Ever since he first arrived in Perth in 1994, English radio producer Damian Rabbitt has dreamt of the day when he can revel in the joy of an England Ashes triumph in Australia.
After a happy interlude in the Scottish summer of 2010, when Damian and his Aussie wife Kate united under the Saltire flag of convenience as they watched son Tobyn turn out for the Carlton Under 15s, they now find themselves a family at war.
While Damian nervously contemplates the possibility of an English triumph, Kate and Tobyn cling desperately to the hope that a Beer-inspired Aussie revival is just around the corner.
As the Ashes battle arrives on his Perth doorstep, Damian has provided the Carlton website with a unique insight into the intensity of the Ashes battle, from the point of view of an Englishman who has suddenly found himself a foreigner in his own household ...
"I write in nervous anticipation. I’ve been here too many times before – England on the verge of possible sporting victory (insert which ever sport takes your fancy, the pattern is the same), and yet the nagging doubts remain... that is tempered by the events of the 5th Day at Adelaide Oval. In previous series the roles would have been reversed, so it just doesn’t feel right all this winning. I could get to like it though. Who was it who said “I can cope with the despair, it’s the hope I can’t stand”?
 I’ve lived here in Western Australia for 16 years now, and not once in that time have I had the pleasure of a Series win. I used to joke I was like my namesake character from Ch.4’s comedy series “Drop The Dead Donkey” (Damian), who used to say “I just don’t want my children to grow up thinking ‘Englishtestdisaster’ is one word...”. Now my Australian-born son Tobyn (left) takes pleasure taking the mickey out of me, one reason I think he fitted in so well during our brief stay in Edinburgh. All the usual “South Africa B” jokes. I remind him that our good friends from the Cape ARE part of the Commonwealth, and I’ve even tried to give him a rundown of the interesting playing history of Keppler Wessells.
It’s a strange week in Perth for so many reasons. While the rest of the country has unprecedented rainfall and flooding, we on the West Coast continue our longest dry spell since Greg Chappell swore off the beer. Speaking of ‘Beer’, no – we don’t really know who he is either, even though he plays for Western Australia. His claim to fame is that he once played with Warnie at the St Kilda cricket club, the great man has mentioned his name in several newspaper articles, and the selectors have listened. On that basis, is Liz Hurley a chance for a call up to the national side?
IF England do win at the WACA, and hold onto the Ashes in the process, it will be somewhat against the run-of-play for them. They’ve played 11 times on the fast, bouncy clay of the WACA’s centre wicket (think Inverleith Park, then think again) for one solitary win, back in the dark days of Australian cricket, 1978. Back then I was a schoolboy in Salford, following the mighty Bolton Wanderers to promotion from the old Division Two – ahead of Spurs and Southampton, no less. Yes, a lot of nothing has happened for England in these parts for quite some time.
And as with all the other Ashes Tests at the WACA, I’ll be there producing our Morning radio show from just behind the Lillee-Marsh stand, before we hand over to our Sports team for the commentary. Think of it as an Aussie TMS, but without the cake. Then I’ll find a quiet spot to watch – and pray. Meanwhile, my son will be sitting somewhere in the crowd, proudly wearing his Saltires one-day shirt and Carlton C.C. cap. I think we might have to travel home alone!"
 The Carlton Christmas Party
Saturday 18th December
7pm till late at Grange Loan
Buffet - Raffle - Games
Following the success of the inaugural Carlton Christmas Party last year we will be hosting another fun-filled festive event on Saturday the 18th of December.
It's a great chance for all Carlton players, members and supporters to get together for Chrstmas drinks, a festive buffet and another chance to play that old Carlton Christmas favourite - Knock the Head off the Snowman!
Get your tickets NOW from Santa's special little helper, Stevie Gilmour, on:
stevie.gilmour@carltoncc.co.uk
Tickets are just £5 (£3 for concessions) and family tickets are available for just £15.
 While the eyes of much of the cricket world will be on the Ashes next month, Scotland’s cricketers face a huge five-day challenge of their own when they take on Afghanistan in the final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup in Dubai.
Skipper Gordon Drummond will be joined by three Carlton team-mates - Fraser Watts, Ross Lyons and Preston Mommsen - when the 14 man squad fly out on Tuesday.
After an acclimatisation period that includes warm up matches, Drummo will lead his country into action in a final that will effectively decide the champions of the world below test level. The match, in the Dubai City Cricket Stadium, starts on 2nd December.
Scotland last won the Intercontinental Cup back in 2004, when a side including Fraser Watts and Cedric English defeated Canada in the final by an innings and 84 runs.
Good luck to Gordon and co from everyone at Carlton.
Preparation for the 2011 season gets underway on Sunday January 23rd with the first Carlton indoor net session at Edinburgh Academy Sports Centre.
The sessions will run each Sunday until March 20th (times below).
With four senior league teams plus a Sunday XI, Carlton are always happy to welcome new players - for further info, email Head Coach Stevie Gilmour on stevie.gilmour@carltoncc.co.uk
 Session Dates:
Jan 23rd 6 - 8 pm
Jan 30th 6 - 8 pm
Feb 6th 6 - 8 pm
Feb 13th 4 - 6 pm
Feb 20th 4 - 6 pm
Feb 27th 10 - 12 pm
Mar 6th 10 - 12 pm
Mar 13th 10 - 12 pm
Mar 20th 10 - 12 pm
As the England team boarded their plane at Heathrow en route to Australia, the countdown to the Ashes was under way. With the England players given permission to continue tweeting throughout the tour, this promises to be the most widely recorded Ashes series in history.
Kevin Pietersen has already hit the headlines with a foul-mouthed tweet earlier this year, but the correspondent to follow is almost certainly Graeme Swann if his penultimate tweet before leaving England is anything to go by:
“Oh dear. I thought we had a six week sea voyage ahead of us. Have packed boat shoes, tuxedo, chess board etc. Turns out we're flying.”
