86 all out

Saif Azhar 4 for 6, Ali Scott 4 for 19

87 for 3

Mike Kennedy 48 no

Carlton won the toss and skipper Hilton decided to bowl on a damp pitch. However, Broomhall started well, getting to 40 without loss, and even after Hilton and Ali Scott had removed the openers, the home side were sitting nicely at 71 for 3 after 20 overs. The prospects of Broomhall posting a competitive total looked good, but Hilton decided to vary his attack, and introduced young Saif Ahzar to good effect. In a devastating spell of accurate and intelligent spin bowling, the young leggie took four wickets for a mere 6 runs, including two fine stumpings by Vignesh Devaraj to leave Broomhall reeling. Ali Scott finished off the tail, achieving a 4-for himself, and the home side were all out for 86.  

The sun was now shining strongly and Carlton had little difficulty knocking off the runs, with an anchor innings by last year's under 12 Scotland opener Kyle McPherson (9), and a breathless assault on the home side's bowling by the unforgiving Mike Kennedy, who peppered the nearby buildings on his way to a highly entertaining 48 no.  

Overall, a highly encouraging first outing by the 4th XI who bowled, fielded and batted well.

73 all out

James Hilton 29

74 for 7

Fergus Whatley 3 for 10, Henry Lawrence 3 for 25.

In the shadow of a noisy Murrayfield, Carlton were put into bat by the away side and struggled on the slow and uneven surface of the artificial track at Roseburn. The openers succumbed to early LBW decisions, and whilst Mike Kennedy (19) and vice-captain James Hilton (29) attempted to post a respectable total, the other batsmen were unable to provide sufficient support, and Carlton were bowled out for a disappointing 73 after only 28 overs.
 

Peebles must have thought they were in for an easy win, but youngster Henry Lawrence had different ideas and in a fine spell of medium pace bowling took the first three wickets in short order. Fergus Whatley promptly took a further two wickets, with the help of a brilliant diving outfield catch by the ubiquitous Mike Kennedy, and Peebles were wavering on 20 for 5. However, their veteran batsman Mark Swann entered the fray and spearheaded a decisive partnership to guide the away side close to victory, before being bowled by a fine delivery from Hilton. Fergus Whatley also took a further wicket to end with figures of 3 for 10, but Peebles achieved the unchallenging target with three wickets to spare, and Carlton were left to rue their failure to provide their bowlers with a defendable total.

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120 for 9

Alan Murray 3 for 14, Fergus Whatley 2 for 22, Saif Azhar 2 for 36

Carlton skipper Alan Murray won the toss and elected to bowl on an unusually flat Meadows wicket which was still slightly damp from the overnight rain. The opening bowlers William Brown and James Hilton created several chances but the Carlton fielders were unable to take them and Morton raced to an opening partnership of 50. However, the partnership was finally broken in unfortunate circumstances when one of the Morton batsman slipped whilst running between the wickets and had to retire hurt.   Play eventually resumed and the introduction of Fergus Whatley quickly resulted in two wickets in two balls, but the Carlton fielders continued to spurn catching opportunities. 

As the thunder started to roll around the ground, Morton pressed on at a steady rate. James Hilton finally removed the other Morton opening batsman and skipper Murray decided to introduce his own outswing bowling as the conditions turned wetter. In a tight spell of accurate and intelligent bowling, the skipper took three wickets for 14 runs, including two catches by his brother Keith, the only Carlton fielder to hold onto a catch all day, who also took a fine diving catch off the bowling of young Saif Azhar.

The luckless William Brown removed the final Morton batsman with the last ball of the 40 overs and Morton were all out for 120, but if Carlton had taken more of their chances the total would have been significantly lower.  

The weather was deteriorating quickly as Carlton went out to bat and a solid opening partnership between Kyle MacPherson and Fergus Whatley almost survived the dangerous Morton opening bowling. However, as the rain began to pour down and thunder and lightning filled the air, both captains decided to abandon the match with Carlton on 24 for 3 after 15 overs; a disappointing end to an eventful match.

