Weekend round up – 19th/20th September
The 1st XI travelled to Portgower Place to take on Watsonians in the first semi-final of the Edinburgh Super 6 T16 league. Skipper Tom Simpson lost the toss and Watsonians opted to bat first in dewy conditions. An indifferent performance with the ball saw Watsonians post 170 for 3 from their 16 overs with skipper Carson hitting 91*. In reply Arun Pillai & Rory McCann both hit 50s and were up with the rate for much of the chase but with wickets falling the run rate began to climb. In the end Carlton finished 9 runs short on 161 for 5, a disappointing way to finish the shortened season.
Video highlights of the match can be found here.
Meanwhile at Grange Loan the annual Sixes tournament went ahead in the traditional balmy late autumn weather. Teams featuring players from the 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s & Womens XI competed for the Martin Flynn Memorial Trophy with Keith’s Koala’s ending up victorious. Editor in Chief of the Lockdown Newsletter Bob Irvine presented the trophy to Keith Murray at the end of a fantastic day of not particularly serious cricket.
On Sunday the Women were due to entertain Watsonians to Grange Loan but the visitors struggled for numbers. The cancellation of the Regional series released some of Carlton’s senior players and Annette’s Nets took on Charis’s Chairs in a 30 over contest. The Nets finished on 212 for 7 with Annette Aitken-Drummond 97* and Lucy Spouncer 35. In reply Charis Scott carried her bat for 117* to see her side home with 4 wickets and 2 balls to spare.
The 3rd XI made the short journey to Inch Park to take on Edinburgh South in a 35 over contest. Batting first the 3s found 
scoring tough early on hampered by the damp outfield. It was no surprise that Mo Nauman top scored with 56 as he took the aerial route with 40 of those runs coming in boundaries. Anish Amin also hit 34 and Euan Keatinge scored 38* to see the 3s to 168 for 6 from their 35 overs. In reply the home side were always up with the rate and despite wickets for Ivan Dawson (2); Callum Sibley (2); Oscar Smith & Joe Ward, Edinburgh South got over the line with 4 wickets and 13 balls to spare.
On the second square at Inch Park, the 5th XI took on Edinburgh South 2s in a 40 over a side contest. Batting first the 5s got off to a flier thanks to a 20 ball 50 from Mike Kennedy. Fellow opener Rory Ledingham also hit 50 and 42 from Dougie Firth helped propel the 5s to 242 for 6. In reply the home side had a good 84 run opening partnership but were bowled out for 174 in the final over. Lewis King picked up 4 wickets with 2 each for James Stronach & Dougie Firth and one apiece for Oli Stones & Rory Ledingham.
Despite the disappointment for the 1s & 3s it was a great final weekend of cricket in this abbreviated season. Many thanks to everyone that has made it possible.