Weekend roundup – 30th/31st August

The final weekend of action for the Arrows saw the 1s travel to Goldenacre to take on Heriot’s who were already crowned EPL champions.  Carlton could consolidate 2nd place in the table with a win but that looked unlikely as the home side got off to a flier with the bat.  Although Rudy Adair picked up an early wicket Heriot’s raced to 118 in the 13th over before Olly Davidson picked up the 2nd wicket.  Adair claimed his 2nd wicket shortly after but the home side kept the scoreboard moving.  Shiv Jhala then changed the complexion of the game with 3 wickets in the 23rd over to make it 162 for 6. Wickets fell regularly after that as Davidson got his 2nd and when the final wicket fell in the 35th over, the home side were bowled out for 230.  Destroyer-in-chief Jhala finished with 6 for 69 from 9.5 overs.  The weather then closed in and after a prolonged period of rain the match was abandoned, meaning the Arrows did end up finishing in the runners up spot in the EPL, their best finish since 2021.

The 1s then returned to Grange Loan for the end of season dinner, a highly successful event well supported by players and supporters from across the club.

On Sunday an Arrows XI took on the MCC side led by Carlton legend Fraser Watts at Grange Loan.  There were several other Arrows players in the MCC’s ranks including Chris McBride and Harry Simpson.  Batting first the MCC made 259 for 6 thanks largely to 95 from McBride with Max D’Ulisse and Rory Ledingham the most successful bowlers for the home side.  In reply, Angus Guy fell for 20 but fellow opener Pete Gill and Isaac Foley both scored half centuries to keep the Arrows in touch with the target.  A blistering 51 from skipper Daniel Da Costa, including 6 maximums, tilted the game in the Arrows direction but both he and Gill (64) fell in quick succession, leaving the lower order too much to do.  In the end the Arrows finished their 40 overs on 234 for 8 to fall short by 25 runs.