Carlton lost the toss, and were somewhat surprised when Dunbar chose to bat on a wicket still damp from the morning's rain. However, Dunbar batted very well, seeing off President Carter and fellow opener Leigh Kasperek, and establishing an impressive opening partnership of 74, before skipper Hilton finally broke through when the Dunbar No. 1 played on.

The Carlton fielding was significantly improved on the previous week, and remained focused even when play was temporarily halted by a drunken Eastern European who wandered onto the pitch to ask what game was being played. After he had been coaxed back behind the white line, with some difficulty, play resumed, and despite Carlton's best efforts, the Dunbar No. 2 cruised to fine and virtually chanceless 50.  The muscular Alex Maye entered the fray and secured two late wickets, but the away side posted an impressive total of 175 on a Meadows wicket that had played surprisingly true. Ali Scott bowled with genuine pace, and DC was his usual miserly self, but Leigh Kasperek was perhaps the pick of the Carlton attack and was very unlucky to remain wicketless.  

Despite batting in the first sunshine of the day, Carlton's attempt to reach the challenging total was not helped when both openers fell to LBW decisions, and despite the efforts of Ali Scott   and skipper Hilton (21), Carlton failed to threaten the Dunbar score. The opening Dunbar bowlers took 5 wickets in the first 16 overs and Carlton's inability to survive this period, meant that they were unable take advantage of the relatively weaker bowling that followed. Scott Duncan (12) showed some resolve down the order, but Carlton were bowled out for a very disappointing 79, and Dunbar were worthy winners of a match which, in truth, they dominated.

138 all out

Jack Kennedy 3 for 16, James Hilton 3 for 22, Saif Azhar  2 for 27

139 for 3

Shaun Barrett 47 no, Jack Kennedy 27 no

90 all out

Dave Carter 3 for 15, Alex Fedenczuk  2 for 25

94 for 3 (25 overs)

James Hilton 33 no. Mike Kennedy 26 not out

The game started at McKane Park, in light drizzle, with Dunfermline choosing to bat, but DC struck in his first over, and ably supported by Zaki Yusaf, Carlton held the hosts to 0 for 1 after 5 overs. DC finally conceded some runs in his 4th over and this annoyed him sufficiently that he clean bowled the impudent batsman next ball. A third wicket left him with figures of 3 for 15, and when skipper Hilton bowled another Dunfermline batsmen, and Bob Irvine knocked over yet another, the home side were reeling at 34 for 5.

The rain was getting heavier now, but Dunfermline club President, Tom Gibson, entered the fray and built a useful 6th wicket partnership, before this was finally broken by a comedic run out. The Dunfermline No.7 played the ball to square leg and set off, ignoring the shout of "No" from the other end. Sethu fielded the ball but threw it to the bowler's end, where there were now two batsmen. The skipper had the presence of mind to send the ball to the other end and Scott Duncan got the bails off before the batsman could get back. Gibson continued his stout resistance before being eventually run out on 31, by a fine direct hit from Sethu. The Dunfermline President was not best pleased at this misfortune and trooped back to the pavilion abusing his bat, before aiming a well placed kick at the scoreboard. As the rain continued, Alex Fedenczuk took two late wickets, finishing on 2 for 25, and the final batsman was run out, unwisely taking on the arm of Keith Murray. Dunfermline were all out for 90.

The rain continued over tea, but the Dunfermline side kindly rolled the wicket, and when play resumed on a now very wet surface, the openers Shaun Barrett and Scott Duncan carefully got Carlton under way. Despite copious amounts of sawdust being put on the wicket, the surface was now so muddy that it was not possible to tell where the crease was. Nevertheless, Carlton pressed on, and when Scott Duncan fell to an LBW decision, Keith Murray was caught unwisely chasing a wide, and Shaun (14) also was trapped LBW, Carlton were looking vulnerable on 36 for 3. However, Mike Kennedy and the skipper built a solid partnership, punishing the young Dunfermline bowling attack in brutal fashion, on a wicket that now resembled the Battle of the Somme, James (33) and Mike (26) knocked off the runs required despite the conditions.

