33 all out

A Rive 2 for 5, S Azhar 2 for 6, W Brown 2 for 9

Disappointingly for us, the 9 man Edinburgh Accies side was very young and inexperienced for this level. However, our team approached their first match on the new artificial track seriously, with Scott (25) & Rajan (53 ret) facing the best of the bowling in putting on an opening stand of 71. Mohammed (26no) and Angus (39no) were also among the runs.

In the Accies reply Angus, Saif & young William Brown bagged a couple of wickets apiece.

75 for 6  (20 overs)

M Ahmed 2 for 6, C Simpson 2 for 9

76 for 2 (14.3 overs)

S Duncan 30no, M Ahmed 19, R Bhopal 14

Carlton posted a fine victory, albeit against a slightly under-strength Watsonians XI. Superb seam bowling from Mohammed, Rajan and Cameron dominated the Watsonians batting with only Riddell & Lockhart able to make any impression. The seamers were ably supported with a trio of spinners - Philip, Saif (gaining a clean bowled with a top spinner!) and captain Fergus.

In reply Rajan got us off to a good start, and Mohammed & Scott (with 5 fours) saw the side safely home with Grigor at the crease for the last couple of overs. Damp, dull conditions didn't make fielding easy, but we can always improve in this aspect.

151 for 5 (20 overs)

M Ahmed 66, Z Yusaf 29, G Brown 17

121 for 6 (20 overs)

C Simpson 2-2, S Azhar 2-24

The early loss of Angus did not deter Mo who, with Zaki (a fine 29), put on 97 for the 2nd wicket. Mo was then joined at the crease by Grigor who displayed the stylish shots that we know he is capable of. Having run out Zaki & Grigor (!), Mo completed a splendid innings of 66, only holing out in the final over.

Cameron then bowled a superb opening spell and it was good to see Steven back, bowling and fielding well. Couple of stumpings and an excellent catch off Saif for Scott, but as in the previous match, our fielding was patchy with more concentration and application required from a few individuals. Hopefully, we have also learnt a bit about defensive field placing against leg side slogging.

Excellent wicket at Goldenacre for a rare 30 overs a side East League match for our side. Early loss of Mo brought Rajan to the crease to join Scott for a 50 partnership, crisp shots and fast running between the wicket to the fore. Zaki, showing full range of talent, maintained the momentum upon Rajan's departure, putting on a match winning stand of 83 with Scott. Scott became our side's 3rd individual batsman to notch a 50 this season, including 6 4's in his career best 72.

Middle order wickets were sacrificed to ensure the highest possible total and 178 seemed a fair total to defend. So it proved, with Fergus able to give 8 bowlers a run out, with Carlton always on top. Highlights? On a firm pitch, Saif's leg spin was a joy to watch (3 wickets) and the fielding of U13s Kyle and Gair (with a deflected catch to add to a wicket) was inspired. Couple of wickets from the excellent Mo, while Zaki completed a fine all round day with a wicket late on.

This was close!! With Mo, Grigor & Angus unavailable, our top order looked a little vulnerable and so it proved. With only Zaki able to make any runs of note, at 37 for 5 after 9 overs Cameron & William were at the crease. However, they both dug in determinedly and were able to score freely later on to cement a 50 partnership, and an unlikely looking 100 was reached.

In reply, Heriots raced to 33 for 1 off 6 overs, but Fergus led the team well and a combination of very good fielding (Saif, Rory, Kyle especially), some fine bowling (man of the match Cameron again) and shrewd field adjustments saw our team through to the next round. A huge sigh of relief at the end, but we can learn from this experience - much less short pitched deliveries from our seamers, better judgement and calling in running between the wickets

81 ao (18 overs)

F Whatley 3-16, S Azhar 2-5, M Ahmed 2-1

111 for 8 (20 overs)

R Bhopal 24, M Ahmed 22, S Duncan 15

Brisk start by Rajan & Scott saw us on 40 without loss after 5 overs. Scott was run out shortly afterwards (3rd time in 4 innings!) and our batting collapsed to 48 for 4 after 9 overs. Mo was still there however, and with good support from Kyle, Steven and Ewen, we posted a reasonable target.

