Carlton lost the toss and were sent into bat, not to the disappointment of the Carlton captain, Haris, who in all his overnight planning had prepared to bat first anyway! Opening pair Francis & Oliver got us off to a flying start, which set the foundation for the rest of  the boys to follow. The second pair, Keshav & Rory E, also batted well, showing good technique and quick running between the wickets,  adding 27 to the total. In came the captain & Rory A, buzzing with confidence knowing the team had set a strong foundation. Both batted well, the captain smashing a huge six & consecutive fours. The fourth ball looked like it had been launched for another 6 only to have just clipped the side net for three. Rory must have felt he had a lot to live up to batting with the captain, but showed he had  the heart and soul to be a great player, smashing 18 runs. With only one lapse in concentration, the pair put on 43 runs with the total now on 295.
 
Little or no pressure for the last pair, Ruari & Ben, meant they could bat at ease. Ruari certainly showed the crowd exactly why he got picked for the East under 12's playing some graceful & powerful batting strokes, with excellent fast running between the wickets. Ben kept the momentum going batting well with good technique. Carlton finished on a score of 331 giving Fauldhouse certainly a hill to climb.
 
Ruari opened the bowling fast and accurately, conceding only one run. And when Haris knocked the stumps out with his first ball the standards had been set. Perfect bowling from Ben, Keshav, Oliver and Rory A. Rory E also bowled well, although his figures didn’t reflect that. Francis, however, was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 4 wickets to add to his 21 runs earlier. All the bowlers bowled a good line & length.
 
In the field, the boys looked determined, focused & disciplined, which kept the pressure on Fauldhouse. Good backing up & no silly overthrows, with excellent direct hits by Ruari & Oliver. Undoubtedly the best fielding performance came from Ruari who was diving around  to stop the ball from the word go. But, it has to be said, the moment when Ruari took his second catch - a one handed dive to his right fielding at cover - was absolutely superb; it took the coach’s breath away and sent the crowd wild. (Note for older readers: Carlton's equivalent to Jonty  Rhodes).
 
All in all, a great result, a good overall team performance and well done to Francis Webb, who picked up the Most Valuable Player award. From a coach’s point of view, I felt proud and honoured to be part of the team. Well Done!! But the final word goes to the skipper: “On the pitch just before we began to bat I told my team that we would have to score more than 100 runs to win the game & we did! Great team performance & I’m looking forward to our next game.”

Match awarded to Carlton as Edinburgh fielded over-age players.

Coach Akeel brought four new, younger players into the team for the semi-final tie and, faced with a much bigger and stronger Edinburgh side, our youngsters put in a terrific performance.

With half of our side playing football ahead of the match our preparation was rather rushed. However, a flawless opening partnership of 31 between Oliver B and Euan got Carlton up and running quickly.  The pairings of Ben & Hari and Haris & Rory A both put on 20, with the last partnership of Ruari and young Calum subject to very unlucky loss of wickets through playing-on and being run out. All in all, a total of 267 represented a fantastic batting effort against a formidable bowling attack.

Our fielding effort was excellent throughout with just a few missed catches to reflect upon.  Carlton led all the way to the 2nd last ball and even on the last ball we almost won with an excellent throw from Oliver – backed up by a wonderful emotional appeal from Rory(!) – which must have been so close to a run out.

All in all a great performance with 100% commitment that, ultimately, led to a place in the final.

Points to highlight:

• When playing indoor or at Kwik Cricket, try and make contact with every ball rather than leave it for a wide which you may not be given
• Always look to see if a run is available – take advantage of fielders not concentrating or not backing up
• Call LOUD (shout YES or NO)
• Learn to bowl at the stumps!

Needing 4 off the last ball, Carlton hit 3 to tie the match and share the U11 competition with Watsonians!

This time everyone was able to turn up in good time, which enabled us to have a proper warm-up. This was a big help because everyone was focused on the game leading to a good start, with the Carlton youngsters, including debutants Adam and Ahmed, bowling and fielding like professionals. Oliver F’s run-out and Euan’s catch kept the pressure on Watsonians, while Haris bowled an excellent fast and accurate spell. Our two ‘senior’ players, Haris and Ruari controlled the game well and kept checking fielding positions. All in all, the young Carlton side was united and determined in the field.

It’s vital to enjoy fielding from a young age. Saving runs is a big aspect of the game and in this match our fielding kept us in the game.

Oliver B and Euan got our batting off to a solid start, but when Rory A and Ahmed were pegged back by some terrific Watsonian fielding, victory seemed unlikely. However, having impressed the coach at the indoor practice sessions, Adam lived up to expectations and his partnership with Oliver F brought Carlton back into the game.

The final pairing of Haris and Ruari needed to come up with something special and their cause was not helped when Ruari was run-out backing up when a straight drive from Haris was deflected onto the stumps. (Note to coach: When you say “play straight” remember to add “but not too straight”!) However, some fine hitting and clever running took Carlton to within touching distance of the target with 4 needed off the final ball. Nerves jangling all round but Ruari held his to hit 3 to tie the game – a result that reflected the true balance of the game.

All in all a great indoor season from all the Carlton U11s. Carlton Cricket Club is very fortunate to have a great batch of players who certainly have the ability to be top cricketers.

Lessons to learn from the indoor season.

Batting

Check centre guard every time

Watch the ball from the bowler’s hand

Always try to make contact with the ball

Look for runs wherever you can – be alert for misfields and overthrows

Non-striker should be backing up, move with the bowler looking for a run

When taking a run, never run past the crease

Slide bat in early & quickly

Run holding bat with both hands – use elbow for power run

Call loud and clear – Yes, No or Wait

If the ball is behind the stumps it’s the non-striker’s call

Fielding

Always take up a ready catching position with your eyes on the batsman

Concentrate on every ball

Move quickly, leaning slightly forward and keep low

Try to stop the ball hitting the wall

Always back up

Think! Only throw the ball if there’s a chance of a run-out – make sure there’s someone backing up.

Always clap a dot ball (or say ‘well bowled’) – never scream or shout

Learn to enjoy your fielding – it’s the best part of the game

Bowling

Concentrate on line & length

Always follow through

When running in to bowl, focus on off or middle stump as your target.

Think! Watch how the batsman plays.

Always check to see if your fielders are standing in the correct positions.