Undefeated thirties from Euan, Haris and David took Carlton to a healthy total in this first round Scottish Cup tie at Goldenacre.

Early wickets against the inexperienced Heriots batting line up enabled everyone to get a bowl as an under strength Carlton side had a comfortable passage into round 2, where they will host either Peebles County or Penicuik.

David blazed a quickfire 30 to get Carlton off to a flier in this friendly match (the league match will be played later in the season once Grange have a full team available). An undefeated innings from young Oli, well supported by Ruari, provided the platform needed for Euan and Oliver Fenton to take the score past the 100 mark.

Greg and Kamran (on debut) both bowled accurate opening spells, with all the younger bowlers getting the opportunity to turn their arm over. A special mention to another debutant, Murray Whitaker, who picked up his first Carlton wicket towards the end.

More unbeaten 30s for Haris and Ruari helped Carlton post a reasonable total on the small square at Myreside.

Our old mate Rory Evans top scored for the home side in their reply, but it was the high number of extras that proved costly as Watsonians scrambled a run off the last ball to seal a thrilling tie in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

After the disappointment of last week’s tie, it was a determined young Carlton side who took to the field for the second of the back-to-back clashes against their neighbours.

In the absence of Ruari, Euan took over the reins and won the toss. The skipper strode to the wicket with David, but the latter was soon striding back, deeply annoyed with himself, as he was caught off a loose shot with only 2 to his name.

Haris and Euan then proceeded to put together an excellent partnership in the face of some accurate and hostile bowling from the Myreside openers. Haris, in particular, was in fine form, showing great timing and power as he pierced the infield to race to an excellent undefeated 32 before retiring. Euan continued to play the anchor role but, at the other end, his team-mates were struggling to put bat on ball.

Euan eventually perished caught behind for a dogged 18, and the home side then limped to a 20 over total of 82 for 6.

Not much to defend. Coach Akeel tried to convince his charges that all was not lost, and stressed the importance of a tight opening spell, while the Junior Convener demanded “a real Carlton fielding performance” from the skipper.

Euan opened with Greg and the pair bowled beautifully from the outset. Euan picked up the first wicket when he trapped opener Adam painfully in front for 7 and after the first eight overs, the visitors were behind the asking rate, although left-hander Rory was still at the crease and always a threat.

Enter the spin twins Haris and David and the game ‘turned’ dramatically in Carlton’s favour. Leg-spinner Haris trapped Rory in front while David put the disappointment of his batting dismissal behind him with a great spell of left-arm spin. With young Rory pitching in with a top spell of off-spin that earned him two wickets, including one that turned ‘several yards’ according to the man himself.

In the end, a comfortable if unlikely win for Carlton against a talented Watsonian side. “Was that Carlton enough for you?” said the skipper as he marched off proudly. It was, Euan, it was.

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