Esteemed Crosser reaches 90 not out

A great Crosser celebrated his 90th birthday on July 9th. Despite Richard Demarco's many significant achievements in the cultural sphere, he maintains fond memories of his time as a young Holy Cross cricketer. 

As we know, the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe won't be taking place this year. The Cowgate, usually a hive of activity at this time of year, was serenely quiet as I passed through it on Wednesday morning. I was on the way to meet Richard Demarco in relation to his massive archive project (currently based at Summerhall). Despite his long association with both the International Festival and the Fringe, he was not unhappy about the cancellation of this year's Festival. Though the Edinburgh Festival ‘gave Edinburgh a much needed special dimension’, he feels that the Festival has lost sight of its original mission and a rebirth is long overdue. Perhaps the year off will lead to some rethinking..

90 not out is a fine achievement for any cricketer and for any Crosser. Demarco attended Holy Cross Academy from 1941 until 1949. He was delighted to hear of my connections to the cricket club. He had heard about Hugh Kilpatrick's death. Both were at Holy Cross at the same time (Richard 3 years older than Hugh). He passed on his good wishes to the club and hopes that it can keep alive the Holy Cross name (the school having closed in 1969 and the rugby club having become Inverleith in the 90s). When reviewing the history of the school (published 10 years ago) he suggested that the cricket club 'deserves to have a history all to itself'. 

Richard admitted that he was ‘obsessed’ with cricket in his youth, as the letter below from David Harding (another Holy Cross Academy pupil who became a leading artist and art teacher) makes clear. The letter indicates Demarco’s passion for record keeping - something he’s maintained throughout his life, culminating in his archive which contains hundreds of thousands of items. The photo of the 1949 Holy Cross Academy school first XI includes both Richard and his brother. According to Hugh Kilpatrick's computerised records (which only cover 1st XI matches), Demarco only once turned out for the FP 1st XI (his brother Louis played 4 times). 

Demarco is currently in the midst of organising his vast and rich archive with the hope that it will be transferred to a purpose-build home in Granton ...possibly in 2024. From the energy and passion for life and art he displayed when I met him, a century seems within the grasp of this legendary Crosser.

Find out more about Demarco's archive project here. 

A Fond Farewell...

It was a fond farewell to this pair of long standing servants at Arbo earlier this week. #goodriddance pic.twitter.com/VPqffpSEvB
— Holy Cross Cricket (@HXCricket) October 3, 2014

Holy Cross Awards Night - Bring Your Trophies

Tomorrow sees the 2013 HX Awards Night -at Arbo.

Remember to bring your Trophies (GT, no need to bring the contents of your trophy cabinet this year...). Fortunately this famous trophy will be there...but who will be the lucky person who has to lug it home...

Smudger's 2x30th In Photos

Father of the club

Smujinder 'Smudger' Smudgerjee celebrated graduation from the famous Holy Cross Youth Academy as he turned 3x20 at Arboretum Road's infamous Green Room Nightspot on Saturday night.

News had reached the capital that Lawrie's Third Army had defeated a Largo battalion in a stirring encounter at St Andrews in the only Cross game to reach a conclusion. Whilst Twitter reported that El Presidente had been hitting big 6's, there was also relief that after losing his only pair of cricket trousers, Coco had been forced to purchase a new pair and was therefore not playing in his golden budgie smugglers. It'd been mischievously suggested that his missing breeks had simply got up and scarpered of their own accord!!!

Golden Balls McGill back in '69

The 1st XI had returned early from Fettes after thrashing Grange 2's 204-0 in a one-sided affair where it would probably be fairer to mention that Grange never really got started in their innings. The 2's game, at the Fortress itself, also fell victim to this cantankerous jet stream silly bother we've been enduring of late. This ensured a prompt start to the binge drinking for both teams.

The distance of the 3's from the birthday shenanigans meant the party would have to wait for the dazzling social racontuerism of Messrs McGill & Robertson. In the meantime the legendary anecdotes were provided by the hippest swinger in the club, Mr G Lohan. The highlight was the discovery that "Paxman was my fag". Those of us educated by the council dared not ask for a layman's translation.

One of the things Gerry has smoked???

The 3's began to arrive back in instalments, generally in order of virility (I'll leave it to others to decide in which order). Their arrivals were interspersed with appearances by Honorary Legends such as Cartwright (senior) and Mair (available for selection, but not selected!!!).

Shifty - 5for in a break from filming

Eventually El Presidente and Coco joined proceedings and the real BS could begin. President Maradona was able to declare "this is finally the club I wished it to become" as young Gaware lit the presidential roll-up completely unrequested. It was made obvious that the drink was taking effect when Zggy Cydzk didn't even attempt to pronounce the name of a fellow cricketer - "that whotsisname" - also sporting a Polski surname.

