- 1sts vs Marchmont, away, 12 noon start.
- 2nds vs Grange 3rds at Arbo, 1 pm start.
- 3rds vs Tranent 2nds, home on the Inverleith Park arti, 1pm start.
Midweek -
- Tuesday - Active Edinburgh Trophy QF vs Livingston, away.
Friday, 31 July 2015
League Weekend 15 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
Midweek -
Midweek -
Bacon Boys Still Fabulous but 2s Lose Unbeaten Record in Fife.
I described last week's defeat to Penicuik as a game that we could have won, with a little more self-confidence. This was a game that we should have won.
On paper that seemed unlikely. Glens are a strong second in the division and they absolutely caned us earlier in the season. Admittedly that was at Holy Cross peak unavailability, but still the omens looked about as good as the weather forecast.
When we went off for rain after 14 overs, Glens were 53 for 1 and, while there had been some alarms, Guy Robinson (40), who is riding high in the divisional batting charts, was beginning to tuck into the bowling. After about an hour and a half and an early tea, we were back out and, with the Bacon boys bowling in tandem, the game was beginning to turn our way (literally as Robbie turned from cutters to join his twin in spin). They had combined figures of 18-2-45-2 and were backed up by decent spells from JB and Keith Geddes. The fielding was decent too - three run outs and a splendid low catch from Coastal in the gully to dismiss Scott Lucas, who very sportingly walked. Alasdair Sim ground out 28 and Ross Mearns a useful 20 not out, but we were pretty happy to have contained Glens to 158 for 9.
An excellent opening burst from Dodds junior (9-3-15-2) left us 29 for 2 in the 10th, but that just brought the Bacons back together. Robbie scored 44 and when John was out for 41 we were 126 for 4, requiring 33 to win from a little over 11 overs. A little under 11 overs later we were all out for 146. Our last tweet of the day congratulated Glens on their win but then asked "How. Did. That. Happen?" I'm not sure I'm that much clearer almost a week later.
The Glens match report attributes it to an inspiring team talk at drinks. While it seems to have taken a while to work its magic, with runs flowing at around 4 an over for the ten overs immediately afterwards, there's clearly some truth in that, with Glens buzzing in the field and Kris Glen (8-3-11-3) bowling an inspired spell.
But the other truth, sadly, is that we bottled it. Thanks to Glens for a good game played in good spirits, despite the frustrations of a long rain break and a very late finish. As we drove back through a glorious, golden evening offering splendid views of the windmills and fields, the bridges and the Forth, we were left to reflect that, however tired and hungry you are and however late it is, evenings like these are made perfect by a victory.
On paper that seemed unlikely. Glens are a strong second in the division and they absolutely caned us earlier in the season. Admittedly that was at Holy Cross peak unavailability, but still the omens looked about as good as the weather forecast.
When we went off for rain after 14 overs, Glens were 53 for 1 and, while there had been some alarms, Guy Robinson (40), who is riding high in the divisional batting charts, was beginning to tuck into the bowling. After about an hour and a half and an early tea, we were back out and, with the Bacon boys bowling in tandem, the game was beginning to turn our way (literally as Robbie turned from cutters to join his twin in spin). They had combined figures of 18-2-45-2 and were backed up by decent spells from JB and Keith Geddes. The fielding was decent too - three run outs and a splendid low catch from Coastal in the gully to dismiss Scott Lucas, who very sportingly walked. Alasdair Sim ground out 28 and Ross Mearns a useful 20 not out, but we were pretty happy to have contained Glens to 158 for 9.
 |
| The beginning of the end? Robbie trudges back after dragging on. Photo: Glens. |
An excellent opening burst from Dodds junior (9-3-15-2) left us 29 for 2 in the 10th, but that just brought the Bacons back together. Robbie scored 44 and when John was out for 41 we were 126 for 4, requiring 33 to win from a little over 11 overs. A little under 11 overs later we were all out for 146. Our last tweet of the day congratulated Glens on their win but then asked "How. Did. That. Happen?" I'm not sure I'm that much clearer almost a week later.
