Age of Austerity hits Arbo.

Because of the impeding spending cuts, a number of major capital projects have had to be shelved by the club treasurer. It is hoped that some or all of the projects may be completed when the economic climate revives (The President forecasts this to occur in the 2nd quarter of 2028 - when the first term of his presidency will end).

The projects postponed include:

1. Clubhouse extension plan:

a. The Graveyard Bar (proposed by Ellis Snr/PVB with Presidential support).
A peaceful snug-away from the boisterous atmosphere of the Green Room.
Here the more mature Crossers can enjoy their real ale, malt whiskeys and cigars in front of a roaring open fire - and listen to 78’s and watch ladies tennis.

b. The Safety Room (KF/S. Bonfield/ BAF):
Combined poker and smoking room. Stocked with supplies of papers and snacks.

c. Entertainment Wing (Bainbro/ Andy G/ G. Lohan)
For use during inclement weather. With facilities for Ping Pong, bar billiards, and pole dancing (no, not Ziggy). Also includes space for a 6-piece band.

2.Ground Improvements.

a. Combined hover-cover/ Tea urn (cje).
Sensitive to moisture (any significant rain triggers it into operation) this cover can extend to protect the entire playing surface. Plus the water collected runs directly into a massive urn, providing fresh Assam or Darjeeling tea 24/7.

b. Deluxe combined heavy roller/ mower/ scarifier (Coco/ Smudger).
Weighing 10 tons and with a top speed of 25mph. For lengthy stints of pitch preparation, it comes with a well-stocked fridge, cigarette machine and bunk bed.

Cup Update

Our Presidents Trophy tie away at Westquarter is now confirmed for Thursday 8th July with a 6.15 start.

EC"s efforts in Vain as Firsts Fail in last ball Finish

Div 1, Newfield

Edinburgh Accies 253-6
M. Raso 76, S, Cosh 53, N. Murden 49,

Holy Cross 252-7
E. Smith 82, S. Pickering 48 (off 33 balls), C. Ellis 39, D. Russell 26

Needing 9 to win of the last over, HX could only manage 7. The last ball (with two required for the tie) being hit firmly straight at midwicket..one yard either side.... but anyway a fine game of cricket.

Div 8:
Holy Cross 3rd XI just beat Largo 4ths by 2 wickets chasing about 104 in another close finish.

remember:
Friendly game/ World Cup drinking session at Arbo today-1pm start. A couple of players required.

Teenage kicks: Smudger's Seconds fall to Burgh Boy Wonder

An unfamiliar 2nd XI took on their Musselburgh counterparts at Arbo on Saturday in the East 5 league clash that saw the East Lothian side head back down the A1 with full points.

The 2s, under the temporary stewardship of Smudger Smith, fielded no fewer than five players who had been regulars in the 3rds as the Cross looked to keep themselves in the promotion hunt.

Musselburgh batted first with seasoned campaigner Ahmed and the youthful Jack Latchford, a 15 year old Australian kid who, based on what was about to unfold, has a great cricketing future ahead of him.

Amjid opened the bowling and it took him just two deliveries to make his mark, despatching Ahmed back to the visitor’s portacabin for a duck. Little did Ahmed know that the next time he would have the chance to catch up with his opening partner would be at the end of the innings!

Webb keep up his impressive bowling run keeping it tight and after the opening 10 overs, Musselburgh were 27-1. Ray finally made the next breakthrough in his second over, forcing Aussie Tucker (a decidedly apt name for a day blessed with BBQ weather!) to surrender his wicket for 28.

The lengendary Lohan got in on the act with a double, taking Martin and Tufail with Bates, suffering by this stage due to a nasty knock on the hand from another scorching Latchford cut, taking the scalp of the dangerous Gatner in between.

Webb ended the wicket taking seeing off Maini but it was the Jack the Lad who earned a guard of honour as he left the field at tea having stayed in since the opening over, amassing a tremendous Not Out total of 184.

After the fine spread laid on by the Crossers, the home side went out to overcome the 309 total with Din and Webb opening. Din appeared to be the bystander as Webb went out to try and take on the world with an emphatic knock, hitting 11 boundaries before being bowled for 58 (out of the HX total of 68 so far) by Burton.

Amjid was frustratingly run out on 17, Ray went cheaply for 4 and Smudger got the slightest of edges to head back for an early shower / take the dog for a walk as the middle batting order slumped.

Steadfast displays from Russell (38) and Lohan (17) brought respectability to the scorebook and Bates secured an unbeaten half century in the final over. McIntosh came in at the death, getting himself a single before losing his wicket whilst looking to hit Martin’s delivery towards New Field but only succeeding in being stumped!