With Fauldhouse on 46 for 2 after 8 overs, Fergus introduced himself and bowled his best spell of the season removing the remaining dangerous batsmen. Saif and Mo picked off the tail-enders and our side won comfortably in the end. However, we need to up-the-mark in future games to maintain our winning run. Our U15s are full of players representing East Regional sides, who must apply full application and concentration in every game to achieve the success level that their talent warrants.

The usual suspects are there : - poor calling between wickets - suspect shot selection/technique - short pitched deliveries - sloppy fielding - dropped {straightforward} catches - lack of concentration in the field.

Carlton's coaches are working hard with our players, and it is expected that players work hard in practice and in matches. We win as a team and lose as a team and together we can improve individually and as a team.

The pre-match talk focused on recent performances, and immediate improvement was requested by the coach and the senior players. And what a difference a day makes!

We batted. The excellent Mo caught the eye as always, although Rajan and Scott also impressed initially. Captain Fergus shrugged off last night's golden duck, and after careful introduction peppered the boundaries with some fierce strikes. Fergus coaxed a better performance from Zaki (who showed good technique as always) in running quick singles, and the pair put on 74 together.

Well, we were even better in the field! Fergus took the opportunity to give an extended bowl to a couple of the less experienced players, but the fielding and catching was faultless - even 2 catches were held off no-balls, sorry Henry it doesn't count! Craig was outstanding in the field and Kyle pocketed a rasping catch at deep square, whist Ewen's pick-up and throw to Scott had a devastating effect on the surprised batsman looking for an easy single. Henry tore threw the top 3 Heriot's batsmen (although his run up still needs some adjustments), and Saif picked up his usual couple. Bowling and fielding drew admiration from Heriot coaches and spectators alike - if only they knew!!

Hard work and endeavour does pay off, it's still early days but this performance sets the standard for all matches and training sessions. Let's hold this together under pressure. Well done.

59 for 7 (20 overs)

Saif Azhar 3 for 3

A very fine performance in all aspects from our team. Fergus won the toss, and we batted.

Early losses of Scott and Mo did not deter Angus and Zaki scoring freely. After Angus departed, Zaki continued to attack with superb cover drives, and fast running between the wickets. He became our 4th batsman to reach 50 this season. Both Grigor and (late arrival) Rajan equalled Zaki in excellence of shots played and the game was effectively won when a total of 165 was posted.

Nevertheless, the between innings talk from the senior lads focused the team on the aspects of bowling and fielding in which we can improve. And that the lads did. Superb fast bowling from Rajan, tight accurate stuff from Mo, impressive wicket keeping from Scott (season best!), strict captaining from Fergus. Carlton were always on top as the score suggests. Cameron had 2 fine catches and a direct hit run out, Saif's fielding at point was unbelievable - plus 3 wickets from an excellent spell (15 for the season already), Steven bowled a fine, if wicketless 3 overs and Cameron & Henry kept the pressure on with some good, fast bowling.

Our 1/4 final opponents may be Grange, and this is a match we are looking forward to.

More photos

59 ao (18.1 overs)

F Whatley 3-7, H Lawrence 3-16

133 for 9 (20 overs)

R Bhopal 40, S Duncan 23, M Ahmed 23, H Lawrence 16, G Brown 12

Fergus won the toss, and we batted on a dull night. Scott and Rajan put on a splendid, if not exactly chanceless, opening partnership of 70 from 10 overs. They punished loose deliveries severely, and Rajan scored freely off the spin of Tufail. When both departed within a few balls, Mo and Henry came to the crease and continued the attack. Fine batting from our lads, wickets only falling late on with our middle-late order at the crease striving for every run possible - without much luck on this occasion.

