1s Claim Quarter Final Place
After a convincing win the day before in the league, the boys were excited to take on Grange in the second round of the Scottish Cup. On paper, Grange certainly had the stronger team, but cricket isn’t played on paper. After Ali won the toss and decided to bat first, there was a real sense of determination amongst the batters. Partnerships was the clear message and that was on their minds, as Fraser and Kyle opened up.
Fraser and Kyle were watchful up top, but were positive in their approach, always looking for singles and to put the bad ball away. Kyle eventually edged behind for 20, but the score was 54, a solid start to the innings. Rory joined Fraser and they continued to be positive and took the score to 90 for 1 at drinks. First ball after drinks, Fraser had a lapse in concentration and was caught for 46 at mid off. Rory and Tom built a nice partnership and took the score to 166 before Tom was bowled for a well made 48. Corne came in and hit some powerful boundaries, before being caught at deep wicket with the score on 189. Rory kept being positive, but fell for a very good 62. Will, Arun and Shiv all made excellent contributions to the total and Carlton finished their 50 overs on 253.
At the break, Ali was pleased with the score and we all knew that with our bowling attack, we had a great opportunity. The first 20 overs were always going to be key, as Grange were going to come hard from ball one, so wickets were important.
As we predicted, Grange were looking to score boundaries from ball one. Fortunately for us, our bowling and fielding was up to the task. Hairs was the first to go, with the score only on 11. This brought Mackintosh to the crease and he only lasted for a short while, bounced out with the score only on 24. Carlton now sensed a great opportunity and went right on the attack. Flannigan, Munsey, Budge and Mommsen all fell cheaply and the score was now 84 for 6, the top six all back in the hut. Carlton never took their foot off the pedal and took two more wickets, Foulds and Goudie both falling for very little. The score was now 105 – 8, with two youngsters at the crease. Cairns and Peet both batted sensibly, and showed the top order how you need to apply yourself at times. After a good partnership, Peet fell with the score on 167. Cairns continued to bat well with Blain, but Grange were eventually all out for 193. A tremendous effort from the bowlers!
Carlton’s performance was the epitome of a team performance. It doesn’t matter how strong your side is on paper, if you have self belief and play as a team, anything is possible. The players certainly enjoyed the win, with celebrations running late into the night. Carlton will now play Aberdeenshire in the quarter finals.
