Sunday Bloody Sunday....but no inquiry needed - we were brutal!

Dunfermline was a bridge too far for this end of season clash for the depleted 3s who started the game fielding with 9 before Robertson Jnr answered the call to arrive 15 overs in to the game.

At 43-3 after 12 overs, the 3s looked useful with newly crowned Young Player of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year Usama Shazad reaching 1 for 18 from his opening 6 overs including a Wicket Maiden. Akilesh took a wicket with his 4th delivery and without a brown envelope and a News of the World in sight, things were looking up!



Unfortunately young Scott Lucas, whose previous best of 79 not out, was on fire and this promising star of the future despatched many a bowler on his way to an excellent 103 not out.

Geddes, who made the long journey across the street to attend the game but arrived at 12.55, was in on the wickets taking 2-38 and Nevin - winner of the Worst Umpire Award the previous evening - also took a brace but for half of Geddes' total. McGill was left wondering what could have been, taking just one wicket for 41 runs.

In response, the Crossers took to the field following a fine tea for two, but they were either still in awe over the Lucas innings or forgot their batting strokes over the break.



Nevin and Lawrie both notching up singles before being clean bowled by David Timmins leaving Cross 4 for 2 - no Pakistan Agents in sight...



Roberston Jnr looked to go airborne with a Thomas Lucas (yip, he is Scott's twin!) delivery however he only managed to reach Wilkinson and it was back to the pavillion on 11 - double figures at least! Coco went in to keep Mahmood company, but it was Din-Dong for Timmins who added to his earlier scalp. Cross in trouble at 28-4!



Usuma came - and went for 4, caught and bowled by Scott Lucas and Geddes was following him back to the sheds moments later for a duck, caught by the Keeper with the faintest nick from a sweet S Lucas delivery.





Akilesh added a solitary score to the proceedings before being cleaned bowled by Wilkinson as a swipe and miss by the bat didn't miss the stumps!!



McGill was clearly not firing on full cylinders - perhaps basking in the glory of the Awards Night - and his innings of 20 was abrutly ended by Wilkinson.



So, the dream team was out there. Sandy Robertson & Broonster. The Holy Cross Broad & Trott. Or was that Laurel & Hardy? Robertson was already holding his own and continued to show why he has been a strong batsman over the years for the Cross.



Both he and Brown (1 N.O.)steadied the sinking ship to hang on in there and get another batting point before Sandy was finally broken on 13 by S Lucas who, at 3-20 was up there with D Timmins 3-19 for bowling honours.



Well, the curtain comes down on another Cross-tastic 3rds season. Whilst the result was understatingly disappointing, on a positive note, if Cricket Scotland can work with some of these kids and keep them in the game, the future of Scottish Cricket may well be bright!