A fine win for Carlton, against a very sporting side, who kept playing in very wet conditions, and the result was a most memorable match for all concerned.

145 for 4 (40 overs)

Shaun Barrett 56, James Hilton 51no

On a warm, sunny day and with the noise of the Leith Festival in the background a young Carlton side led by skipper Murray (making a rare cameo appearance for his team) lost the toss and were inserted.  The pitch looked like it had plenty in it for the bowlers and so it proved when Kyle went in the first over, bowled by Watt.  Shaun & Saif knuckled down and played very sensibly for the next 24 overs taking to the score to 65 before Saif fell for 9.  Shaun, now batting with a runner having damaged a different hamstring from last week, and James started upping the rate before the inevitable run out allowed Shaun a rest on 56.  Leigh went the next over to a remarkable one-handed running catch and Bob, bar one glorious cover drive, played second fiddle to James who smashed three 6s on the way to 51* and respectable total to defend.

After a fine tea Leigh & Bob bowled accurately and backed up by some superb fielding from the younger members of the team kept the run rate at under 2s.  Despite claiming the first wicket in the 10th over the skipper rested Bob and brought James into the attack who immediately removed the Leith No 3.  Saif, replacing Leigh, also picked up a wicket in his first over and with the score at 21-3 things were looking good for the visitors however some strong hitting from Middleton and opener Watt started taking the game Leith’s way.  The skipper removed himself from the attack and James and Alistair restored some order with the two combining to remove Middleton with another fantastic one-handed catch, this time from James.  Bob then came back and had opener Watt caught superbly by Charlie Martin (on as sub for Leigh) at slip.  This left Leith needing 45 off 8 and Saif and Bob got it to 29 off 4.  Alan then picked up a couple of wickets and James bowled an excellent last to give the 4s a 5 run win. 

An excellent game of cricket and a great way to introduce three U13s to senior cricket.  The key was the partnership of Shaun & Saif with the bat – making sure we were in a position to bat out our overs and allowing James licence to get us to a decent total; and the fielding throughout which always kept the pressure on the chasing side.

Match Abandoned

Skipper Murray won the toss and chose to bat first on a grey day to give his batters what was likely to be the best of the conditions.  Brent & Kyle got off us to a cautious start in the face of some good bowling especially from Yenuganti.  Having seen off the best of the bowling Kyle fell for 13 in the 17th over with the score on 46.  Mohammed gave Brent good support and was unlucky to be caught behind chasing a legside delivery just after drinks.  Liam and Brent upped the pace before the latter played one big shot too many – caught at deep mid off for a well compiled 76. At this point the score was 136 for 3 off 29 overs and Liam (37), Mike (26) & Ali (28) all hit the fence (or the tree in Mike’s case) at regular intervals to propel us to 222 for 6 off our 40 overs.

After a decent tea (which was probably the cause of the below par intensity of the approach to Alistair’s fielding drill) Mohammed & Bob opened the attack.  South got off to a breezy start but in the 5th & 6th overs both openers fell.  Mohammed was perhaps fortunate to pick up our 4th LBW decision of the year and Bob induced Fyfe to give Ali a simple catch at cover.  Sethu then replaced Mohammed and, having seen his first delivery for Carlton fly over Brent’s head at slip, picked up the 3rd wicket with a regulation catch to Liam at point two balls later.  Bob then accounted for young Chapman thanks to a juggling catch from Sethu at gully.  At this point things were looking good at 35 for 4 but persistent rain and doughty defence from Yenuganti (32) and opposition skipper Jim Brims (11) led to the game being abandoned after 21 overs.  Thanks to South for playing on in the rain as long as they did in what was always likely to be a losing cause.

97 all out

Dave Prosser 22

137 all out

James Hilton 3 for 9, Ali Scott 2 for 15

Skipper Hilton won the toss and inserted Kirk Brae on a decent looking pitch. DP and Mo Ahmed opened the bowling, and Mo soon disposed of the Badgers' No.2, clean bowling him with a fine delivery. He was unlucky not to collect another wicket when the No.3 batsman was dropped, but he then went soon afterwards, sportingly walking after gloving a sharp catch to Ali Scott off the bowling of DP. The Carlton bowling was largely accurate, but on the small ground, the home side's batsmen got good value for their shots, and found the boundary at regular intervals. The skipper brought himself and Ali Scott into the attack and this slowed the rate down significantly. However, Kirk Brae were sitting at 76 for 2 at drinks after 20 overs, and seemed well placed to post a challenging total.