There will also be countless column inches devoted in more traditional media to the eagerly awaited series. However, everybody north of the border knows that there’s only one place to turn to for the definitive viewpoint on the winter’s action – Fantasy Bob’s Blog.
FB is kicking off his incisive coverage to coincide with the England team’s arrival and, as always he welcomes all comments, abusive or otherwise, as the Ashes battle unfolds.
 
Graeme Swann tweets Fantasy Bob blogs
 The 2010 East of Scotland Cricket Association Dinner and Awards evening at Prestonfield Golf Club on Friday October 1st had a strong Carlton theme, as the club picked up a number of awards and the infamous Carlton match reports received an honourable mention in the main speech of the evening.
In the absence of 3rd XI skipper Akeel “Was the dinner tonight?” Aslam, Carlton stalwart Brian Forrester accepted the League Division Five trophy (above) from ESCA President Bruce Dixon.
 
Three Carlton juniors were also in the queue for the awards. Umpire Imtiaz Ahmed accepted the first award on behalf of his son Mohammed for his century for Pentland Under 17s. And 4th XI skipper, and the junior section’s top man in senior cricket, Alan Murray collected awards for two of his young club mates, Cheeky Gosain and Gavin Rittoo, in recognition of their top bowling returns during 2010. Cheeky took 5 for 45 in Division One against Edinburgh CC while Gavin earned a remarkable 6 for 15 in Division Eight against SMRH. Both players will receive their awards in person very soon.
Last minute replacement speaker and ESCA committee member, Paul Bailey, delivered the main speech of the evening, picking out some of his personal highlights of East League cricket. He reserved special mention for the Carlton website and, in particular, its idiosyncratic 4th XI match reports penned by Bob Irvine and Shaun Barrett. Paul, a classics teacher, admitted that he’d even learned something new about Sophocles from one of Bob’s efforts! Special mention was made of Bob’s match report on the game that never took place, although Paul admitted that he could always tell whether a report had been written by Shaun or Bob; if he got to the end and knew what the result was then it must be one of Shaun’s …
 The Carlton website is accustomed to fielding requests from the local media for information on the club or for permission to use articles or photos. (Although some less scrupulous journos simply help themselves). However, we recently received a request from a rather further-flung newspaper than the Edinburgh Evening News – the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, based in the town of Kadina, South Australia, just next door to the old Wallaroo copper mines.
Local journalist Rhiannon Koch was on the trail of a classic ‘local boy made good’ story, as she had been tipped off about the success of their Antipodean export Simon Spry, who picked up two trophies at the annual Carlton Awards Dinner, including the inaugural Player’s Player of the Year.
Simon’s photo appeared in this week’s edition of the paper alongside articles about protests against local state government cuts, the sighting of two whales, a local shooter taking part in the Commonwealth Games and the opening of the new bowls season.
A nice irony to see an Aussie paper running a story on Scottish cricket - and a pleasure to see a top bloke like Simon taking his well-deserved turn in the sporting limelight.
........................................
While most cricketers have already begun their winter hibernation, Carlton’s favourite match reporter, Fantasy Bob, has redoubled his literary efforts since the season ended with the launch of his own blog.
In the first month, his prodigious output has given us an often frightening insight into what goes on inside the veteran Carlton all-rounder’s head, as Bob has given his opinion on a wide range of subjects including: Aussies and the Ashes; his favourite biscuits; the music of Mahler and the mystery of the club captain’s pink trousers.
And with a winter of Ashes cricket ahead, Bob is sure to be kept busy as he gives us his ‘expert’ opinion on the action Down Under. The great man is delighted to receive comments on his literary work, however abusive, so feel free to post your views on the blog.
(Needless to say, the views and opinions expressed by Fantasy Bob in his blog do not always reflect those of Carlton Cricket Club ...)
 The annual club dinner and senior awards evening took place in the Grange Loan pavilion on Friday 24th September.
Dual award winners included Cedric English (left), who collected the 1st XI batting prize plus the Outstanding Performance award for his unbeaten 148 against Uddingston in August, and Simon Spry, who picked up the 2nd XI batting prize plus the new Player's Player of the Year Trophy.
Long-serving umpire and club secretary Martin Flynn was presented with the Jappy Trophy for his outstanding service to the club for many years.
List of Prizewinners :
1st XI batting: |
Cedric English |
1st XI bowling: |
Ross Lyons |
2nd XI batting: |
Simon Spry |
2nd XI bowling: |
Mohammed Habib |
3rd XI batting: |
Grant Newman |
3rd XI bowling: |
David Rush |
4th XI batting: |
Bob Irvine |
4th XI bowling: |
Fraser Allardice |
Six Hitting |
Ross Burns |
Topcat Fielding Trophy |
Tom Barrett |
Topcat Wicketkeeping Trophy |
Jamie Kerr |
Best Individual Performance 2010 |
Cedric English |
Players' Player of the Year |
Simon Spry |
Jimmy Jappy Trophy, awarded for outstanding contribution to the club: |
Martin Flynn |
Photos
The 2010 cricket season will be remembered for being one of the driest in years. From the first pre-season friendly against Watsonians on April 10th to the Carlton Sixes day on September 11th, only one cricketing Saturday was completely lost to the rain
Carlton sides at all levels took advantage of the opportunity to play more cricket by contributing to possibly the most successful season in the club’s history.
 Pride of place goes to the 1st XI who proved themselves to be the undisputed kings of Scottish T20 cricket by winning both the Masterton and Murgitroyd trophies. If the Masterton Trophy matches followed a common theme of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat there could be no doubt about the dominance of the team in the Murgitroyd national finals in late July. With a full side at his disposal, new skipper Fraser Watts’ side powered to convincing victories over Clydesdale and Forfarshire to lift the trophy for the second time in three years.
In the league, there were some powerful early performances when the team was at full strength, with the new opening partnership of Watts and Mommsen more often than not providing the foundation for some big totals. The bowling wasn’t always in such good nick though and the regular loss of the skipper and three other key players on Scotland duty, as well as injuries to Cedric English, proved to be too much of a handicap in the SNCL title race and Scottish Cup bid.
