After two weeks off for rain, the Carlton U10 kwik cricket team was back in action on Sunday. After the deluges that had put paid to cricket earlier in the week and the rain falling in Linlithgow half an hour before start time, it looked like it might be third time unlucky, but fortunately the rain gave over and a full four games were possible.

First up were hosts West Lothian and having beaten them on the final ball last time out in Haddington , the Carlton team was confident of taking something from the game. Pick of the bowlers was Hal on his debut, taking a wicket, while Ewan and Angus also picked up a wicket each. West Lothian’s score of 238 looked to be well within reach, but a wicket from their first ball and one the following over pegged Carlton back. With wickets falling steadily, the one high spot was a towering six over mid-on by Angus. Needing runs fast off the last couple of overs a fantastic catch at mid-off by the home team and a hat-trick off the final three balls as the Carlton batsmen hit out saw West Lothian comfortably home.

Next up was an experienced Watsonians team who went off at a canter. No wickets for Carlton in this game with Hal, Euan and Duncan the pick of the Carlton bowlers. Needing 246 to win, Carlton left the fireworks for the final two overs with Cameron and Euan putting on an impressive 21 runs. Needing 6 to win off the last ball, Cameron’s final shot fell agonisingly just short.

The Watsonians game gave Carlton heart and the team bounced back against Murrayfield in the next game with both Ewan and Callum bowling maiden overs. The total of 241 to win looked well secured, but Murrayfield had definitely left their best bowler to last, making for a nervy final over in which a wicket and a dropped caught-and-bowled chance added to the drama. In the end Cameron and Brodie were able to see it through for Carlton, blocking out the final few balls.

Last up was an under-strength Livingston team and while the win was never in any doubt, the Carlton highlights were Fabian smashing a six and Cameron almost taking a hat-trick. Special mention also goes to Hal and Ewan who fielded for Livingston, Ewan as wicket keeper completing a run-out and Hal making an athletic one-handed stop on the boundary.  Also in the great sportsmanship stakes, Cameron called the Livingston batsman not out from behind the stumps when the umpires were unsure.

All in all a mixed performance from a team that was a bit rusty after a couple of weeks off. With previously cancelled festivals being rescheduled, the team should have a few more opportunities to play before the summer is out.

Scores

West Lothian 238-3

Carlton 208-7

Watsonians 245-0

Carlton 242-2

Murrayfield 240-1

Carlton 241-1

Livingston 222-4

Carlton 248-2