The Glens match report attributes it to an inspiring team talk at drinks. While it seems to have taken a while to work its magic, with runs flowing at around 4 an over for the ten overs immediately afterwards, there's clearly some truth in that, with Glens buzzing in the field and Kris Glen (8-3-11-3) bowling an inspired spell.
But the other truth, sadly, is that we bottled it. Thanks to Glens for a good game played in good spirits, despite the frustrations of a long rain break and a very late finish. As we drove back through a glorious, golden evening offering splendid views of the windmills and fields, the bridges and the Forth, we were left to reflect that, however tired and hungry you are and however late it is, evenings like these are made perfect by a victory.
Friday, 24 July 2015
Too Many! Cuik Spoil 2s' Day.
It was a funny day. Perhaps only two or three batsmen ever looked completely comfortable all afternoon, yet nearly 450 runs were scored, at nearly 5 an over, and only 12 wickets fell, four of them in a single over.
The key to Penicuik's total of 230 for 7 was two huge stands: 99 for the second wicket between Steve Thomson (64) and Ross Liddle (38) and 101 for the fourth between David Adams (36) and Cameron Crawford (60). Thomson's was a canny, intelligent innings, Crawford's brutal and the 'cuik scored at 6.5 an over after drinks and nearly 10 an over off the last five.
We made and missed a few half and quarter chances (and one dolly), but our attack was a little out of sorts. Gerry was still struggling with a yoga injury (Lord of the Dance pose? Plank?) and managed only three overs. Dave Sharpe, a late call-up for his once-every-seven-years game for the 2s, bowled valiantly. But only Vikram (9-1-24-4) really got on top of the batsmen. Indeed he was in such fine fettle that his first burst was a full five overs rather than the usual four. Just as against Marchmont the 45th over yielded two bowling points - this time four wickets fell as Vik followed a BAF run-out with three wickets in the last four balls.
BAF nicked off in the first over to Crawford (9-2-35-2) and JB (54) and Ziggy (66) set about rebuilding in a stand of 85. JB in particular rode his luck early on, but when he was out, trying to push on, in the 23rd over, a platform of sorts had been built, even if we now needed to accelerate as dramatically as 'cuik had done earlier. With Ziggy becoming a little becalmed, Tom (38) looked most likely to provide an innings to match Crawford's. But by the time he was bowled by Liddle (9-2-43-2) in the 38th, the required run rate had mounted to double digits and we needed some Vik fireworks.
Against some disciplined bowling (special mention here to young Murray: 7-0-27-0) and a deep-set field, that never quite happened - indeed, most uncharacteristically, there wasn't a single boundary in Vik's 20 not out. We finished on 211 for 5. Nine points pretty well-earned and a big improvement on the first game against the Kirkhill men, but perhaps the main impression left behind is that with a little more self-confidence this game could have been won.
Thanks to Penicuik for another game played in good spirits and with plenty of good chat. We hope to see you again next season.
The key to Penicuik's total of 230 for 7 was two huge stands: 99 for the second wicket between Steve Thomson (64) and Ross Liddle (38) and 101 for the fourth between David Adams (36) and Cameron Crawford (60). Thomson's was a canny, intelligent innings, Crawford's brutal and the 'cuik scored at 6.5 an over after drinks and nearly 10 an over off the last five.
We made and missed a few half and quarter chances (and one dolly), but our attack was a little out of sorts. Gerry was still struggling with a yoga injury (Lord of the Dance pose? Plank?) and managed only three overs. Dave Sharpe, a late call-up for his once-every-seven-years game for the 2s, bowled valiantly. But only Vikram (9-1-24-4) really got on top of the batsmen. Indeed he was in such fine fettle that his first burst was a full five overs rather than the usual four. Just as against Marchmont the 45th over yielded two bowling points - this time four wickets fell as Vik followed a BAF run-out with three wickets in the last four balls.