So, a total of 209 which saw Cross gain full batting points. A performance that, on another day may have been a match winner, but it wasn’t to be. A fearless 15 year old with age grade honours back home showed that if you are good enough, you are old enough!

More McGill Midweek Misery...

The Midweek Crossers took on Bellevue Chapel at the Field of Dreams on another fine Scottish summer's evening.

The visitors featured the well kent (or skelpt!) faces of Andy 'The Mighty' Quinn and Norrie Webb in a side which put the Crossers to shame by not only turning up with a full compliment, but showing what T20 Friendly Cricket is all about by offering fielders as the Chapel chased a Cross total of 125. The Smith double act putting on almost half of the total.

At the interval, the kind Ladies of Bellevue offered the sides a selection of home made brownies and a box of biscuits, with cries of 'Can we play you every week' coming out of the home portacabin!

In reply, Quinn and Webb secured their places for the weekend by giving their wickets cheaply (Webb out for a duck) however some slack fielding and sympathetic bowling saw the Chapel secure a win with a boundary from the penultimate delivery.

More midweek madness next week with a friendly against Maccabi at Arbo on Thursday night - if you'd like to play please add a comment here, contact Captain McGill if you can (we understand his phone's on the blink at the moment) or e-mail secretary@holycrosscricket.co.uk

If Carlsberg made band names...

It's the Broonster's 37th Birthday next month and on looking for an evening out to celebrate, those good guys at Ticketmaster sourced the following suggested gig in Glasgow.

I've heard the phrase before, but now it's coming to a venue (almost) near you soon!

http://www.iblamecoco.co.uk/

Where can we buy the t-shirts!!

League Weekend 9 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's League fixtures -

• 1sts vs Edinburgh Accies, New Field.
• 2nds vs Musselburgh 2nds, Arbo.
• 3rds vs Largo 4ths, home at Campbell Park.

On Sunday there is a friendly at Arbo against Simon Pickering's London side who are on tour - I suspect there are still places available.

Next week there are nets at New Field on Wednesday night as usual and a (rearranged) midweek friendly against Maccabi at Arbo on Thursday night - if you'd like to play please add a comment here, contact Captain McGill if you can (we understand his phone's on the blink at the moment) or e-mail me at secretary@holycrosscricket.co.uk.

PS - Please don't forget that next weekend (ie 3rd-4th July) is a 1st XI double-header, with Watsonians 2nds (away) on the Saturday and the East Regional Academy (home) on the Sunday.

President to captain Second XI by remote control

Following captain Ziggy's untimely decision to renounce his commission, the captaincy of the Twos falls to the incumbent vice-skipper, your President. Tragically the President has a broken foot and, like Tiberius on Capri, has retired to recuperate in a nest of depravity with luscious dancing girls and an ever-flowing stream of intoxicating booze. This will cause him some minor difficulties when it comes to communicating his orders on the field.

However, the President has cunningly implanted in the brain of one of his team-mates, known as Smudger, a mind-controlling device which he will be operating from within his secret island bunker deep inside the Bass Rock. Thanks to this simple but brilliant device, the SmudgeBot has been programmed to give a series of simple commands on cue, such as "Heads", "Err, I think we'll have a bowl" and "Leave me a Tunnock's teacake, you bastards".

Once the Presidential metatarsal has been treated with sufficient quantities of Magners and pork pies, the SmudgeBot will be decommissioned allowing the players the rapture of receiving their on-field commands from the President in person. Until then, the President is confident that the second XI will show the SmudgeBot the respect and deference he deserves.

...Further Breaking News...Team Refuses to Train

The world of sport was rocked by the news that members of a leading side refused to train before a vital match.

A spokesman for the club involved (referred to only as HCACC) was quoted as follows: "what's training?"

It's clear from this that those in charge have 'lost the dressing room'.

(UPDATE: it has been pointed out that this happened several years ago, when the 'dressing room' at Arboretum was irreparably damaged by fire).

Fantasy League Update

Now seems like a superb time to update Crossers on the state of the fantasy league. The star system has kicked in so you may need to re jig your team. You have a 45 star limit.

The top five at this stage are:

1 - Rob Bainbridge - Arbo Army - 10251 points
2- Colin Smith - Smudger's Swingers - 9898
3 - Shannon Bonfield - The Santa Crucians - 9847
4 - Andrew Quinn - Modi's IPL Specialists - 9619
5 - Anzelm Cydzik - Ziggy's XI - 9594

Rumours that fantasy league standing will be used to decide future positions of authority within the club remain unfounded.