Light drizzle started to fall as Haddington came to the crease. Cameron and Mo opened, and their tight, accurate bowling sealed the fate of the match. Henry was first change, and with 1 ball remaining, his first over was looking like a disaster. 5 wides and short pitched deliveries dispatched for a total of another 6 runs left the perplexed coach wondering if his between innings talk had fallen on deaf ears. What happened next shows why Henry is held in such regard. Bowling with furious pace, re-capturing good line and length, 3 of the Haddington top order were clean bowled, and Henry ended his 3-over spell with tremendous satisfaction. Fergus picked up 3 of the tail enders, but excellent fielding and bowling ensured a good victory. Another praise-worthy performance from our team.

Lastly, a word of thanks to Haddington for their perseverance in the drizzle, ensuring a result.

50 for 0 (8 overs)

Mo Ahmed 29 no, William Brown 11 no

Match Abandoned - Rain

10 all out

Mo Ahmed 2 for 1

103 for 3 (14 overs)

Scott Duncan 47, Mo Ahmed 22, Zaki Yusaf 17 no

The first week in July is always a nightmare for coaches fielding 11 players, and this proved no exception. Peebles were additionally hampered by a South League U13 match on the same night, so this game was effectively 9-a-side. From our 9 players, we had 3 U13s and 1 U11, and the game was interrupted by rain, and played on a very challenging pitch! Nevertheless, playing with a sensible mixture of care and power, Scott (47) hit two 6s and six 4s, in a partnership of 72 with Mo (another fine innings of 22) against the best of the Peebles bowling attack.

Contrary to what the score may reflect, Peebles had 4 very fine players in their side, but a mixture of a poor pitch and tremendous bowling from Mo & Cameron saw them post a low total. Zaki and Angus picked up a wicket apiece. Other highlights were superb fielding from Ruari (run out assist), Rory (fine catch), William (running catch backwards over his head) and Scott had 2 catches and a run out assist. Kyle and Ruari were also impressive in helping out Peebles in the field. Credit to all players and Julian from Peebles in making this game possible in difficult circumstances.

92 for 6

Scott Duncan 28, Cameron Simpson 22 no

An under strength Carlton U15s were well beaten by a fine Grange side at Stockbridge on Thursday night.

Missing Fergus, Saif, Rajan, Henry, Grigor, Steven and Ewen, stand-in skipper Scott knew things were going to be tough. However, he and William got us off to a good, if slowish start, with all 10 wickets still intact at the halfway stage. However, William was unluckily adjudged to be caught behind and Scott was caught for 28 as he tried to raise the scoring rate. When Zaki was run out and Angus caught behind, the Carlton innings slowed dramatically and only the ever impressive Cameron with a fine undefeated 22 did himself justice.

Defending only 92, Carlton needed a good start and they almost got it as Cameron found opener Henry Edwards’ inside edge on more than one occasion. However, once Henry got his eye in he took the game away from Carlton with an array of attacking shots, including two big sixes in one over on his way to an undefeated 53. The only wicket fell when that man Cameron took a good catch off a skier from James Hearn.

One casualty on the night was Kyle, who took a ‘pass’ in the mouth from Cameron. Thanks to Grange who sportingly provided a substitute fielder. Kyle is none the worse and he and four other members of the side from this match will head off with the Under 13s to their cup semi final (and perhaps final?) on Sunday.

No complaints on the day as Grange were the clear winners. Our season is just into the halfway stage and we have a 100% league record to protect and another meeting with Grange to look forward to. It all starts with practice on Tuesday night!