However, two victories in the final two games, thanks largely to the returning English with innings of 148* and 146, saw Carlton finish the premier league season strongly in 4th place.
 New boy Preston Mommsen (left) finished the season at the top of the SNCL Premier League batting averages on 72.38, while three Carlton batsmen (Preston, Cedric and Fraser) were among the top 10 aggregate run scorers.
On the bowling front, Omar Ahmad returned the best match bowling figures in the premier league for the second season in succession with his 6 for 12 against Dunfermline in May.
The 2nd XI meanwhile achieved their highest ever league finish, ending the season in second place in East League Division One despite never having the luxury of being able to field anything like a settled side. No fewer than six different batsmen, including two teenagers, hit Division 1 centuries during the season, while Mohammed Habib collected 27 wickets despite only playing for the Twos for half the season. Joining Habs and Nathan Pietsch with 5 wicket hauls was 14 year-old Chayank Gosain, while 13 year old leg-spinner Haris Aslam took 3 for 24 on his debut against Glenrothes in August.
A key target for the club before the season started was for the 3rd XI to gain promotion and the side, which was led for most of the season by Akeel Aslam, stormed to the Division Five title. Along the way they racked up the club’s highest ever limited overs score when they hit a massive 441 for 5 off their 45 overs against Leith FAB 3s at Inverleith in June, thanks to hundreds from Ross Burns and Nik Hunt. In addition to Ross and Nik, there were also league hundreds for Peter Swan, Simon Spry and Charles Paterson, while Cheeky’s hat-trick against Musselburgh in May was a bowling highlight.
 There was also promotion for the wonderful blend of ‘experience’ and youth that we call the Carlton 4th XI, as they finished in fourth place in Division 8. Veteran opener Barnacle Barrett did his job by hanging around long enough to hit half-centuries to ensure the youthful attack usually had something meaningful to bowl at, receiving useful support from other ‘oldies’ Bob and Neil. Not that the batting was entirely reliant on wrinklies – there were also 50s from teenagers Craig Everett (3), Kyle Macpherson (2) and Leigh Kasperek.
Bowling highlights from the youngsters included Haris (4 for 23), Fraser Allardice (4 for 37), Greg Murdoch (4 for 20) and Gavin Rittoo (6 for 15). Best bowling moment though went to departing senior Neil Browning, who took a hat-trick against Teuchters. And even when Fantasy Bob failed with bat and ball he was still able to contribute with pen (or keyboard to be more accurate); even penning a lengthy match report for a game that was called off early on the Saturday morning.
On the junior front, there were record attendances at primary school practice evenings, while the youngsters from Gordon Drummond’s development group made the Scotland skipper proud by winning the McDonald Trophy tournament at Arbroath.
Our Primary School and Under 11 sides both showed a huge amount of promise, with the players also having the opportunity to turn out for our Under 13 B side, who had a great season. Despite having a very young side our Under 13 A side performed well under the guidance of coach Andy Macpherson, while Alistair Duncan’s Under 15s once again excelled, reaching the Scottish Cup Final – a feat equalled by the Under 18s in the inaugural year of their event.
On the international front, 2010 saw Gordon Drummond take over as Scotland captain. New boy Preston Mommsen’s hot form saw him make his national debut while there were well overdue recalls to the front line for Fraser Watts and Ross Lyons, together with further caps for paceman Ali Evans.
Rajan Bhopal took his first ever 5 wicket haul for the Scotland Under 17s against Ireland while Kyle Macpherson was a member of Scotland’s victorious Under 15 European Championship side. There were also under 15 caps for Matthew Wells and Neil Irvine-Hess, while our women’s internationalist Leigh Kasperek had another fine season, capped by a superb 68 in the final, crucial match of the season at Hampshire.
The annual junior prizegiving took place in the pavilion on Friday 4th September, with Head Coach Stevie Gilmour charged with handing out the prizes.
Under 13 all-rounder Haris Aslam needs to get the silver polish out after picking up no fewer than three trophies, while a number of other talented young cricketers picked up well-deserved awards in front of an enthusiastic audience of parents and coaches.
After the awards, the juniors split into pairs for a hard-fought cricket quiz. Those keen young students of the game, Angus Beattie and Ruairidh Main, picked up the second prize of a new cricket ball apiece. Meanwhile, to the astonishment of the watching parents, the first prize went to the more senior pairing of David Mitchell and Ruari Macpherson. Their prize - an hour's coaching from the Scotland captain. Drummo will be so pleased ...
List of Prizewinners :
Under 15 batting: |
Will Brown |
Under 15 bowling: |
Chayank Gosain |
Under 13 batting: |
Haris Aslam |
Under 13 bowling: |
David Mitchell |
Most improved junior: |
Calum Everett |
Primary School Player of the Year: |
Dougal Main |
Outstanding performance by a junior: |
Haris Aslam |
Hat-Trick Awards: |
Chayank Gosain
Haris Aslam
Angus Beattie |
Sponsored Run Fund-Raising Awards: |
1. Rohan Green
2. Simon Edgar
3. Ruairidh Main |
Photographs
 This Saturday sees the 2010 Grange Loan cricket season come to an end with The Carlton Sixes.
Organiser Charles Legget has arranged a full day of great 6-a-side cricket, with five local sides vying for the prizes. Legs himself will turn out for a star studded Carlton Under 25 side, skippered by Omar Ahmad, while the slightly more mature Carlton Over 25s team will be led by the soon-to-be-departing Tom Clarke. The country’s up and coming batting star Ollie Hairs will lead a team from rivals and Scottish champions Grange, while Edinburgh University CC president Seb Rae will take charge of a university six. Completing the line up are the East of Scotland Under 18s led by the thinking woman’s Kevin Pietersen, Nick Martin.