Breaking News....Skipper steps down...

http://tinyurl.com/39wvqey

"I Should CoCo" - Additional Fixture Next Sunday

Si Pickering's London team are touring in and around Edinburgh this coming week, including a visit to Arbo on Sunday (27th). If you fancy a game (probably 35 or 40 overs a side) and the chance to see the one, the only, the true McGill take on a man Si describes as a "Cockney McGill", please contact Spickers or e-mail me at secretary@holycrosscricket.co.uk.

Sunshine on Leith offers Collapso not Calypso Cricket!

The Mighty 3s made the journey east to take on Leith Franklin Academicals Beige (perm any one from four and you'll get their name this year) at Leith Links in glorious sunshine.

With Russell and Mahmood moving up to the 2's, Eberst came in for his first game of the season and Michael made his League debut. However, with only 10 available players, Captain Ken knew he had his work cut out.

The home side were first to bat, and steady bowling from Ray and Geddes kept Leith from putting on runs early doors. Ray almost made the breakthrough early on however Shazad was unable to hold a piledriver from Watt Snr. Coco and Ellis came on either side of drinks (where Leith were 62-3) to take a wicket each with Geddes taking the catch of the season to give Coco the scalp of the dangerous Khan.

At tea (and a fine one it was too - cheers Ladies of Leith!), it was anyone's game with Leith reaching 152 for 6.

Cross went for experience as they set about making light of a relatively low score on a decent for Council standards wicket.

Lawrie & Eberst, with a combined age of 126, opened. A quick call to Ladbrokes was made at this juncture however they have already suspended all bets on this year's Coastal Erosion Award.

Captain Coastal happily frustrated the life out of opener J Watt, who ended his spell on 1 for 6, and it took him 34 deliveries before our Leader notched up his opening run!

Ken added a further single before being bowled by Khan and Eberst amassed 7 before Ellis came in to steady the ship.

A slow start saw Cross go in at drinks 50-2, surprisingly only 12 off the hosts total at the same stage.

Ellis continued to chip away before being bowled by M Watt, a youngster with lots of potential, taking him to a top Cross score of the day at 32.

McGill and Ray both added 15 to the total as Cross stuttered towards the home total.

Geddes came in following the dismissal of Ray and perhaps still feeling the effects of his catch earlier, pulled up whilst taking a dash between the stumps. With a runner required, all eyes looked towards the sidelines for a pair of reliable legs. With Ray already showered and changed he was still the only option, so back on he went!

By the time Geddes was despatched by Fisher, a win looked increasingly unlikely for Cross with a lack of depth in the tailenders looking unlikely to trouble the home bowling.

Shazad looked sharp adding 14 not out however, after Brown fell to a Fisher delivery on 3, it was the additional batting points that became the target. Howlett came in to knock out a couple of runs and secured an extra point as Cross stumbled to 133.

A disappointing end to what could and possibly should have been a different outcome. However, with a light batting line up and a numerical disadvantage, it was a credible performance by the Cross.

Next week the 3s head back to Campbell Park looking for bouncebackability against Largo 4s.

Patel Partnership rescues 1sts

Saturday Scores digest:

1st XI - Boroughmuir v Holy Cross at Meggetland

Holy Cross (20pts) 238ao, C Ellis 124, M Patel 61, R Boyapati 3 for 55
beat
Boroughmuir (10pts) 150ao, S McGrath 67

A 111 run partnership (club record? - club stattos will check) for the 8th wicket between the returning Manon and cje was the basis of the above-par total; rescuing us from 104-7. We completed a satisfying victory via a controlled bowling and fielding display.

EN report here (!):
http://sport.scotsman.com/cricket/Ellis-declares-Holy-war-on.6374097.jp

the 2nds beat Mufs 3rds
Runs for Mr Admin (74) and Nippun (84) and solid contributions from Ziggy and Andy Q helped them to 270-4, Mufs falling 70-odd short.

3rds
Leith FAB 3 1st Innings 152/7 Closed (Overs 40)
J Williams 39* N Wilson 25 Naseem Khan 22 J Ray 1/23 K Geddes 2/25 R Ellis 2/29 C McGill 1/27 Holy Cross 3 1st Innings 133/7 Closed (Overs 40)
R Ellis 32 J Watt 1/6 Naseem Khan 1/20 S Jameson 1/26 M Watt 2/43 G Fisher 2/23

Thumping win for 2s...

...not good enough for many!

