth of Forth, but it's also very exposed: we didn't even try to use bails and at times the umpires had to straighten the stumps, simply because of the wind.
In music, largo is an instruction to play in a very slow tempo and with great dignity. There's little greatly dignified about ESCA Div 4 cricket at the best of times, and even less when bowlers are struggling to steady themselves at the top of their runs and batsmen being blown around in the crease. But it was all certainly very slow - a total of 177 runs in just over 83 overs at barely 2 an over and with just 6 fours.
To be fair, things started at a slightly more hectic pace with Bob Mowat run out by relay going for a second and Baddeley senior hitting some lovely extra cover drives. But with Vik (9-5-9-1 spread over three spells), Dan (9-2-18-2) and Keith (9-3-20-2) all bowling very well, Largo were 50 for 7 after 25 and I was beginning to contemplate a pint back at Arbo ahead of the Champions League final.
But it was not to be. This week it wasn't down to the change bowlers leaking runs - Smudge (9-2-10-2) and JB (8-2-9-1) bowled well enough - but Filsell and "Milky" Bently (19, he also later bowled a fine and luckless spell) dug in to add 27 for the eighth wicket. They did it slowly - no one would have been too shocked if some tumbleweed had blown across the square during the stand - and it seemed a bit pointless at the time, with even the first batting point still well out of sight, but it was very nearly match-winning. With Anderson taking advantage of a single over from our sixth bowler, Largo finished on 88 for 9.
Nipun, looking good on his return after a couple of years away, and Ken started brightly and put on 30 for the first wicket. Both were out lbw. Both thought they'd nicked the ball, but the umpires didn't stand a chance of hearing a nick in the howling gale. Andy Quinn scored a good 24 and Ziggy 14 and at 67 for 2 we were well on top - 22 to win at a run an over with 8 wickets in hand.
Then it all started to go wobbly. I'm inclined to blame the batsmen, including myself - too many attempts to finish the game with a couple of big hits - but a lot of credit has to go to some skilful and gutsy bowling from Bryony Gillen (9-0-22-4), Baddeley junior (5-3-3-1) and Adrian Caddick (3.2-0-8-1). Bob Mowat didn't bowl after taking a bang on the head being run out, but it's a measure of the excellence of the youngsters' efforts that he might not have made that much difference.
Perhaps the hashtags from our Twitter account tell the story best. 83 for 7 - #squeaky. 84 for 8 - #choking? 89 for 9 - #ffs. And then we won thanks to only the eleventh wide of the match (a tribute, given the conditions, to the bowlers, but also to the great good sense and fairness of the player-umpires) - #ridiculous.
Many thanks to Largo for a game played in exactly the excellent, sporting spirit we have come to expect and with much good chat. The new changing facilities are great. We look forward to the return match.
This was the blusteriest Saturday yet - double decker buses had been banned from the road bridge and repair works suspended. Largo's East Drive ground is a beauty with extraordinary views down and across the Firth of Forth, but it's also very exposed: we didn't even try to use bails and at times the umpires had to straighten the stumps, simply because of the wind.
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| One for the shopping list - proper heavy bail. |
In music, largo is an instruction to play in a very slow tempo and with great dignity. There's little greatly dignified about ESCA Div 4 cricket at the best of times, and even less when bowlers are struggling to steady themselves at the top of their runs and batsmen being blown around in the crease. But it was all certainly very slow - a total of 177 runs in just over 83 overs at barely 2 an over and with just 6 fours.
To be fair, things started at a slightly more hectic pace with Bob Mowat run out by relay going for a second and Baddeley senior hitting some lovely extra cover drives. But with Vik (9-5-9-1 spread over three spells), Dan (9-2-18-2) and Keith (9-3-20-2) all bowling very well, Largo were 50 for 7 after 25 and I was beginning to contemplate a pint back at Arbo ahead of the Champions League final.
But it was not to be. This week it wasn't down to the change bowlers leaking runs - Smudge (9-2-10-2) and JB (8-2-9-1) bowled well enough - but Filsell and "Milky" Bently (19, he also later bowled a fine and luckless spell) dug in to add 27 for the eighth wicket. They did it slowly - no one would have been too shocked if some tumbleweed had blown across the square during the stand - and it seemed a bit pointless at the time, with even the first batting point still well out of sight, but it was very nearly match-winning. With Anderson taking advantage of a single over from our sixth bowler, Largo finished on 88 for 9.
Nipun, looking good on his return after a couple of years away, and Ken started brightly and put on 30 for the first wicket. Both were out lbw. Both thought they'd nicked the ball, but the umpires didn't stand a chance of hearing a nick in the howling gale. Andy Quinn scored a good 24 and Ziggy 14 and at 67 for 2 we were well on top - 22 to win at a run an over with 8 wickets in hand.