Test match cricket it’s not. There will be pink cricket balls, free-hits for no-balls and music with entry tunes for incoming batsmen from mighty master DJ Ferg Whatley on the mic. Even more importantly there’s the famous Carlton BBQ … and the bar.
What’s more, for Carlton fans with a long memory and a fondness for mindless chat emanating from the slips, there’s the promise of a long overdue return from the finest batsman never to play for England – the legendary Fergus Guppy.
What better way can there be to bring the curtain down on the season? Come along and enjoy a great day. Each match consists of 5 overs per side and the event kicks off at 10.30.
It was a weekend of mixed emotions for the club as the Third XI clinched the East League Division Five title on Saturday but the Under 18s fell agonisingly short in the final of the Scottish Cup.
With Grant Newman at the helm, the Threes travelled to Leith knowing just two bonus points were required to be crowned champions. A lengthy second wicket partnership for the home side might have given cause for doubt, but four wickets for young Fraser Allardice helped dismiss Leith 3s for 235, before a real skipper’s innings from Grant, supported by a mightily impressive unbeaten 60 from Zaki Yusaf, took the champions to a 5 wicket win with 7 balls to spare.
At Aberdeen, the Cedric English batting masterclass continued where it left off last week as the Carlton maestro hit a marvellous 146 to help his side post 268 at Mannofield. The Carton seamers then ensured the season would finish on a high as Habs (3 for 40), Ali (3 for 31) and Omar (4 for 19) bundled the Dons out for just 114.
 The Twos notched sufficient bonus points to clinch the runners up spot in the East of Scotland league, although they had to suffer a brutal innings from Watsonian’s giant batsman Richard Crosby, who capitalised on some generous fielding to hit a superb 165 at Grange Loan. In reply, a classy innings from the ever consistent Simon Spry (left) was the mainstay of the Carlton reply. Simon stroked his way to a brilliant unbeaten 151 as the home side fell short by just 34 runs.
On Sunday, the Carlton Under 18s continued their fine Scottish Cup form by sweeping aside the challenge of a talented Arbroath side in their T20 semi-final. Tom Barrett carried his bat with 59 as his team-mates batted intelligently around him to post an impressive 151 for 4. Top quality seam bowling from Mo Ahmed and Nick Martin then restricted Arbroath to just 87.
Waiting in the final were old foes Grange and the Carlton boys showed no signs of nerves with the bat with another solid display. Tom batted even better this time for 70* and only the strong cross-winds on the main Stirling field, which made boundaries on one side difficult to come by, restricted the Carlton boys to 143. Sadly, the bowlers failed to adapt to the windy conditions and too many wayward deliveries had Grange in the driving seat at halfway. Despite an excellent bowling and fielding performance in the second half of the innings it was just too little too late as Grange sealed the win off the last ball of the match.
The 18s were back at Grange Loan in time to cheer on the already promoted 4th XI to a remarkable win over SMRH 3s. With 6 wickets in hand and plenty time available the visitors seemed to be set for a comfortable win. However, the death bowling duties were entrusted to 13 year old Euan Everett and 14 year old Gavin Rittoo and the boys bowled superbly, with Gavin returning dream figures of 6 for 15 as the visitors were dismissed 13 runs short.
The final weekend of league cricket has the first XI making the long trip north to Mannofield to face 9th placed Aberdeenshire. This season the Dons have struggled to find the form that brought them the Premier League title and Scottish Cup in 2009 as their campaign was dealt a severe blow in the first week of the season with the loss of their star opening bowler, Chris West, to a broken ankle. However, even without the services of West, Aberdeenshire's visit to Grange Loan in June brought a tight game that required all the experience of Scotland skipper Drummo to see Carlton home to a tense, two - wicket victory. Drummo, along with the rest of Carlton's Scotland contingent will not be making the journey north; their continued absence has allowed a good run of first team cricket for the likes of Tom Barrett and Rajan Bhopal.
This week brings another opportunity for a hard hitting Carlton youngster, in the form of Drummo's protégé, Nick Martin, who will be making his first XI debut off the back of a match-winning 59 in the quarter-final of the U18 Scottish Cup.
Cedric English will be opening the batting for the second week running after scoring a majestic 148* against Uddingston last week. Skipper Stevie Gilmour will be hoping this blend of youth and experience is a match-winning formula and the Carlton 1st XI can finish the season on a high note.
The Carlton 2nd XI entertain East League Divison 1 champions and neighbours, Watsonians 2nd XI at Grange Loan. The 2s require just 4 points to secure a 2nd place finish but Captain Pietsch and his team will be looking for nothing less than the full 20 points to exact revenge after suffering a defeat at the hands of Watsonians earlier in the season at Craiglockhart.
Leith FAB 2nd XI may not be relishing the visit of Carlton 3rd XI to the green pastures of Leith Links this Saturday as the onslaught that the Leith FAB bowlers encountered in the match earlier in the season will most likely still be causing nightmares. The mammoth 441 for 5 posted by the Carlton batsmen proved to be the highest score ever posted by a Carlton side in limited overs cricket. Leith FAB may, however, take comfort in the fact that the two centurions in that game, Ross Burns and Nick Hunt, will be turning out for the Carlton second XI. Just two bonus points from this fixture will see the Carlton 3s crowned East League Division 5s champions and see them deservedly promoted to Division 4.
 If the title is sealed, the celebratons of Three's skipper Fergus Whatley (left) will need to be of the modest variety as he is part of the club’s Under 18 side that heads to Stirling on Sunday morning to take on Arbroath in the first semi-final of the Scottish T20 Cup.
The 4th XI are also in action on Sunday against SMRH 3s. The 4s have already clinched a promotion spot in Division 8, but Fantasy Bob and his men will not be taking the game lightly. Shaun Barrett, opening the batting, will be turning his attention towards another league table, as he looks to overtake Nick Martin at the top of the Citylets Fantasy Cricket table, a big score by Barrett Senior could see the top spot slip out of the grasp of cash-strapped, soon-to-be-student Nick Martin, right into the hands of the wily Barrett.