Last week I began by asking whether it was one of those days, today proved beyond doubt that it was - I won't deny that Scotland vs England did us a favour, nonethless this was a thumping win versus top of the league DAFS.

The day started badly for the skip, waking at 11.40am and thinking sh!t, we are playing at home and I have the keys for changing rooms, clubhouse, lockup etc etc - ah well, I no longer have to worry about that.
Thankfully a French shower and taxi meant that we started the game on time without too many realising how panicky (and smelly) skip was. The day then took a turn for the worse when Darren Kidd (DAFs skipper) won the toss. Thankfully he had drunk more than me the night before and decided to bowl (can only assume he wanted to get his head together before destroying our bowling, as he did later on!). HX skip was delighted with this 'til he realised Nipun was missing. Thankfully a conversation the weekend before was recalled so Amjid and Norrie opened the batting, with everyone dropping a place down the order, bar Smudger and Gerrry, whilst awaiting the arrival of Nipun.

The openers got us off to a good start, scoring 25 off the first 4 overs, unfortunately (for DAFs) both were out soon afterwards, LBW. Thankfullly Nipun had arrived at this point still glowing following his Gregg's breakfast by way of celebration on getting a new job with RBS - nice one mate - he even splashed out by having ketchup with his pasty! Still on a high he strolled out to join JB (aka Golden Arm) with the score on 31 for 2. 146 runs later JB was replaced by Andy Quinn (to cut a long story short, Nipun, and JB in particular, feasted on their flesh), with JB having made 74 (would have been a ton had he worked out how to hit a ball pitched outside leg - nets on Wednesday for you mate!). Andy Q was then served a couple of pies to get him going, which he duly despatched, carrying on his fine form from the week before - Nipun was heard to apologise for not offering any ketchup, having had it all earlier with his Gregg's pasty and Smudger was cursing under his breath for having dropped Andy from his fantasy team). Nipun went eventually for 84 (would have been a ton had he arrived on time to open!) with the score on 229 after 41 overs.

Skip and Andy Q then put on 41 in 4 overs to drive the point home to the oppos - i.e. we were wanting to, and going to, win this one! - we finished on 270 for 4. Apologies to Jack Jones (debut) and Mahmood for not getting a bat (they were next in) - it was just one of those days.

Amjid 6
Norrie 18
JB 74
Nipun 84
Andy Q 36 n.o.
Skip 26 n.o.
Jack J dnb
Mahmood dnb
Scott R dnb
Smudger dnb
Gerry dnb

Having had a good tea and confident of defending a rate of more than 6 an over we took to the field and gave Darren (the destroyer, too strong for your own good) Kidd an early life off the first ball. Darren then took a huge liking to our opening bowlers so that DAFs were 59 for none off 5 (beating the Stirling II's effort from the week before of 49 for none after 5 - which was painful enough!) and then 81 for none after 10. Thankfully by this point skip had sobbered up and had decided to take the pace off the ball (before you ask, no, I didn't bring on Norrie) with Smudger and JB - which worked an absolute treat, even if I do say so myself! However, it was only a 'treat' once Jack Jones took a stunning catch to get rid of Dave Kidd, running back, arching and twisting his back, diving at point - welcome to the club Jack, I hope you stay.

Suddenly HX's spirits were up and we were bowling and fielding like demons - obviously having left the bad stuff at Stirling the week before, and then some! Smudger from the Ferry road end and JB from the ....not sure, changing room/clubhouse/castle/Arthur's seat end? really tied the DAFs down so that after 20 overs they were at 120 but 3 down, and then 135 for 6 after 25 overs. During this period we took some magic and memorable catches. Gerry impersonating a juggler at 1st slip before getting bored and eventuallly (4th attempt I think) deciding to take the ball home with him; Nipun running in and trying to flag the Gregg's van as it went past Arbo on the ferry road before realising there was a dark red, and very hard, object/ball coming his way - thankfully he got his hands up and it stuck, otherwise he would have been wearing it - Rudolph would have been proud, but we never got to know, thankfully!

 Gerry, 'get me a gin', Lohan then came on and the wickets kept falling. Norrie then got in on the act as did Amjid. We bowled them out for 195. A top effort by the whole team, be it the wicket keeper, fine leg, mid wicket etc.

Amjid 6.2 over 2 for 42
Norrie 9 overs 2 for 59
Smudger 9 overs 3 for 39
Golden Arm 9 overs 2 for 24
Gerry (hope your headache is ok/gone and gig been great) 6 overs 1 for 27.