After drinks, Shaun Barrett, who was performing heroics with the gloves, facing serious pace from Ali and a pitch that was starting to keep low, stood up to the Badgers' No.1, forcing him back into his crease, and he was bowled by James first ball after the break.

Carlton then turned the screw in a fine spell of bowling from the skipper, who was bamboozling the batsman with variation and movement, ably supported by Ali at the other end, who was bowling tightly and at a pace few of the batsman could cope with. James finished with 3 for 9 off his 8 overs and Ali had figures of 2 for 15, as well as an outstanding direct hit for a run out.

Kirk Brae rallied somewhat once these two were bowled out, but William Brown and Fergus Whatley both picked up wickets to leave the Badgers all out for 137 off 37 overs, a total which appeared eminently gettable.

Unfortunately, the Carlton batting misfired badly, as Shaun was bowled in the first over, Keith Murray (12) went to the now customary LBW decision, Mike Kennedy went for a duck, and William Brown, who had defended well, fell to a ball that kept low. Fergus (13) and Mo (21) steadied the ship and started to put together a decent partnership, but when Fergus was bowled playing over another straight ball, and the skipper went cheaply in similar fashion, the target was starting to look challenging indeed.

Then Mo, Bob and Ali (10) went in short succession, and it was left to a 10th wicket partnership between Cameron (8) and DP (22) to restore some dignity to the innings. DP at No.11 was still smarting from having been told that we batted down to No.10, and attacked the Kirk Brae bowling from the outset, hitting several fine boundaries before eventually being bowled off his pads, when the Badgers were forced to bring their opening bowler back.

Carlton were all out for 97 after only 29 overs, a very poor performance, and particularly disappointing after the good work of the bowlers and fielders.

DP ended up deservedly top scorer, a fact he was quick to communicate to the batsmen after the match. However, well played to Kirk Brae, who played the match in good spirit, and who defended their light-looking total very well.

Photos and video clips

114 for 2 (30 overs)

Brent Lockie 60 not out, Scott Duncan 29 (Match Abandoned)

Carlton lost the toss and were put in to bat on a flat, if rather green wicket. Openers Brent and Shaun made a careful start against some tight home bowling and both survived early catch chances to move the score onto 29 after 11 overs, before Shaun (10) was bowled by a girl (A. Ramsay).

Scott Duncan joined Brent in the middle as light rain started and played a fine innings, carefully defending the good balls, whilst despatching the bad ones with style. A pair of consecutive boundaries against Shaun's nemesis was a particular highlight. Brent also increased his strike rate, playing a range of elegant shots, before being dropped again on 38. These two moved the score onto 88 off 25 overs, a fine fifty partnership, before Scott (29) was caught edging a ball off the spin bowling of Jhangir. Keith Murray (7 no) joined Brent in the now incessant rain and they moved the score on to 114 after 31 overs before the sides agreed to stop play, due to the conditions.

Brent had totalled a fine 60 no, despite the weather, and anchored the innings using all his considerable experience. The match was duly abandoned after an excellent early tea.

110 all out

Brent Lockie 46, Kyle Macpherson 20

111 for 7

Neil Irvine-Hess 2 for 18, Bob Irvine 2 for 20

Skipper Alan Murray won the toss and elected to bat on a hard and flat Grange Loan pitch. Openers Brent Lockie and Kyle Macpherson dealt with the Corstorphine bowling attack well, and after Brent hit one of the openers out of the attack with a flurry of boundaries, the highlight being a straight six which worried the scorers sitting in front of the pavilion, they raced to a 50 partnership off only 10 overs. However, Brent (45) was caught with the score on 64, and when Keith Murray and Martin Robertson were done by the pace of Corstorphine dangerman McConnachie, the Carlton innings began to falter. Worse was to follow when Kyle (20) was bowled by McConnachie, and the tight Corstorphine bowling continued with wickets coming at regular intervals. James (10) and Bob Irvine (9) both fell to well taken catches, and the skipper (6no) batted sensibly with the tail, but after such a promising start, Carlton were disappointed to be all out for 110 in the 38th over.