The history of the first hundred years or so of Carlton Cricket Club are covered in the book ‘Play’, written by former skipper Dr NL Stevenson. Stevenson’s on-field achievements during the first half of the twentieth century mark him out as the foremost player at the club during this time.
 If the story of the second century of Carlton’s existence comes to be written, then surely one man’s on-field record will stand alone. Returning, somewhat uncertainly, from injury on Saturday, the evergreen Cedric English (left) carried his bat against Uddingston at Grange Loan on Saturday to hit a superb undefeated 148 and help take his side to 237 for 4 off their 50 overs. He might be sore for a few days to come but he’s surely still capable of at least another decade at the crease for Carlton?!
Skipper Stevie Gilmour was then rewarded with a better bowling and fielding performance than in recent weeks as Carlton ran out deserved winners by 43 runs.
A fairly inexperienced Twos side pulled themselves up to second place in East League One with a close win over SNCL-chasing Edinburgh Accies. A classy unbeaten 95 from Simon Spry in bowler-friendly conditions, well supported by the lower middle order, took Carlton to a creditable 188 for 7. The Aussie all-rounder then sealed a good win with a fine bowling spell in fading light to see his side home by 30 odd runs.
The Third XI edged ever closer to the Division Five title with a close win over their counterparts from Watsonians. Opener Matt Wells top scored with 33 as the Myreside side were set 159 to win. Four wickets from off-spinner turned seamer Nik Hunt helped Carlton to a 30 run victory. The Threes now need just two bonus points from their last match to be champions.
 The Fours were not on league duty, but were welcomed to Inverleith for a battle of the 4th XIs with SMRH. Half centuries from Leigh Kasperek and Craig Everett helped propel Fantasy Bob’s men (and girl) to a 200 + total before 4 wickets from 12 year old Rory Allardice saw the Carlton side to a comfortable win. There were further celebrations for the Fours afterwards when they learned that results elsewhere in ESCA Division 8 meant that they were promoted with one game to spare.
Sunday was certainly Haris Aslam’s day. Following his contribution to the Twos’ win in the league the previous day, the 13 year old leg-spinner (left) took a hat-trick for the Under 15s in their league match at West Lothian in the morning as the Carlton youngsters won by 8 wickets. Matt Wells (yes, really) also picked up 3 wickets for just 6 runs.
In the afternoon, Haris turned out for the Sunday XI in an enjoyable match against Morton. Clearly not satisfied with his morning bowling heroics, Haris hit his maiden senior fifty as the Carlton XI won by 59 runs.
A leaf through the dusty record books of the last century will uncover startling evidence that Grange Loan stalwart Johnny Everett once captained another cricket team in Edinburgh (clue: G-a-ge).
The fact that Johnny has been welcomed to our club with open arms despite his shameful past is a shining example of the inclusiveness of Carlton Cricket Club. As penance, Johnny, with the assistance of the long suffering Mrs E, Kirstin, has produced three fine young sons who regularly turn out for the Carlton junior sides – Calum for the under 11s, Euan for the under 13s and Craig for the under 15s.
On Saturday August 21st, 11 year-old Calum made his senior debut as he turned out for the Carlton 4th XI in the friendly match at SMRH against the hosts’ 4th XI. The day was made more memorable for the youngster as he lined up with his dad and two brothers.
Euan, a stylish left-hander ... just like his dad ... opened the batting and took two wickets, Craig hit a fine fifty and kept wicket, and Calum showed a glimpse of many runs to be made in years to come with a courageous and mighty fine 8 as well as picking up his first senior wicket. Johnny meanwhile was consigned to batting at eleven and, despite much pleading, was not called upon to bowl by skipper Bob Irvine.
 With just two weeks of the league season remaining, Carlton play their final home match of 2010 when they entertain Uddingston on Saturday. Although results have been disappointing since the club lost the services of their Scotland players after the Murgitroyd Trophy triumph, the fighting innings from 17 year old Rajan Bhopal at Myreside last week has given a boost to skipper Stevie Gilmour (left), and Gilly will be looking for his side to sign off at Grange Loan with a win against the Lanarkshire side.
Uddingston, of course, will have the evergreen Paul Hoffmann in their ranks and the big-hitter may well be eyeing up the Citylets Challenge cash prize. He’s been know to hit the odd six at Grange Loan in the past and he will no doubt be keen to become the first batsman to hit the special Citylets target banner. As the nights are fair drawing in the match will start at noon.
Carlton 2nd XI have their eyes on the runners up spot in East League Division One and a win at Newfield on Saturday would see them leapfrog current second placed side Edinburgh Accies.
By contrast, after securing promotion last week the all conquering Threes are keen to avoid the runners-up spot … by winning East League Division 5. However, with Musselburgh 2nd XI chasing them all the way the Threes can’t afford any slip ups when they welcome their Watsonian counterparts to Pefermill for a noon start. The official Carlton stats guru advises that the title would be clinched with 28 points from the next two games (one win plus 8 losing bonus points would do it.)
Finally, the Fours could clinch promotion this weekend – even though they don’t have a league game. If our fevered calculations are correct, if both Drummond Trinity 2s and Leith FAB 3s lose then the magical band of Carlton veterans and youngsters will have clinched the fourth promotion place. So all to play for … or not to play for in this case. Meanwhile, skipper Fantasy Bob is keen to ensure that his charges don't slack off so he takes his side to SMRH for a Saturday friendly while the East League action rages on elsewhere.
Sunday sees a couple of Carlton sides in action. In the morning the Under 15s play their last league match of the season at Linlithgow against West Lothian, while the afternoon sees a Carlton Sunday XI take on our friends from Morton (1.30 pm).
Another disappointing weekend for the senior side saw them slip to two defeats in successive days. On Saturday, a slow Myreside track kept batsmen on both sides in check with Carlton’s total of 158 for 9, largely dependent on a gritty fifth wicket partnership between skipper Stevie Gilmour (50) and 17 year old Rahan Bhopal (33), Although Watsonians got off to a good start, a typically fine spell from Ross Lyons (3 for 27) had the home side teetering before they edged home with two wickets to spare.