It was great to see all the bowlers taking wickets - first time this year, I think. This was a top effort by a top bunch of guys. I'm sorry that some of you didn't get more of a game, it was just one of those days. Credit to MUFs for sticking around for beer and banter after the game - the game was played in good spirit throughout and it is always a pleasue to play them...and win!!

I would like to thank everyone that has played for the 2s over the past 2 1/2 years. It has been a great privilege and I wish the next skipper well. Whoever it is, I will support you all the way. As an aside, this is a team game, and I have tried to give people a game, I'm sorry that this hasn't been good enough for some or put some noses out of joint. Having said that, the 2s really do have the makings of a team, and on more than several occasions this year you boys have shown top top top flair, quality, effort, commitment, enthusiasm - and believe it or not, skill (I'm going soft!) - and brought a lot of smiles to my face. Well done guys. I'm sorry that others think that I do not have the right attitude or best wishes of the club at heart.

Bring on, and long live, the Cross!

Yours, gutted by egos and undermined, Ziggy.

PS at least I no longer have to go to selection or arrive early at Arbo on a Saturday!

Beware the lesser spotted hoodie

Cricketers in the East of Scotland are asked to be on the lookout for a rare type of hunting bird which can impersonate other birds and cause havoc on a Saturday afternoon.

The bird is the Amjid Lesser spotted hoodie, and it was spotted at Campbell Park recently, where it donned bat and pads and reached the crease before the real batsman could beat it to the crease; it is thought to have attended cuckoo school to learn its impersonating skills, but has declined the course in simple arithmetic.

Last year it was spotted many times by twitchers in Western Union cricket but in the East it first appeared in August 2005 when the eagle-eyed Carlton Forrest Crow spotted one at Academy Park. After that it seemed to migrate to Dunfermline for a few years before dying out there. Two-dogs fears it might emigrate to Spain and damage the tourist industry.

It has the ability to change its plumage to white and is such a swift bird that only the Red-footed Oumigoulie Geddesburd could possibly fend it off and beat it to the crease. Leading birdwatcher Ziggy explains: I’ve known some fast burds in my time and can tell you this Geddesburd gets to the wicket like greased lightening ; two years ago it beat the Cocococo bird to the crease before it could finish its 42nd cigarette of the day, causing it to sqwark a lot; other birds like the bearded lesser spotted Amjid wouldn’t be a match for it either, as the Fraserbird would attest; after all, the bearded lesser spotted Amjid is a lovely friendly bird but runs with the speed of a crippled snail and is the only East League bird ever to have been dismissed “timed out”.

The other problem with the Lesser spotted hoodie is that it rather likes to home in on the Chuckie bear-faced Lyre bird which is reputed to hang out at Arbo. It likes to b*gg*r the innocent Lyre bird, and even when the Lyre bird or Spickerhen appeals to its attacker, all one can hear is the hoodie squawking “outside off” or “going down leg” or “too low” or (when replying to the Penikuikaburra) “pitched on leg."

El presidente at Arbo, the Shifty Hawk fears that the breeding season may result in an epidemic of hoodies.

The local table tennis league have been advised to be on the look-out. To be sure it is a fearsome bird.

League Weekend 8 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's League fixtures -

• 1sts vs Boroughmuir, away - umpires C Badhe and C Allen
• 2nds vs Murrayfield-DAFS 3rds, Arbo
• 3rds vs Leith 3rds, Away.

Next week there are nets at New Field on Wednesday night (an earlier version of this post said Tuesday - my apologies) and an evening friendly against Bellevue Chapel at Arbo on Thursday. If you'd like to play please contact Captain McGill (assuming you can find him), comment here or drop a line to secretary@holycrosscricket.co.uk.

Scotland vs England: June 19th

Details of the BBC coverage here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/counties/scotland/8744032.stm

With the weather set fair Crossers will have to follow the game via their (wind-up) radios.

Breaking News....Missing Edinburgh Man 'safe and well'

An international manhunt involving various border authorities has ended with the man reunited with his wife - on holiday on the island of Bermeja. Her early morning call had sparked a wave of panic amongst Crossers (who was going to roll the wicket?) and the UK Treasury (who else would maintain UK sales of cigarettes and whisky?).

The man had last been seen - in the vicinity of Newfield - accepting a lift from a suspicious owner of a white van. Though supposedly en route to the Old Bell public house (Causewayside), he had not been seen since. His whereabouts during the 'missing hours' remain a mystery. This hasn't prevented an orgy of speculation, such as this from a 'RB': 'had he gone out s*****ng with S*****rs?'.