BAF nicked off in the first over to Crawford (9-2-35-2) and JB (54) and Ziggy (66) set about rebuilding in a stand of 85. JB in particular rode his luck early on, but when he was out, trying to push on, in the 23rd over, a platform of sorts had been built, even if we now needed to accelerate as dramatically as 'cuik had done earlier. With Ziggy becoming a little becalmed, Tom (38) looked most likely to provide an innings to match Crawford's. But by the time he was bowled by Liddle (9-2-43-2) in the 38th, the required run rate had mounted to double digits and we needed some Vik fireworks.
Against some disciplined bowling (special mention here to young Murray: 7-0-27-0) and a deep-set field, that never quite happened - indeed, most uncharacteristically, there wasn't a single boundary in Vik's 20 not out. We finished on 211 for 5. Nine points pretty well-earned and a big improvement on the first game against the Kirkhill men, but perhaps the main impression left behind is that with a little more self-confidence this game could have been won.
Thanks to Penicuik for another game played in good spirits and with plenty of good chat. We hope to see you again next season.
Thursday, 23 July 2015
League Weekend 14 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
- 1sts vs Grange 2nds at Arbo, noon start.
- 2nds vs Glenrothes 2nds, away.
- 3rds vs RHC 3rds, away at the Meadows.
- Tuesday, friendly vs Maccabi at Arbo.
Midweek Rearrangement
The evening friendly at Roseburn against Murrayfield-DAFS has had to be moved again. It will now be played on Tuesday 11th August.
Friday, 17 July 2015
Smells Like Team Spirit. League Leaders Beat 2s Again.
I can hardly summon the energy to write this. It's not because we lost, honest - at Holy Cross I hope we sing even when we're not winning. But the sheer quantity of cricket this summer (12 weeks, 11 games, 10 match reports - I was away for the Glenrothes humping) is wearing me out.
And not just physically. In a proper season with a normal number of rain-offs I can trot out my tired puns on the opposition's names once and trust that my tiny readership will have forgotten them by the time they appear again next season and that promotion and relegation will have provided me with new victims.
But this year we're playing teams a second time and the puns resemble someone who's promised to do a sit-up every time Michael asks a question on a Saturday or Vikram self-diagnoses a new injury - not so much tired as shaking uncontrollably with exhaustion.
Anyway, this week was the return game against Marchmont. Smudge won the toss and, with Vik initially reluctant to bowl, he (9-0-37-2) and Gerry (9-1-23-1) opened up. Eleven overs later Marchmont were 38 for 3, but that was about as good as it got for us as first Healy (26) and then Grainger (53) joined Ramachandra (63). Remarkably Chips' half-century was his first in League cricket - and a very good one it was. Ramachandra, by contrast, rode his luck hard and while our catching was generally decent, especially Mike Nevin's three, some important half-chances were missed. Shifty (7-0-34-5) took three wickets in the last over to secure maximum bowling points and Marchmont finished on 210 for 9.
Our reply never really got going. Euan (22) and Ziggy picked out fielders with confident shots and JB was strangled down the leg side. Vik (34) was again the pick of the batsmen scoring at nearly a run a ball and Gerry and Smudge finished the game with the bat as well as they had begun it with the ball to snatch an extra batting point. 136 all out in the 44th and a rather generous 8 points.
At Arbo we had been largely undone by Mansoor's spin. This time the leading bowler was Simon Marr (9-2-20-3) and Mansoor, along with six others of the nine (yes, nine) bowlers, had to be content with a lone wicket. That may give a clue as to why Marchmont are unbeaten this season. Unlike many of the sides I've seen run away with divisions over the years, this doesn't seem to be a case of two or three dominant players dragging their team mates along for the ride. Rather there's plenty of good, stuffy strength in depth, a real team. Good luck to them for the rest of the season.
And not just physically. In a proper season with a normal number of rain-offs I can trot out my tired puns on the opposition's names once and trust that my tiny readership will have forgotten them by the time they appear again next season and that promotion and relegation will have provided me with new victims.