Then it all started to go wobbly. I'm inclined to blame the batsmen, including myself - too many attempts to finish the game with a couple of big hits - but a lot of credit has to go to some skilful and gutsy bowling from Bryony Gillen (9-0-22-4), Baddeley junior (5-3-3-1) and Adrian Caddick (3.2-0-8-1). Bob Mowat didn't bowl after taking a bang on the head being run out, but it's a measure of the excellence of the youngsters' efforts that he might not have made that much difference.
Perhaps the hashtags from our Twitter account tell the story best. 83 for 7 - #squeaky. 84 for 8 - #choking? 89 for 9 - #ffs. And then we won thanks to only the eleventh wide of the match (a tribute, given the conditions, to the bowlers, but also to the great good sense and fairness of the player-umpires) - #ridiculous.
Many thanks to Largo for a game played in exactly the excellent, sporting spirit we have come to expect and with much good chat. The new changing facilities are great. We look forward to the return match.
League Weekend 8 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
Midweek -
- 1sts vs Murrayfield-DAFS, away.
- 2nds vs Watsonians 3rds at Arbo.
- 3rds vs Tranent 2nds, away at Cavalry Park on the artificial.
Midweek -
- Tuesday - evening friendly vs the Woodcutters at Arbo.
- Thursday - Active Edinburgh Trophy Round 1 vs Edinburgh South at Arbo.
Parks Trophy vs Scottish Widows
Thursday night saw a great win vs Scottish Widows in the second round of the Parks Trophy.
On a stunning evening at Cambpell Park, a team mixed of 1's, 2's and 3's took to the field. We bowled well, with some good fielding too, Zia running out a handy looking opener for 8 in the 4th over. Kashif took 4-9 and new man Jason Dawes a handy left arm medium pacer took 1-12 off 3! Dave Munroe was sharp behind the stumps. Luckily BAF narrowly avoided getting hit in the side of the head, by what should have been a fairly regulation catch at mid-wicket, after not seeing the ball.
Bacon came in for a bit of tap late in the innings, going for 22 off his 3, which wasn't helped by some terrible fielding form myself!
Scottish Widows reached 85-8. With their number 3 Gandhe batting very well for 44.
We got off to a slow start and were 1-1 off 2, after Coastal chopped on, off the last ball of the 2nd over.
Zia then plundered 18 off the 3rd over, however disaster struck with Raja donating his wicket to Dillersoma, hitting a legside full toss straight to deep square leg! 2-24 in the 5th over. Less than 4 overs later Zia did the same, out for 21 with the Cross now 3-46 off 9.5 overs and a rush for BAF and Alex to get padded up.
BAF came and went for a duck, the Cross were now 4-50 off 11 overs, still ahead of the required run rate.
Next a confident looking Alex strode to the wicket and batted very well, hitting a lovely lofted 4 straight back over the bowlers head, who looked like Coco's younger brother.
Myself and Alex combined for a 5th wicket partnership if 45, Alex finishing 17* with myself 46*.
So a solid performance and a good start to our defence of the Parks Trophy. On to the QF which I believe will be at Arbo vs Tranent.
On a stunning evening at Cambpell Park, a team mixed of 1's, 2's and 3's took to the field. We bowled well, with some good fielding too, Zia running out a handy looking opener for 8 in the 4th over. Kashif took 4-9 and new man Jason Dawes a handy left arm medium pacer took 1-12 off 3! Dave Munroe was sharp behind the stumps. Luckily BAF narrowly avoided getting hit in the side of the head, by what should have been a fairly regulation catch at mid-wicket, after not seeing the ball.
Bacon came in for a bit of tap late in the innings, going for 22 off his 3, which wasn't helped by some terrible fielding form myself!
Scottish Widows reached 85-8. With their number 3 Gandhe batting very well for 44.
We got off to a slow start and were 1-1 off 2, after Coastal chopped on, off the last ball of the 2nd over.
Zia then plundered 18 off the 3rd over, however disaster struck with Raja donating his wicket to Dillersoma, hitting a legside full toss straight to deep square leg! 2-24 in the 5th over. Less than 4 overs later Zia did the same, out for 21 with the Cross now 3-46 off 9.5 overs and a rush for BAF and Alex to get padded up.
BAF came and went for a duck, the Cross were now 4-50 off 11 overs, still ahead of the required run rate.
Next a confident looking Alex strode to the wicket and batted very well, hitting a lovely lofted 4 straight back over the bowlers head, who looked like Coco's younger brother.
Myself and Alex combined for a 5th wicket partnership if 45, Alex finishing 17* with myself 46*.
So a solid performance and a good start to our defence of the Parks Trophy. On to the QF which I believe will be at Arbo vs Tranent.
Friday, 5 June 2015
Golden Afternoon at Goldenacre - Welsh and Jordan to the Fore as 2s Get Back to Winning Ways
With international tournaments causing problems for the Grange match secretary, our game against Grange 3s was switched to the second pitch at Heriots.