1sts back on track with win against Largo

Holy Cross sought to arrest a run of recent loses by entertaining Largo on Saturday, on what Charlie had a earlier declared a good track to bat on. EC duly won the toss and opted for a knock.

We started well with Chuckie and Spickers hitting regular boundaries assisted by a few extras. Going against KF's pre match prediction of three, Si was only dropped twice this week but didn't quite capitalise as he has done previously this season and was eventually caught, bringing the skipper to the crease. To their credit Largo's youngsters came on, tightened up the bowling and proved difficult to get away. Charles fell next after scoring a 54 of classy shots, bringing KF to the fore in about the 35th over, (no book I'm afraid) too late to break club records but he added a good 21 followed up by a quick 19* from Dougster. When the skip fell for a gritty, nuggety, determined 58 the late flourish failed to appear thanks in no large part to a hat trick from Thomason. A change of ends worked wonders for the Largo OA producing three good deliveries to remove EC, Bonfield and Bainbridge. After our quick start certain commentators thought 215 might have been a touch light but the skipper's view that the pitch was a bit tricky and that 215 should be fine proved to be true.

Shanton and Charlie were the pick of the bowlers with Bonfield producing some superb deliveries and Chuckster on the spot for 10 overs. Both were rewarded with 2 wickets. The match was finely poised for quite some time but the required run rate gradually increased and when Spickering removed Thomason with a quickfire stumping things appeared to be going our way. Kinnear batted through with a good 66* and despite a good few catches going down ourselves Largo wickets fell and tight bowling from Dougie, Andy K, The Doctor and occasionally from Bainbridge left the Fifers needing 8 - 10 an over from the last 10 overs. It wasn't to be and we ran out victors.

I haven't got the figures but between the wides and no balls there must have been a huge amount of extras in the game. Credit to Largo for a good game played in the right spirit and some tight bowling from their youngsters (a couple of 16/17 year olds). It's always enjoyable to play against them and I'm sure we look forward to our visit to the Kingdom later in season.

One of those days

Having taken to the field with nine men, we got off to a bad start with Stirling reaching 49 for none after five overs. By the 13 over we were up to full strength in the field, but the score had reached 82 for none. We managed to drop one of the openers roughly five times - he went on to make a ton. It is safe to say that this was our worst performance in the field for quite some time - be it catching or just stopping the ball. Stirling ending their innings on 296 for 4.

Andy Graham 3 overs none for 27
Tom Wright 2 over none for 20
Gerry Lohan 8 overs none for 35
Norrie Webb 9 overs none for 50
Colin Smith 9 overs 3 for 48
Mark Brown 2 overs none for 17
Amjid Mohammed 9 overs none for 69
Andy Quinn 3 overs none for 18

Our reply got off to a poor start too, with both openers back in the pavilion with the score on 14. Andy Quinn and Tom Wright then put together a stand of 56. Wickets then fell at regular intervals with us being all out for 142.

Skip 5
Norrie 5
Andy Quinn 49
Tom Wright 20
Sandy Robertson 4
Amjid 11
Ross Taylor 8 not out
Andy Graham 11
Smudger 12
Gerry 1
Mark Brown 0

6 points for us. Fingers crossed that it was just one of those days.

Rain reigns as President's Trophy clash a wash out

Today's President's Trophy 2nd Round clash away to Westquarter and Redding has been called off before the Crossers could leave Arbo.

Heavy rain put paid to the tie early enough to save the tourists from travelling.

Steadyish 1sts overcome hatrick but are the only winners

1st XI
Holy Cross 215/7
E. C. Smith 58, C. Ellis 54, K. Fraser 21, D. Russell 19*
Thomasen 3/43

Largo 183/ 5
C. Kinnear 66*, C. Barclay 20, A. Warrender 29.
S. Bonfield 2/20 (10 overs), C. Ellis 2/26 (off 10)

2nd XI
Stirling 3rds 297/4
G. Taylor 105, G. Gardner, Morton 31

Holy Cross 142ao
A. Quinn 49, T. Wright 20.

3rd XI
Murrayfield/Dafs 4ths 146 for 7
R Mehta 48, C. Richardson 25

Holy Cross 3rds 124
C. McGill 24, R. Ellis 17
E. McDonald 3 for 13; R Kneebone 2 for 15.

Marchmont Mauling in Masterton

Cross were dumped out of the Masterton Trophy at the QF stage by an on form and determined Marchmont side at Cavalry Park.