But this year we're playing teams a second time and the puns resemble someone who's promised to do a sit-up every time Michael asks a question on a Saturday or Vikram self-diagnoses a new injury - not so much tired as shaking uncontrollably with exhaustion.
 |
| Marchmont huddle as the HX openers look on unimpressed. |
Anyway, this week was the return game against Marchmont. Smudge won the toss and, with Vik initially reluctant to bowl, he (9-0-37-2) and Gerry (9-1-23-1) opened up. Eleven overs later Marchmont were 38 for 3, but that was about as good as it got for us as first Healy (26) and then Grainger (53) joined Ramachandra (63). Remarkably Chips' half-century was his first in League cricket - and a very good one it was. Ramachandra, by contrast, rode his luck hard and while our catching was generally decent, especially Mike Nevin's three, some important half-chances were missed. Shifty (7-0-34-5) took three wickets in the last over to secure maximum bowling points and Marchmont finished on 210 for 9.
Our reply never really got going. Euan (22) and Ziggy picked out fielders with confident shots and JB was strangled down the leg side. Vik (34) was again the pick of the batsmen scoring at nearly a run a ball and Gerry and Smudge finished the game with the bat as well as they had begun it with the ball to snatch an extra batting point. 136 all out in the 44th and a rather generous 8 points.
At Arbo we had been largely undone by Mansoor's spin. This time the leading bowler was Simon Marr (9-2-20-3) and Mansoor, along with six others of the nine (yes, nine) bowlers, had to be content with a lone wicket. That may give a clue as to why Marchmont are unbeaten this season. Unlike many of the sides I've seen run away with divisions over the years, this doesn't seem to be a case of two or three dominant players dragging their team mates along for the ride. Rather there's plenty of good, stuffy strength in depth, a real team. Good luck to them for the rest of the season.
Thursday, 16 July 2015
League Weekend 13 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
Midweek -
- 1sts vs Glenrothes, away.
- 2nds vs Penicuik 2nds at Arbo.
- 3rds vs Morton 3rds, at home on the Inverleith Park arti.
Midweek -
- Wednesday, Parks Trophy final vs Murrayfield-DAFS at Newfield.
- Thursday, friendly vs SMRH Trojans at Arbo.
Parks Trophy semi-final vs Boroughmuir
A batting masterclass from Zia saw Holy Cross progress to the final of the Parks Trophy last night at Meggetland.
Losing the toss, we were asked to field which didn't go so well. It was a lacklustre effort, with a couple of dropped catches and a number of misfields. Boroughmuir were swinging at everything and made it through to 124-8 off their 20.
Kashif with the pick of the figures 2-15 off 4!
We got off to a flyer, with myself hitting the first ball for 4. Then I managed to edge a ball on to my pads, then on to leg stump.
A couple of overs later, Raja fell to a bizarre caught and bowled. He smashed a straight drive on the up and Zia didn't have time to move, the ball hitting him on the arm and ricocheted up for the bowler to take an easy catch. We were in trouble 2-21 in the 4th over.
Owais then joined Zia at the wicket and steadily built an impressive partnership. Zia dominated, however Owais scored a run a ball 28*, including hitting a 6 to finish the game! Zia ended on 81* off only 60 balls and the pair put on 104!
In the end a comfortable victory with 2 overs and 8 wickets in hand.
MDAFS await us in the final on Wednesday 22nd.
Losing the toss, we were asked to field which didn't go so well. It was a lacklustre effort, with a couple of dropped catches and a number of misfields. Boroughmuir were swinging at everything and made it through to 124-8 off their 20.
Kashif with the pick of the figures 2-15 off 4!
We got off to a flyer, with myself hitting the first ball for 4. Then I managed to edge a ball on to my pads, then on to leg stump.
A couple of overs later, Raja fell to a bizarre caught and bowled. He smashed a straight drive on the up and Zia didn't have time to move, the ball hitting him on the arm and ricocheted up for the bowler to take an easy catch. We were in trouble 2-21 in the 4th over.
Owais then joined Zia at the wicket and steadily built an impressive partnership. Zia dominated, however Owais scored a run a ball 28*, including hitting a 6 to finish the game! Zia ended on 81* off only 60 balls and the pair put on 104!
In the end a comfortable victory with 2 overs and 8 wickets in hand.