The Carlton bowlers knew they had work to do, and openers Henry Lawrence and Bob bowled great line and length, restricting the Corstorphine batsmen and beating the bat on several occasions. Leigh Kasperek then bowled an excellent spell using the wind to good effect, but it was the introduction of Neil Irvine-Hess which resulted in the first wicket, with a sharp catch by Keith Murray at gully. Neil followed up with a second wicket, well caught by the stand-in keeper James, and created a number of other chances. The pressure began to tell on the visitors and, when their No 4 was run out by a fine throw from the boundary by Kyle, Corstorphine were reeling on 37 for 3. The tight bowling continued but Corstorphine regrouped and built an important partnership for the fourth wicket, surviving a couple of difficult catching chances. Bob returned to the attack and struck in his first over, clean bowling the No.5 before taking the big wicket of the classy No.2 Lawrie, who walked after another well taken catch behind by James.

However, Corstorphine were now on 84 and despite the loss of their big hitting captain, run out by an outstanding direct hit by Kyle, were close to their target with overs in hand. Neil was brought back into the attack and was unlucky to have a couple of good appeals turned down, as the away side edged towards the total. Leigh replaced Bob, who finished with figures of 2 for 20, and she bowled another great spell, taking a further wicket, again caught behind by James. She finished with figures of 1 for 11 off 8 overs, including a wicket maiden off her last, when Corstorphine only required one run to win. However, the away side achieved the required total in the 38th over, with a bye that managed to get past James, and Carlton were left to consider what might have been had they posted a higher total.

The Carlton bowlers and fielders performed very well, and although they had been made to work hard for the result, Corstorphine were worthy winners as they took all the chances that came their way.

Photos and video clips

103 all out

James Hilton 3 for 12, Henry Lawrence 3 for 29

104 for 4

Ali Scott 49

Skipper Hilton won the toss and elected to field on the sloping artificial pitch at Inverleith. This proved to be a sound decision as paceman Ali Scott swiftly removed opener Armstrong, clean bowling him with a great ball. Bob Irvine at the other end was on great form too, bowling very tightly and creating several chances which the Carlton fielders were unable to take. Henry Lawrence replaced Ali and had the other opener Hewitt caught in the covers by Sethu, but the Carlton fielders failed to take further chances, and although Drummond Trinity were scoring at a very low rate, wickets were hard to come by.

Finally the skipper, after enjoying keeping so much last week, handed the gloves to Shaun and brought himself on. He bowled a fine spell, taking 3 wickets for 12 runs, while Henry took a further 2 wickets in his second spell, including the dangerous Chaudry. Iain Martin then had a great direct hit for a run out and fellow U13 William Brown bowled Turpie for a patient 20. Another run out from Iain wrapped up the innings in the 40th over. A fine performance by the bowlers, restricting the home side to 102, but the fielders were disappointed with the number of chances that went begging.

After tea Kyle & Shaun got off to a cautious start in the face of some accurate bowling from Vermury & Waheed. Shaun (3) was first to go chipping a catch to midwicket followed shortly after by Kyle (14), leaving the visitors on 25-2 in the 13th over. Any concerns in the Carlton ranks were eased by a fine 3rd wicket partnership from William (14) & Ali (49) which added 64. Both fell in successive Irving overs leaving Sethu (6*) and James (5*) to wrap up the victory with 8 overs to spare.