Holy Cross 104/ 4 K. Fraser 50*, S. Bonfield 21*.
Marcmont 108/2 W. Collier 66*, Loeffen 21

Cross were unable to find any early momentum against good bowling from the Marchmont opening pair (Loeffen & Macksimczyk) who got plenty from the wicket. Keith (continuing his recent good form) and Shannon played well but 104 was unlikely to be enough.

So it proved as Marchmont batted in aggressive fashion with Will Collier hitting a fluent 66* and Matt Loeffen 21. Despite a contender for catch of the season from Andy G just inside the Long Leg boundary to dismiss Aaron, Marchmont punished anything loose or over-pitched and cruised passed the total in the 13th over.

good luck to Marchmont in their semi vs Grange.

League Weekend 7 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's League fixtures -

• 1sts vs Largo, at Arbo.
• 2nds vs Stirling 3rds, Away.
• 3rds vs Murrayfield DAFS 4ths, Home at Campbell Park

Sunday is our Presidents Trophy 2nd round tie away at Westquarter, 1.30pm start.

Next week there's a midweek friendly against Edinburgh South at Arbo on Tuesday night (sign up here, talk to Captain McGill or e-mail secretary@holycrosscricket.co.uk) and nets at New Field on Wednesday night.

Thirds to appeal against ECB ruling

Third XI representatives have reacted angrily to the ECB's attempt to outlaw the double-bouncing delivery. Cricket Scotland have indicated that they too will ban this delivery.

This means that several weeks of practice by the third team bowling squad has been rendered a waste of time.

These bowlers had previously been inspired by the use of this delivery in test cricket and had found that it was ideal for surfaces such as that found at Campbell Park.

Feeling grumpy 'is good for you'

surely this explains the er... success of the club over the last 60 years:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8339647.stm

certainly going by the postings here (including those censored) this week, we ought to have a successful weekend...

Bainbro informs me that the top ten most grumpy players this week were:

1. 'Mr Anonymous' who responded to Ziggy's comments re the thirds.
2. Charlie all Saturday and all Sunday.
3. Shannon.
4. Ziggy after finding out that the 2nds had lost by a tiny fraction of a run.
5. Ziggy after realising he had 10 players while the thirds had 12.
6. Mr Admin after being triggered AGAIN.
7. Coco after finding out he had 8 players (later rounded up to 12) and losing his best bowler.
8. Bimbo after getting out to a cross-batted swipe when well set.
9. Sandy getting a last minute call to go to all the way to Fauldhouse.
10 Spickers after a fielder had the temerity to catch him.

Out-of-The-Ashes

http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/whats-on/2010/out-of-the-ashes

Crossers may be interested in this film being premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival. In a brilliant piece of scheduling it is being shown on June the 19th - when most of those interested in cricket in the Edinburgh area will either be involved in East League matches or following the Scotland vs England match. Fortunately it's also being shown on June 17th.

Summary:
In just a few years, the Afghan cricket team has risen from obscurity in the sport’s lowest ranks to phenomenal success in the highly competitive international arena. This is the remarkable and inspirational story of coach Taj Malik Aleem and his team, who became the sport’s unlikeliest heroes during a triumphant campaign culminating in the crucial World Cup qualifier in South Africa. In a country more often associated with war and rigged elections, their incredible journey is an absolute joy to behold.

Macabi Midweek Match off

Tonight's (Tues 8th) friendly game vs Macabi has been called off - pitch already too wet and little prospect of drying weather before 6pm.

Rearranged for Thursday 1st July.

Fraser Flourish Can't Prevent Triple Loss for Cross

Given poor availability, 3 losses is not a major surprise - though still disappointing. 2nds were very unlucky with the infamous rain rule.

1sts
Holy Cross 141ao
D. Russell 55, R. Bainbridge 30, R. Worsnop 27.

Fauldhouse 144-3
D.J. Allan 50odd.

partial scorecard here

For the 2nd successive occasion, the 1sts failed in their attempt to beat Fauldhouse with less than 2/3rds of the 1st team. After an early collapse, Dougie and Bainbro put together a fluent partnership of 60 odd and got us back into the game. But despite Robin's efforts, the absence of our usual batting depth meant we were unable to get the near a competitive total. Hopefully availability will pick up next week and beyond.

2nds
PVB reports that:

Holy Cross probably lost to Edinburgh Accies by 0.002 of a run. Holy Cross scored 188 all out; their run rate is 4.17778. Accies scored 117-5 after 27.4 overs; their run rate is 4.17857. By multiplying the Holy Cross run rate of 4.1778 by 28 overs you get 116.98.

Is the target 117 or is it 118 if Holy Cross' score is rounded up to 117? Can you win by 0.002 of a run? Your views please!