MDAFS await us in the final on Wednesday 22nd.
Saturday, 11 July 2015
Two wins, twos lose. Week 12 Round-up
As Meatloaf once proclaimed, two out of three ain’t bad.
Holy Cross were in tune with the hairy rocker as the 1s and 3s secured maximum points whilst the 2s went down but not without a fight.
At Fortress Arbo, the 1s defeated Penicuik by 110 runs. A sterling performance with the bat saw Si’s men amass an unbeatable 232-5 including a fine innings from Zia, with the tourists making 122 at a muggy Arbo.
Meanwhile, at Cavalry Park, the 2s lost out to their Marchmont counterparts. The hosts lost the toss and batted first, reaching 210-9 at tea, with Shifty taking a ‘Michelle’ and Mike Nevin making a trio of catches. Unfortunately the league leaders' total was too rich for the Cross who reached 136 in response.
Whilst at Inverleith Park, the 3s won in emphatic style. Glenrothes 4s, who had done a remarkable job in getting together an XI at all, won the toss and elected to bat. However they may have regretted that decision early in proceedings as they staggered to 27-6 before adding just two more runs to complete their total - Dom taking a second 5-fer in as many weeks. A quick turnaround was in order and it took just 6.5 overs to surpass the Fifers total, allowing the lads to head up to Arbo for nets and cheer on the 1s to victory.
A big thanks to all Crossers who contributed via twitter during the day for the above.
Holy Cross were in tune with the hairy rocker as the 1s and 3s secured maximum points whilst the 2s went down but not without a fight.
At Fortress Arbo, the 1s defeated Penicuik by 110 runs. A sterling performance with the bat saw Si’s men amass an unbeatable 232-5 including a fine innings from Zia, with the tourists making 122 at a muggy Arbo.
Meanwhile, at Cavalry Park, the 2s lost out to their Marchmont counterparts. The hosts lost the toss and batted first, reaching 210-9 at tea, with Shifty taking a ‘Michelle’ and Mike Nevin making a trio of catches. Unfortunately the league leaders' total was too rich for the Cross who reached 136 in response.
Whilst at Inverleith Park, the 3s won in emphatic style. Glenrothes 4s, who had done a remarkable job in getting together an XI at all, won the toss and elected to bat. However they may have regretted that decision early in proceedings as they staggered to 27-6 before adding just two more runs to complete their total - Dom taking a second 5-fer in as many weeks. A quick turnaround was in order and it took just 6.5 overs to surpass the Fifers total, allowing the lads to head up to Arbo for nets and cheer on the 1s to victory.
A big thanks to all Crossers who contributed via twitter during the day for the above.
Thursday, 9 July 2015
League Weekend 12 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
Midweek -
- 1sts vs Penicuik at Arbo, 12 noon start.
- 2nds vs Marchmont 2nds, away, 1pm start.
- 3rds vs Glenrothes 4ths, home at Inverleith Park on the arti, 1pm start.
Midweek -
- Wednesday - Parks Trophy semi-final vs Boroughmuir, at Meggetland.
Friday, 3 July 2015
The Fabulous Bacon Boys, starring Michelle Smudger - 2s Win in Fife
It was an unusually youthful 2s who headed to Freuchie, with five players in their twenties. This led to a regrettable lapse in club etiquette pre-match as warming up, albeit very gentle, was observed. Debutant Overseas Amateur Robbie Bacon and Richard "only his second game for the club" Dennis may plead ignorance but Dan and, especially, Quinny should know better.
Smudge won the toss and decided to bowl, with Robbie and Dan opening. Despite removing one of the openers, Dan was not on his usual fine form - bright sunshine is not the friend of ginger, Mancunian swing bowlers. With almost anything that got off the square going to the boundary, Freuchie raced to 51 for 1 before Ian Wilkinson (41) fell to John Bacon, debuting in the 2s as baby-sitter for his twin.