137 for 3

Grigor Brown 53, Keith Murray 29

136 all out

Chayank Gosain 4 for 0(!), Bob Irvine 3 for 18

Having lost the toss a 4th XI containing 5 of our Under 13 squad and one of our Under 15s were asked to bowl first on a glorious summer's day.  Opening bowlers Adam Weir and Bob Irvine were unable to prevent Preston Village getting off to a breezy start but 27 for 0 off 5 became 27 for 3 off 6 as Bob produced a triple wicket maiden.  Catches from Alan Murray and Bob's son Neil on the first and 4th ball were rounded off with off stump knocked out of the ground on the 6th.  PV then consolidated with a decent partnership from opener Black and new man Hawkins.  The skipper's bowling changes were partially successful as Neil, replacing Adam, bowled the PV number 5.  Keith Murray at the other end struggled to find his length going for 18 in one (ten ball) over.

The new batsman Barrie and Black again rebuilt the PV innings and at a well earned drinks break the visitors were 101 for 4.  The skipper having come on for Murray Snr & Iain Martin replacing fellow U13 Neil were unable to get a breakthrough so the ball was thrown back to the openers.  Bob created chances but it was Adam who claimed the scalp of the dangerous Black for 54 with the score on 125.  Two overs later and the openers were bowled out so it was up to the left arm spin of Chayank Gosain and the returning Neil to keep a lid on things.  The youngsters stepped up to the mark with 3 wicket maidens from Cheeky (the last one a double wicket maiden) leaving him with figures of 3-3-0-4 and with Neil picking up the final wicket to deny Chayank a 5-for, PV were all out for 136 in the 36th over.  

Usual opener Kyle Macpherson was feeling the effects of the heat so it was up to the skipper to join older brother Keith at the crease after an excellent tea.  The home side also got off to a good start before Murray Jnr holed out to a running & juggling catch at mid off for 15.  U15 batsman Grigor Brown came in at No. 3 and put on 90 for the 2nd wicket with a mixture of sound defence and good attacking play.  He completed his half century just before Keith ran himself out for a well worked 29.  Grigor was bowled 4 balls later for 53 but by then the hard work had been done. 

Liam Prescott (14*) and U13 keeper Matthew Wells (3*) saw the home side to an ultimately comfortable victory with 7 wickets & 8 overs to spare.

Photos

111

Alex Fedenczuk 34, Shaun Barrett 19, Iain Martin 16

Our arrival in Dunbar coincided with a tremendous downpour which would have caused most games to be cancelled but with their artificial track and sandy outfield there was still a chance of a game.  A couple of further showers led to an early tea and the chance to watch the test match in the bar.  The weather duly cleared and the skippers agreed on a 20/20 match starting at 4pm.

The home side opted to bat first but Bob Irvine bowled the dangerous Greco with his second ball and took a great running (& diving) catch to get rid of the other opener Wanless off Alex Fedenczuk’s second ball.  Despite the early breakthroughs Dunbar were rattling along at about six an over.  Wiliam Brown took another good catch, again off Alex, which brought home skipper Callow to the crease.  Together with No 3 Cheatham they forged a more than useful 60 run partnership despite some good bowling particularly from Alex F & Neil Irvine-Hess. The breakthrough eventually came when skipper Murray bowled his opposite number for 46.  Chayank Gosain, finding life slightly more difficult than last week, clean-bowled the new batsman, and then, in a fine last over which went for only 5 runs, picked up the wicket of Cheatham (42), stumped by Shaun Barrett. 

William & Shaun started the reply in cautious fashion – the plan being to ensure Dunbar had to use at least 5 bowlers (unlike in our previous meeting this year).  William was unlucky to fall to a great gully catch by Callow in the second over, but Alex F and Shaun kept the score moving on and saw off the opening bowlers.  Shaun (19) was out caught to new bowler Callow who also claimed Mike Kennedy after an all too brief but customarily eventful innings (1, dot, 6 [caught a foot over the boundary], Out [caught a foot inside the boundary]). Iain Martin and Alex F then consolidated, pushing the ball about nicely, however the required rate began to climb.  Alex F was stumped trying to force the pace and new man Alex Mayes smashed his first ball for 4.  40 runs were still needed off the final 3 overs and although Iain hit a big 6 he holed out next ball for 16 useful runs.  Despite a quick-fire 13 from the skipper we finished 14 runs short of the target which against one of the strongest batting sides in the league is still a very creditable result.  All in all a very good game that was well worth the wait.