The next day, Carlton came up against a very impressive National Academy side, whose aggressive batting style was ideally suited to the excellent Grange Loan wicket. The youngsters racked up an impressive 287 for 8, despite some impressive bowling from Mohammed Habib. In reply, the Carlton batting was indebted to a belligerent 70 from Charles Legget to avoid a heavy defeat as the home side mustered 197 all out.
The previous day’s match at Grange Loan had a decided end-of-season feel about it as the Carlton 2nd XI made heavy weather of seeing off bottom side Glenrothes. The Glenrothes innings was most notable for the 2nd XI debut of 13 year old leg-spinner Haris Aslam who ran through the top order to return figures of 10-1-3-24. A sloppy last ten overs from the home side helped the visitors post a respectable 162 for 7. A fine opening partnership between Seb Rae and the ever impressive Simon Spry (below) seemed to have Carlton on course for a comfortable win before a needless middle order collapse left all rounder Steven Elder to see his side home with a composed unbeaten 31.
Grant Newman skippered the Threes to promotion from East League Division 5 as they trounced their counterparts from Falkland at the Meadows. Scotland Under 15 batsman Kyle Macpherson top scored for Carlton, while 3 wickets for Neil Browning ensured an early finish for the high flying Threes. Most remarkably of all, the much maligned side has managed to produce a report of proceedings for this website.
A visit to Dunfermline delivered a defeat for the Fours as they lost out in a tight finish to Kismet Twos. The bonus points received for posting 154 for 7, thanks in main to another young Macpherson, are enough to keep the Fours firmly in contention for a promotion spot in Division.
 The club’s ever-popular annual dinner will take place at Grange Loan on Friday 24th September (7pm).
The dinner is always a hugely enjoyable occasion and is the perfect opportunity for the whole club to get together to celebrate the success that all the teams have had this year ... and hear some of the best stories of season 2010.
This year your £30 per ticket gets you a four course dinner and the evening includes the club’s senior prizegiving. It’s an all-ticket affair and tickets are available from Brad McKay (treasurer@carltoncc.co.uk) or by contacting your team captain or a member of the club committee.
With late season availability an issue this weekend, Carlton are looking for a number of players across all four senior XIs to show their mettle.
The 1st XI welcome back Preston Mommsen (left) as they make the short trip to Myreside on Premier League duty on Saturday. The hosts are only two points behind leaders Grange in the title race but will be without batsmen Ewan Chalmers and Ryan Flannigan, who are on Scotland duty alongside Carlton duo Gordon Drummond and Fraser Watts. Skipper Stevie Gilmour will be keen to put one over on the hosts to avenge the hugely disappointing defeat to the Myreside men in the league earlier in the season.
Carlton will be without Preston the following day when they take on Craig Wright’s National Academy side at Grange Loan. The youngsters have won four of their eight completed matches so far this season and Gilly’s men will have a tough battle on their hands to take the points.
The Twos will be looking to bounce back after the disappointment of their last over loss at Boroughmuir last week and they should relish being back at Grange Loan as they entertain bottom club Glenrothes in their East League One clash on Saturday.
Carlton Threes, who currently top East League Five amid a media blackout (well, can you find any recent match reports on this website?), take on the Falkland 3rd XI and a win would take them within touching distance of promotion. Last week’s batting star, Grant Newman, takes over the captaincy for what is nominally a home match but the venue – The Meadows – is typically a great leveller and his young side will have to show they can scrap as well as play good cricket.
Fantasy Bob’s 4th XI (no danger of him not submitting a match report – even if the game’s called off) also currently hold a promotion place as they face a trip to Dunfermline to take on Kismet 2 in their penultimate league match. With four clubs going up this season a win would seal the Fours promotion. However, with less than one percentage point separating Carlton and Kismet it will take a great effort from Bob’s men (and boys) to collect the 20 points on offer.
 Cricket Scotland are running a UKCC Level 2 coaching course in Edinburgh during November.
The course is the next step for current Level 1 qualified coaches.
Venue: National Cricket Academy, Edinburgh, Ravelston, EH4 3NT
Session Dates & Times:
Saturday 06 November Modules 1 & 2 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 07 November Modules 3 & 4 10:00am- 5:00pm
Saturday 20 November Module 5 & 6 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 21 November Module 7 & 8 10:00am- 5:00pm
April 2011 Assessment - TBC
Cost: £225
NB Coach education grants are available to help fund coaching costs. Applications should be made to Cricket Scotland.
For those coaches who have still to do First Aid and Child Protection training, there are some free places available on upcoming courses. Email juniors@carltoncc.co.uk for more details.
 Congratulations are due to a couple of young Carlton internationalists this week. Firstly, the club’s under 15 skipper Kyle Macpherson was part of the all-conquering Scotland Under 15 squad that retained the European Championships with a 100% record over all five matches in the Netherlands.
Then all-rounder Rajan Bhopal picked up his first ever 5 wicket haul for his country in the under 17 international against Ireland in Glendermott. Batting first the Irish were rocked by Rajan's opening spell of 4 for 20, before he came back late on to wrap up the innings with his fifth wicket. Sadly, the Scots lost out narrowly by 13 runs.
 Hot on the heels of Carlton’s national T20 success in the Murgitroyd Trophy, the youngsters from Gordon Drummond’s Development Group picked up the McDonald Kwik Cricket Trophy for the club after a series of brilliant performances in Arbroath.
After winning their three group matches and a semi-final over Largo, Carlton batted first in the final against Edinburgh neighbours Watsonians and, contrary to the advice of the coach(!), batted aggressively like they had in the previous games. However, the higher standard of opposition bowling, some outstanding fielding (a man of the match one handed catch above his head from Jamie Boyd being the best example) and some 'final' nerves helped restrict Carlton to 221 runs (really 21 runs).