From then on things moved much more slowly with Bacon 1.0 (9-4-20-2) and Smudger (7-0-22-5) bowling superbly. They were backed up by some uncharacteristically solid catching - seven, yes seven, catches in all, of which Ken's brace were probably the best. There was just time for a promising four over burst from Richard before Freuchie were all out (9 down) for 119 in 34 overs.
Ross McMurdo (8-2-21-1) bowled an excellent, quick, aggressive spell that accounted for Richard, but JB (37) and Robbie (58 no) took us past the halfway mark before the next wicket fell. Remembering our bizarre late collapse against them earlier this season (see Phew! Key (Flukey?) Freuchie Victory for 2nds), Freuchie tails went up briefly ("One brings five") but by now Robbie was motoring and while Bridgeford (5-0-16-0) and Kelly (4.5-1-17-2) bowled well, we won by five wickets with 15 overs to spare.
This was the first game this season with even a hint of needle but it all ended amicably, so thanks to Freuchie for a fine wicket, a good tea and their hospitality. We hope to see you again next season.
PS - For the benefit of the twenty-something warmer-uppers, The Fabulous Baker Boys was a 1989 film, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and the Bridges brothers. Your girlfriend will like it.
 |
| Look away now, KF. |
From then on things moved much more slowly with Bacon 1.0 (9-4-20-2) and Smudger (7-0-22-5) bowling superbly. They were backed up by some uncharacteristically solid catching - seven, yes seven, catches in all, of which Ken's brace were probably the best. There was just time for a promising four over burst from Richard before Freuchie were all out (9 down) for 119 in 34 overs.
 |
| Gerry, Dan, Bacon 1.0 and Nipun wait to bat . Photo - BAF. |
Ross McMurdo (8-2-21-1) bowled an excellent, quick, aggressive spell that accounted for Richard, but JB (37) and Robbie (58 no) took us past the halfway mark before the next wicket fell. Remembering our bizarre late collapse against them earlier this season (see Phew! Key (Flukey?) Freuchie Victory for 2nds), Freuchie tails went up briefly ("One brings five") but by now Robbie was motoring and while Bridgeford (5-0-16-0) and Kelly (4.5-1-17-2) bowled well, we won by five wickets with 15 overs to spare.
This was the first game this season with even a hint of needle but it all ended amicably, so thanks to Freuchie for a fine wicket, a good tea and their hospitality. We hope to see you again next season.
PS - For the benefit of the twenty-something warmer-uppers, The Fabulous Baker Boys was a 1989 film, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and the Bridges brothers. Your girlfriend will like it.
Wednesday, 1 July 2015
Holy Cross BBQ
Holy Cross BBQ - Sat 11th July
Morning chaps,
It's that time of the year again, we've decided to have the annual Holy Cross BBQ on Saturday 11th July at Arbo!
All 3 teams are scheduled to play reasonably close to home, so lets make sure there is a good turn out. The cost is £5 per person and there will be a range of food provided hot off the BBQ!
In order to make sure we have enough food (and cater for any dietary requirements), can you please confirm with me as soon as possible, I'll send an email out shortly.
Hope to see you all there,
Skip
Morning chaps,
It's that time of the year again, we've decided to have the annual Holy Cross BBQ on Saturday 11th July at Arbo!
All 3 teams are scheduled to play reasonably close to home, so lets make sure there is a good turn out. The cost is £5 per person and there will be a range of food provided hot off the BBQ!
In order to make sure we have enough food (and cater for any dietary requirements), can you please confirm with me as soon as possible, I'll send an email out shortly.
Hope to see you all there,
Skip
League Weekend 11 and the Week Ahead
Saturday's fixtures -
Midweek -
- 1sts vs Carlton 2nds, away.
- 2nds vs Edinburgh South 2nds at Arbo.
- 3rds vs Edinburgh South 3rds, away.
Midweek -
- Tuesday night friendly vs Currie-Balerno at Arbo.
Cupdate
Following last night's Parks Trophy QF win, here's where we've got to in our remaining cup
campaigns -
campaigns -
- Parks Trophy - SF vs Botanics or Musselburgh, away.
- Active Edinburgh Trophy - QF vs Livingston, away.
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