108 all out (22.5 overs)

Fergus Whatley 2 for 14, Iain Martin 2 for 14

160 for 5 (25 overs)

Rajan Bhopal 58, Scott Duncan 30, Fergus Whatley 21 not out, Grigor Brown 17

170 for 6 (35 overs)

S Duncan 56, R Bhopal 51, K Macpherson 18*, M Ahmed 13

154 all out (31 overs)

R Bhopal 3-29, H Lawrence 2-20, M Ahmed 2-23, F Whatley 2-38

Perfect summer's day for this friendly on our artificial surface. Rajan and Scott made their customary start to our batting - Rajan superb, controlled strokemaking and Scott with a few edges falling into open space yet punishing anything short. A fine partnership of 111 (from 17 overs) was only broken by our own 'Cheeky' Gosain when Rajan was bowled shortly after completing an excellent 51 (one 4 & one 6). Scott then completed his own, well deserved half century (six 4s and one 6 in his 56) and with 21 overs gone we stood at 133-2, with a 200 plus target to aim for.

Disappointingly, our middle order was unable to capitalise on this fine start, with less than 40 runs coming from the remaining 14 overs. So, there was still a game to be won and East had a target of just under 5 an over.

East opened aggressively and despite the loss of wickets remained up with the run rate. Henry Lawrence had a superb opening 5 over spell of fast accurate seam bowling, and Fergus and Mo picked up a couple of wickets along the way. The target was still reachable by East when Rajan was brought into the attack and met his captain's wishes with 3 wickets.

However, East batsman Muir was in excellent form and was still there in the 70s with 8 wickets down & 26 required. Then, man of the match Rajan had a direct hit to run out no. 10 as East tried desperately to win the game. Huge sigh of relief from our side when Henry returned for his second spell and clean bowled no. 11 with Muir stranded on 84. Zaki and Fergus both held 2 fine catches, and Scott had 2 caught behinds as well, one a superb diving catch straight from last Tuesday's training session.

Well played to a depleted East side who came so close to victory - and a well done to 2 of our youngsters in their side who both made telling contributions - 'Cheeky' Gosain (2-17 from 7 overs) and Iain Martin (with 1-11)

36 all out

Konain Ehsan 4 for 4, Iain Martin 2 for 5

174-6

Grigor Brown 56, Zaki Yusaf 46, Mo Ahmed 20, Fergus Whatley 15*

On a surprisingly green, slightly soft wicket - but lightening quick outfield - Carlton opted to bat first. Scott was out early, but Mo and Grigor played the good balls well and took advantage of the loose deliveries to push the score along at 8 an over. When Mo fell to a stumping for a fine 20, Zaki joined Grigor and this pairing put on 90 for the 3rd wicket, playing superbly. Grigor hit seven 4s in reaching his first half century for Carlton and his cover drives were a treat for spectators. He eventually fell to a catch on the boundary by the sub fielder (Mo!). Zaki was equally accomplished hitting eight 4s in his very good 46. Kyle (4) and Fergus (with an unbeaten cameo innings of 15) ensured the middle order continued to provide runs late on and a huge total was posted.

The between innings talk focused upon achieving a high standard of bowling and fielding, with Fergus able to give the younger players the majority of the overs. In maintaining his recent spell of excellent bowling, Henry was just too quick and accurate for the Livingston openers who nevertheless dug in and it was the 7th over before Henry made the breakthrough. Although wicketless, Neil's seam bowling continues to improve, and Iain struck the tail with a couple of wickets. Konain on his debut for the club, ended with figures of 3-0-4-4 although he would be the first to point to the excellent catches from Scott (in the outfield), Zaki, Mo and Grigor. Konain's run up and action can be improved but the raw talent is there!

Young Matthew showed promise behind the wicket, and impressed with a fine take from a fierce (and high!) Zaki throw for a run out assist. Kyle was his usual self - impressive in the field, and encouraging to his team mates - old head on young shoulders, and a delight to have at Carlton.

Carlton are well off at this time of the year in comparison to other clubs when holidays affect selection. Apart from the 14 or 15 U15s, there are half a dozen U13s who can make an impact at this level.