After a stern half-time talking to about the vital need to bowl line and length the Carlton boys took to the field. A tactical switch saw our own 'Wasim Akram' (Angus) open up by taking 2 wickets in the first over; thereafter some tight bowling from the boys, good fielding and reliable catching from the whole team (the best of which being a sharp catch above his head by Calum) saw Watsonians pegged back.
However, our Edinburgh rivals still only required 8 off the nerve wracking last over, which saw. Calum steam in and take two wickets to see Carlton home in what was an excellent final. Compliments should be paid to both teams as it really was an excellent match full of good individual performances. Carlton's stronger bowling attack was at the end of the day the decisive factor.
The Carlton performances throughout the day were a great credit to the coaching team at the club. As a team they all thought about the game ... and they all fielded and caught excellently. The batting highlight was undoubtedly a straight 6 over extra cover from Charlie in the semi-final - absolutely technically correct!
The McDonald Trophy is a competition for players who were in Primary 6 or lower last year and was competed for by 14 teams from Angus, Perthshire, Fife and the Lothians. Many thanks to everybody at Arbroath for a hugely enjoyable and well run day.
Congratulations from everyone at Carlton to skipper Calum and his team (George, David, Charlie, Angus, Gregor, Murray and Ruairidh). Well done boys.
Photos
The wholesale shake-ups in selection caused by Scotland call-ups and other unavailability ensured it was a disappointing Saturday for the Carlton 1st and 2nd XIs. Much better news for the 3rd XI, though, as they retained the leadership of East League Division 5 with a hard fought win at Stirling County.
With Ryan Watson opening the batting for the visitors, Forfarshire, a Grange Loan the last thing Stevie Gilmour wanted from his opening bowlers was to drop short. Sadly, that’s what happened and the ten-an-over start, despite a mid-innings slump, took the visitors beyond 200; a total that proved well out of reach for Carlton despite a very fine 61 from injury-hit Cedric English (below).
With so many seamers on 1st XI duty, the 2nd XI bowling proved too light for Boroughmuir. As the pitch improved as the sun came out, number nine Tom Clarke top scored with 41 to set what should have been a winning total. However, the home side recovered from 76 for 6 to all but finish the Twos title ambitions.
The Threes won again, however, to put a gloss on an otherwise disappointing day. The long stride of Grant Newman helped him to master a tricky pitch as he and Ferg Whatley ensured Carlton posted a defendable total. Four wickets for promoted under-13 spin wizard Haris Aslam helped dismiss the home side for an important win that keeps the Threes at the top of their league.
The Fours we extremely disappointed to learn that their match at Preston Village was called off on Saturday morning. This minor detail hasn’t prevented Fantasy Bob from submitting a match report.
On Sunday, Grange Loan was conquered by the invading hordes of Grange CC. In the morning the annual Carlton Kwik Cricket tournament was won by Grange and the afternoon friendly between a Grange ‘fathers & sons’ XI and a Carlton ‘old & young’ XI was won by the visitors. The highlight of the kwik cricket from a Carlton perspective was the tie between the Carlton boys side and the Carlton girls (plus one ringer) team. With two balls to go, the girls were heading for an historic victory before two wickets in two balls from Cameron Whyte put the boys one run ahead with a ball to go. Sara Aslam (the second best cricketer in her family behind her brother) then kept her nerve to hit a single off the last ball to earn her side a thrilling tie. Then, with one of the girls having to leave early, young Brodie Young earned himself a horde of female admirers by stepping in and starring in their impressive final game.
Although a Carlton side missing their four internationalists slipped to defeat at Dunfermline last week, wins for our other three senior sides kept them all in contention at the top of their respective leagues.
The Carlton 3rd XI, who currently sit top of the East of Scotland Division 5, face a stern test of their title ambitions this weekend when they travel to New Williamfield to take on their counterparts from Stirling County. The County Threes were early season pacesetters, but their season has stalled somewhat in recent weeks. With the first match between the sides washed out at a point where Carlton looking to be in the slightly stronger position, both sides will be eager to win this one.
 Up in East League One, Carlton Twos and Edinburgh Accies are neck and neck, just behind leaders Watsonians. Carlton welcome back slow left armer Tom Clarke (left) for the trip to Boroughmuir, but will have to do without one of last week’s centurions, Ben Duerden, who is lost to Fringe working commitments. With the bowling attack having a fresh look this week, the Twos will be looking to the experience of Clarke and Steven Elder to blunt the Boroughmuir batting, led by their Aussie skipper Shaun McGrath.
With four teams due to be promoted from Division 8 this year, Carlton Fours are handily placed in third place but they know that they can’t afford any slip-ups between now and the end of the month. On Saturday they travel to Prestonpans to play Preston Village 2nd XI with Fantasy Bob looking for an exciting match to act as a backdrop to another erudite match report. By contrast, the merest post-match sentence emanating from the 3rd XI would be welcomed as something of a minor miracle and a major breakthrough in modern literature.
 Meanwhile, Carlton entertain Ryan Watson’s Forfarshire at Grange Loan on Saturday, where there is a well-earned recall for pace bowler Mohammed Habib (left), who has picked up 27 wickets in East League Division One this year.
And with Gordon Drummond, Fraser Watts, Preston Mommsen and Ross Lyons absent on Scotland duty once again there’s an opportunity for the popular Oli Tame to mark his last appearance for the club by helping the 1st XI to another Premier League victory.
Culinary note: As always, there will be food available fo all players (Carlton and visitors) and spectators from 7pm at a cost of £3 per serving. This week it's lasagne, complete with vegeterian option.
With four players away on Saltires’ duty, Carlton had two main objectives for their trip to high-flying Dunfermline: dismiss in-form pro Alistair Gray cheaply and get a big innings from one of their own experienced batsmen. Unfortunately, neither aim was achieved and a Gray century set the home side on their way to a thumping 140 run win.