There was no argument after the game - it was played in the most sporting manner possible. It does highlight the fact the old rule of a game counting after 24/27/30 overs of a second innings was made when we had the draw - without the draw it is a win/lose situation and unfair.

Ziggy will give his reaction at 3.17am.

3rds
Lost to Dalgety Bay by about 5 wickets - details below from Broonster.

Fifers keep Cross at Bay

Dalgety Bay dented HX III's promotion hopes with a win under the shadow of the Forth Road and Rail Bridges.

Russell & Fraser opened for the Cross on the artificial track which was surrounded by a slow outfield with the cut grass packed throughout.

The runs were slow to rack up, but with that no wickets were lost as the duo put on a partnership of some 85 (from memory!) runs before Russell returned to the pavillion and Fraser followed shortly after.

Callum 'The Skateboard King' McIntosh was in and out along with others from the middle order including pint sized Josey Ray who hit a handful before succumbing to a cheap fall.

Coco fell for a duck and made Broonster aware of that it will be one of the few times that he'll ever be able to say "I scored more than Coco and was still Not Out". The rookie reaching 2 not out which helped the Cross finish on 130 and gain all important batting points.

Was 130 going to be enough on this slow paddock? Despite a debut double (and a catch) from Dave Jones, a Coco couple and a flying Fraser catch, the early promise of potential smash and grab victory didn't materialise. A hat-trick of dropped catches and perhaps with the aid of a more generous LBW call it may have been a different outcome but sadly, just like the proposed new Forth Crossing, which would blot the picturesque landscape offered at the bowlers 'Asda End', it simply was a bridge too far.

Disappointing times, but there is always next time. The 3's will be out to prove that they have bouncebackability as they turn out for the first time this season at Campbell Park against MUFS 4s.

Cross crash out of Activcity 20:20

On a sun drenched Newfield the Cross succumbed to Accies in the the newly named Activcity 20:20 (formerly Cow Corner).

Haven't got the book so details are scarce but on a very good batting track Accies posted 186 batting first mainly thanks to a very good innings of 73* from the wicket keeper No3, which included a big straight 6 off the advice of KF. 40 odd from the no4/5 and some very ropey ground fielding also helped them on their way to a decent but not impossible total.

Cross started well in reply with EC and Pickering making 20/30 odd each and we were in touching distance of the run rate after 10 overs. Wickets fell regularly and despite a 30 odd from Calum we needed a good partnership to emerge to keep in the mix. Unfortunately this didn't happen and we were all out for 150 odd.

Our midweek hopes now rest with the upcoming Masterton 2nd round and hopefully our luck will change.

League Weekend 6 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's League fixtures -

• 1sts vs Fauldhouse, away.
• 2nds vs Edinburgh Accies 2nds, at Arbo.
• 3rds vs Dalgety Bay, away.

Next week -

• Tuesday 8th June, evening friendly vs Maccabi at Arbo - sign up below, contact Colin McGill or email secretary@holycrosscricket.co.uk
• Wednesday 9th June, nets at New Field
• Thursday 10th June, Masterton 2nd round vs Marchmont at Cavalry Park
• Sunday 13th June, Presidents Trophy 2nds round vs Westquarter, away - slightly delayed 1.30 pm start.

Fast Food

As the 2nd XI leadership 'team' have long argued, a diet of fatty food late at night can be combined with elite sporting performance:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/10229338.stm

Recommended Reading - Out of Oorschot

Popey may be on loan to Leeds at the moment, but his thoughts are never far from Arbo, so he's asked me to provide you with a link to a blog you may find entertaining - it's by Rene van Oorschot who plays for Aberdeenshire/Mannofield in the Strathmore Union.

For some reason James thought that Rene's thoughts on pros and a recent grudge match might be of particular interest. Happy reading.

McGill's Midweek Men Make Merry

I've been informed semi-reliably that...

Despite a wet and somewhat uneven pitch and losing Ziggy 1st ball, the midweek team made 197/5ish (!) off their 20 overs against some "friendly" Uni Staff bowling, several batsmen reaching the retiral point of 25.

Believe that Staff made 102/3 in response with CoCo taking 2/3, Calum MacIntosh taking his first wicket ever and Deepak and his mate (Gandhe of Marchmont CC) impressing with the ball.

Remember nets tonight (Wednesday) from 6.30 onwards and also that the 1st XI play Edin Accies on Thursday (6pm, Newfield) - supporters, scorers etc welcome.

Graveyard Sports Day

May be of interest to Crossers:

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Athletes-over-sixty-and-going.6334764.jp