It was also my pleasure (totally wasn't) to reunite McGill with his errant trews. They had been discovered earlier by poor Raja who had heard a low humming noise emitting from deep within his cricket bag. They had to be extracted at arms length and placed in a sealed container before immaturely falling into my possession as Dougie declared 'last bag packed has to take them', placing me at a distinct disadvantage being the only bag left unpacked.

All that remains to be divulged is this rather fetching snap taken anonymously at the end of the evening. Should any Smudger offspring be reading, I'd recommend going no further, or at the very least, scrolling down very slowly...

One for Mrs Smudger

Aged 48...!

Surely he can't be expecting to play competitive league cricket at such an age....

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/cricket/cricket-andy-goram-to-return-to-the-crease-aged-48-1-2232246

Russell Regime Diktat #0002

JC, he say OMG

The Holy Democratic Committee of the New Way for the Cricketing Crossers would like to thank all of the Great & Fit Men who attended Winter Nets on Saturday. Our newly installed covert iris recognition system calculated 24 (twenty four) able men in attendance. This required the complete facilitation of the facilities, or in other words, the use of all 4 (four) available nets.

This remarkable achievement is believed to be the first time that the use of 2 (two) nets has ever been exceeded by our venerable institution. The astonishing show of club unity is also a powerful vindication of the demanding new standards of Captain Russell.

Four Lanes

Let us pray that it is not an early pinnacle of His second coming!!!

At one point Lord Admin was overheard to mutter that there were "too many people here", but his office have since retracted this as "mis-speak" after a subsequent update of the weekly accounts showed a marked increase in revenue.

Legends in attendance at Le Galleon included the very dishonourable Coco McGogo, Jerry 'Lohan' Garcia & both Sir Shanton John AND his new bride Dame Bimbo Furnish.

There are now only 2 (two) nets remaining this pre-season on the next two Saturday's, 17th & 24th March.

The Russell Regime hereby urges a note of caution. We cannot get carried away with this amazingness and must ensure that a high attendance is maintained. See you next Saturday, normal rules apply.

Arboretum Pavilion - now a danger.

Sad to see the old pavilion at Arboretum in such a state. The pictures (taken on Nov 1st) clearly show that people are accessing it at the rear-and posing a danger to themselves and others-including by removing various objects from the pavilion; some of which may be hazardous.

Post-season maintenance

[The Grounds Commissar writes]

It's that time of year where we need to do some post-season maintenance on the Arbo square. This involves spreading 80 x 20 kg bags of loam over the square. This year, there is an added complication, because the loam has been delivered to Peffermill and not Arbo. Therefore we need:

1) People with cars (and even better, trailers) to transport the bags up to Arbo.
2) Volunteers to carry the loam to the Arbo square and spread it.

Weather permitting, we're want to do this on Saturday afternoon, with the bags of loam being picked at Peffermill from 12.00 onwards. Depending on reasonable numbers, we should be able to transport the material up to Arbo by 1.00, with the loam spreading finished about 4.00.

This is an important job. The Arbo square has improved greatly in recent years and we want to carry on that improvement. So, if you can spare an hour or two on Saturday, please do this important thing for the club. If, due to bad weather, the operation is cancelled, an all points e mail will be sent out.

Don't leave it to others, get stuck in.
Looking forward to seeing many of you on Saturday,

Smudger
Grounds Commissar.

Another date for your diary...no live band this time

A reminder that there is a ESCA meeting regarding the proposed restructuring of Scottish cricket on Thursday (Sept 15th) at Myreside -starting at 7.30.

The focus of the meeting will be on the The National Reconstruction Report  HERE

64 more Robin..

Robin has been on at me recently about how many more 1st XI league wickets he needs to overtake Geoff Barratt. The figure is 64....so 3 more seasons at least Robin!

Derived from Hugh K's stats programme and McGill's averages, an updated list of the top wicket -takers is available here.

Bishop Lynch...

CA somehow came across this whilst searching for this blog. He refers readers to paragraphs 3 & 4!!!

Holy Cross 50^th Anniversary

In October 2007, Holy Cross Church celebrated its 50^th Anniversary.

Bishop Peter Doyle, Bishop of the Northampton Diocese, celebrated Mass on Saturday 20^th October. The church was consecrated with the sprinkling of holy water, the anointing with blessed oil and with incense.

The evening was also a celebration for Billy Walsh, who was awarded the Bene Merenti medal by Bishop Peter Doyle, for forty years of service to the church.

Mass on Sunday 21^st October was celebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, Pat Lynch ss.cc. The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Order (ss.cc.) had served Holy Cross parish for over 25 years.

Bishop Pat Lynch also blessed and formally opened the new Pastoral Centre, built during the summer of 2007.

We give thanks for the achievements of the last 50 years, and look forward to the next.

www.holycrossbedford.co.uk/50th.htm

The Good Old Days??