On easily the nicest afternoon of the season so far Smudge, wearing a Gerry-tribute linen jacket, won the toss and put Grange in. With the Stags 32 for 3 after 12, thanks to an excellent spell from Dan (9-1-27-3) and some tight bowling from Elmo (7-1-23-0), it looked a very good decision.
But then we missed a couple of chances for the fourth wicket and a good stand of 96 began to develop between our old friend Akeel Aslam (23) and Ross Paterson. They had to be watchful at first, particularly as Dom (9-2-25-0) bowled very well. But as the change bowlers came on, Paterson began to accelerate, especially against JB who went at nearly 8 an over in a spell so horrible that it could almost have been an audition to join the England "attack" being flayed around Headingley by the Kiwis.
So it was as much a shock as a relief when Paterson's excellent innings (104 with 12 fours and 4 sixes) ended tamely, caught by Elmo at shortish midwicket off yet another JB full toss. But our pain wasn't over yet as Hay-Smith (50 no) took up the challenge and Grange scored at all but 7 an over off the last 10 to finish on 229 for 7.
Smudger spent tea muttering about "a 250 pitch", but when we were 11 for 2 after 7 overs, with both wickets falling to the aggressive Player (9-2-39-2), 229 looked like more than enough. Kidd (9-2-29-0) was typically testing, but a huge stand of 190 for the third wicket set up victory. JB (82) was the junior partner, dropped three times in an innings described by Smudge as "the scratchiest fifty I've ever seen him score". By marked contrast, TJ, who had earlier kept superbly and bowled a couple of overs to fill in after Elmo had had to visit A&E for the second time this season, was in great form from the beginning, cutting and pulling anything short with great power. His 92 was an excellent, match-winning innings.
Even with this foundation, we still needed 29 off the last five. Alex blootered two fours, Smudger scampered singles and Elmo, back from the hospital with his fingers glued up, padded up ready to enter the fray. In the penultimate over Dan smacked a couple of boundaries to complete a fine all-round game for him and an excellent victory for the ten men of the Cross. Seven balls to spare.
Thanks to Grange for an excellent game played in good spirits, some very good chat and a fine tea - thanks, too, for the loan of a fielder while Elmo was off. Finally, thanks to Heriots for their hospitality and a very good wicket.
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| Goldenacre. Photo: Broon |
On easily the nicest afternoon of the season so far Smudge, wearing a Gerry-tribute linen jacket, won the toss and put Grange in. With the Stags 32 for 3 after 12, thanks to an excellent spell from Dan (9-1-27-3) and some tight bowling from Elmo (7-1-23-0), it looked a very good decision.
But then we missed a couple of chances for the fourth wicket and a good stand of 96 began to develop between our old friend Akeel Aslam (23) and Ross Paterson. They had to be watchful at first, particularly as Dom (9-2-25-0) bowled very well. But as the change bowlers came on, Paterson began to accelerate, especially against JB who went at nearly 8 an over in a spell so horrible that it could almost have been an audition to join the England "attack" being flayed around Headingley by the Kiwis.
So it was as much a shock as a relief when Paterson's excellent innings (104 with 12 fours and 4 sixes) ended tamely, caught by Elmo at shortish midwicket off yet another JB full toss. But our pain wasn't over yet as Hay-Smith (50 no) took up the challenge and Grange scored at all but 7 an over off the last 10 to finish on 229 for 7.
Smudger spent tea muttering about "a 250 pitch", but when we were 11 for 2 after 7 overs, with both wickets falling to the aggressive Player (9-2-39-2), 229 looked like more than enough. Kidd (9-2-29-0) was typically testing, but a huge stand of 190 for the third wicket set up victory. JB (82) was the junior partner, dropped three times in an innings described by Smudge as "the scratchiest fifty I've ever seen him score". By marked contrast, TJ, who had earlier kept superbly and bowled a couple of overs to fill in after Elmo had had to visit A&E for the second time this season, was in great form from the beginning, cutting and pulling anything short with great power. His 92 was an excellent, match-winning innings.
Even with this foundation, we still needed 29 off the last five. Alex blootered two fours, Smudger scampered singles and Elmo, back from the hospital with his fingers glued up, padded up ready to enter the fray. In the penultimate over Dan smacked a couple of boundaries to complete a fine all-round game for him and an excellent victory for the ten men of the Cross. Seven balls to spare.
Thanks to Grange for an excellent game played in good spirits, some very good chat and a fine tea - thanks, too, for the loan of a fielder while Elmo was off. Finally, thanks to Heriots for their hospitality and a very good wicket.
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| Bacon sandwich - TJ (left) and Alex (right) celebrate victory at the Disco Chippie. Photo: Skip. |
Thursday, 4 June 2015
League Weekend 7 and The Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
Midweek -
- 1sts vs Edinburgh at Arbo.
- 2nds vs Largo 2nds, away.
- 3rds vs Clackmannan County 2nds, away.
Midweek -
- Tuesday - friendly vs Marchmont at Arbo.
- Thursday - Parks Trophy round 2 vs Scottish Widows at Campbell Park.
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