Weekend preview – 27th/28th April
It’s the first competitive matchweek in 2024 for the Arrows as the ESCA league season has arrived. The First XI and Women’s side are still in their preseason phase.
On Saturday at 12:30pm the First XI will host Watsonians at Grange Loan. Last year Watsonians did the double over the Arrows in the Eastern Premier League as they chased down 205 at Grange Loan and successfully defended 223 at Myreside. New signing Chris McBride is set to make his debut for Carlton and Lewis O’Donnell and Angus Beattie have both returned from winters in Australia.
The Second XI get their ESCA Division 1 campaign underway against Watsonians 2s at Myreside. The sides met each other at Grange Loan last weekend in a 35 over a side preseason friendly. New skipper Charles Stronach won the toss and chose to bat first. Ru Main (35) & Gav Murray (31) put on 63 for the first wicket but last year’s batting frailties were evident once more as only one more batter made it to double figures. In the end the 2s were bowled out for 99 in the 25th over. That total proved well short as the visitors made the target in the 22nd over, 6 down. Kyle Burgess returned the best figures picking up 4 wickets for 6 runs in 4 overs.
The Fourth XI were due to begin their escapade in Division 5 away at Gala 2s, however the game has been cancelled due to the persistent rain over the last month rendering the ground unplayable.
The Fifth XI, who remain in ESCA Division 7, will face newly promoted Edinburgh Accies 3s at Peffermill on Saturday. The two sides also haven’t met before as Accies only started their 3rd team last season. Keith Murray will also continue his role as 5th team skipper.
On Sunday the Women’s squad will play an intra squad T20 at Grange Loan in the morning.
Having avoided relegation in ESCA Division 2, the Third XI will host newly promoted MDAFs 2s at Grange Loan on Sunday afternoon. Yet again the sides haven’t met before meaning it could be a weekend full of surprises for the Arrows. Brad McKay has retained his role as captain of the Third XI. This weekend’s 3s side shapes up to be a mix of youth and experience along with the return of Alexander Fedenczuk to league action.
The Development XI featuring Dan Da Costa will travel to Newfield Artificial on Sunday for a 1pm start against Edinburgh Accies.