Today I picked up a copy of The Miller Guide to Scottish Cricket 1994 (at the excellent Christian Aid book sale at St Andrew's and St George's West, George Street-plenty good cricket stuff there btw).

In a review of the 1993 season that makes KF's postings sound Pollyannaish in comparison, James Bradley (club secretary at the time) grumbled as follows:

'Another year of relative mediocrity punctured by rare memorable moments. The 1st team ended the year in its customary 7th position (East League-Div 2), while the 2nds were demoted to Grade C, while the 3rds held their own (Grade C). The slide continues, but at least we've got 2nd and 3rd team derbies to look forward to next year: blood on the pitch may result. Anyway it won't get any better until club members decide that they want to play cricket regularly (a strange thought for a cricket club)' (emphasis added).

Note: according to this same Guide, a certain C. McGill apparently bowled 386.4 overs (!! 100 of them maidens!) in the 1993 season, taking 72 wickets at an ave of 14.8. ...surely 'all games'???

Fabled water source rediscovered by club President.

The long-rumoured water source underneath Arbo was today rediscovered by the club President. Using a shovel and a 'hose fitting bought from Homebase for 2 quid', the Pres has ensured that the spring flows once more.

The healing powers of the water from the Arbo Spring are legendary: it has allowed several Crossers to continue to play long after most cricketers have been forced to retire. Drinking large quantities is not advised; better to immerse the diseased or injured part of your body in it-ideally whilst reciting the club motto. The spring may also prove useful for pitch preparation.

Double the fun

'Come and celebrate the 30th birthday of two long serving irascible crossers at Prestonfield Golf Club on Sat 12 March.

Contrary to initial suggestions, this prestigious event is in honour of EC & CA Smith and not McGill and Smudger!

The Smiths cordially invite all club members(and WAGs) to this ceilidh event with doors opening at 8pm. There will be a light (especially after EC has been up) finger buffet on offer and dress should be 'informal ceildih'.

Just respond here or drop either EC or CA a wee text to let them know if you can make it... There is plenty of time to make arrangements so it would great to see you all there.

Scottish Cup Draw-home tie for HX.

http://www.cricketscotland.com/node/21950

Is this Holy Cross' first ever appearance in the Scottish Cup? (or like the European Cup-Champions League change, has the 'expansion' of the event diluted the competition in some way so that though it is still called the Scottish Cup it is no longer 'the Scottish Cup'? ... er,  hopefully that makes sense)..

Badge of Honour?

There has long been a concern amongst the more paranoid club members that the Holy Cross badge raises the ire of certain opponents and attracts poor lbw decisions from independent umpires.

Because of this, one section of the HX membership will propose this alternative badge (which retains the club colours) at the 2011 AGM. Your thoughts welcome.

Fair Play to the Cross

Once again Holy Cross have featured prominently in the East League fair play awards.

FAIR PLAY RESULTS

Division 1

1. Glenrothes
2. Holy Cross
3. Carlton 2

Division 5

1= Holy Cross 2
1= Leith FAB 2
3. MDAFS 3

Division 8

1. Largo 4
2. Teuchters
3= Holy Cross 3
3= Musselburgh 2

Evidently we are far too nice to our opponents - let's see more ruthlessness next season; then perhaps these will be our final league positions!

Club Dinner - Get Your Tickets NOW!!!

There is still time to buy your tickets for the Club's 60th Anniversary Dinner. Tickets are as hard to come by as 1st XI runs at the moment so buy yours NOW to avoid disappointment.

Only £25 for a 3 course feast and top quality speakers - it's promising to be a night to remember.

There are two weeks of the season left - please bring your cash to Arbo next Saturday and I will pick it up.

Remember - It's Friday September 3rd, Craigmillar Park Golf Club, 7 for 7.30pm. We need a good 40 or 50 to make a good night a great night!!

So get negotiating with 'er indoors (or better still, bring her along!), book the babysitter, get a dog walker - whatever it takes.

Any questions, please give me a shout.

Making a Splash

Colin McGill has asked me to publicise this event that he is helping to organise.

Rumours Confirmed as Historic Document Discovered

For many years, Coastal's claim that the club once had a 4th XI - that played their home fixures at Jock's Lodge - has been met with much scepticism. Now the club's historians have unearthed a document (fixture booklet for 1987) which seems to support this notion.

An eminent historian has verified the booklet and stated: 'I am now satisfied that the document is authentic; that the history of their wanderings since 1950 is true; and that the standard accounts of Holy Cross' habits, of their personality and, even, perhaps, of some public events, may in consequence have to be revised'.

It will also be noted that the club had a junior side in 1987 (it also seems to suggest that cje's first appearance for the Cross was as a nine year old..) as well as a full set of Sunday fixtures.

Looking on the positive, now that we only field three league sides we could only suffer three thrashings on Saturday...