After Ani Majumdar fell cheaply at Grange Loan, Twos skipper Ben Duerden joined opener Tom Barrett in a match-winning partnership against Largo. Both hit hundreds as Carlton set the visitors 251 to win. An uncharacteristically sloppy bowing and fielding display helped to keep Largo in the game until four wickets apiece for Peter Swan and Mohammed Habib sealed a 50 run win.
 At Arboretum, a fine 126 from Charles Paterson (left), well supported by a late order 42* from Zaki Yusaf, took the Threes to another big score, which proved too much for Holy Cross 2nd XI. The win keeps Akeel Aslam’s side at the top of the East of Scotland League Division Five.
In the second half of the Carlton-Holy Cross double header, Grant Newman was ably supported by youngsters Angus Rive and Haris Aslam as the Fours posted 166 for 9 off their 40 overs at Campbell Park. Skipper Bob Irvine and Haris the picked up three wickets each to keep the Fours promotion push on track.
On Sunday morning, our Under 15s won through to their second cup-final of the season when they defeated West Lothian at Grange Loan in the semi-final of the Lothians Cup. And in the afternoon, our old friends from the Woodcutters were the visitors for a friendly match. The visitors eventually ran out three wicket winners after a close affair that included far too many dropped catches by the home side!
After the successes of the last two weekends, there are fresh challenges ahead for all four Carlton sides as the season heads into the final weeks.
 With club skipper Fraser Watts, Gordon Drummond, Preston Mommsen and Ross Lyons all deservedly receiving call ups to the Saltires squad for the Pro40 matches against Durham and Warwickshire, vice-captain Stevie Gilmour (left) will have a tough match on his hands as he leads his team to high-flying Dunfermline on Premier League business this Saturday. The home side’s professional, South African all-rounder Alistair Gray, has been on great form so far this season and Carlton will be hoping that their strong seam attack will be at their best to keep the experienced Dunfermline batting line-up under control.
At Grange Loan on Saturday, the Twos will be looking to strengthen their position in the top three in the East League table when they take on Largo.
Akeel Aslam’s 3rd XI sit proudly at the top of the Division 5 table and the skipper will be determined to ensure there are no slip-ups as his side visit Holy Cross 2s at Arboretum. Hopefully, as well as winning the match, he’ll be able to organise someone to write the match report!
And there’s another Carlton-Holy Cross matchup in Division 8, as our Fours, who currently sit in third place in the table (we think!) visit the Crossers’ Threes at Campbell Park.
On Sunday afternoon, there's friendly action at Grange Loan as our old friends the Woodcutters are the visitors.
 If Carlsbergton made weekends … then they’d certainly have made this one. Six senior wins out of six (following four out of four last weekend), a whopping 669 1st XI runs in just 90 overs, and a national trophy at the end of it all.
Saturday saw West of Scotland the visitors to Grange Loan on SNCL Premier League duty and a clinical Carlton batting performance, topped by a spectacular 50 off just 23 balls from Blake Dean, followed by another 4 wicket haul for Ross Lyons, took the home side to a big win.
Over at Leith Academy, the Twos beat their Edinburgh CC counterparts and some heavy showers to stay in touch at the top of East Division One thanks to hard-fought fifties from skipper Ben Duerden and Oli Tame, followed by the now customary top order demolition job by Mohammed Habib.
Akeel Aslam’s table-topping Threes showed their mettle by defending just 161 at Newfield against Edinburgh Accies’ second string. The mighty Ross Burns was once again at the heart of the Threes batting, hitting 76, before ever improving of-spinner Peter Swan took the bowling honours with 3 for 23.
On Sunday morning, at the outrageously early hour of 10.15, Carlton took to the field at a beautifully presented Shawholm ground in Glasgow for the first semi-final of the Murgitroyd National T20 trophy. In what was surely the most comprehensive performance by a Carlton side in recent years, they racked up a mighty 192 thanks in main to a classy innings from Preston Mommsen and some mighty six hitting from Messrs Dean, English, Gilmour and Lyons. Superb opening spells from Drummo and Habs then tore the heart out of the Clydesdale batting as they were skittled for just 66.
With the good news from Glasgow received over at Grange Loan, the Fours set about their task with gusto as they batted against Leith FAB 3s. The early loss of Fraser Allardice was brushed aside as Kyle Macpherson joined his grand-father figure Shaun Barrett to put together an excellent partnership for the second wicket. Kyle was out for 86 just before the innings closed, with Shaun surviving on 57 not out as the Fours posted a hefty 168 for 2 off their 40 overs. In reply, the visitors were first blasted out by James Blackmur, before being baffled by leg-spin wizard Haris. 39 all out and another comprehensive victory.
Back in Glasgow, Carlton put in another good batting shift in the T20 final against Forfarshire. Another fine Blake Dean 50 got things off to a good start, but it took another special T20 innings form Gordon Drummond to see his side up to 152. The pivotal moment came in the first over of the Forfarshire reply as Drummo removed danger man Ryan Watson for a duck. Four overs of top drawer left arm spin from Ross Lyons then ensured there was to be no slip-up and Carlton deservedly became Scotland’s T20 champions. Full marks to everyone at Poloc CC for a superbly organised event.
So another great weekend, but with Scotland fixtures set for every weekend between now and the end of the season it will be time for a host of players to step up a team and a chance for many of our youngsters to show what they’re really made of across all four senior sides.
The National T20 Finals take centre stage this weekend as a busy two days are in store for the club.
On Saturday, Carlton entertain West of Scotland at Grange Loan on league business before heading west on Sunday morning for their Murgitroyd Trophy T20 semi-final.
This is likely to be the last weekend that we will see all our Scotland players on club duty, so skipper Fraser Watts will be hoping that his team will be able to take advantage over the visitors from Glasgow. However, with the likes of Saltires’ Dougie Lockhart and Gordon Goudie in the West ranks it promises to be a hard fought clash.
 The following day, Carlton bid to pick up the National T20 Murgitroyd Trophy for the second time in three years as they head through to Poloc CC for finals day. Carlton play in the first semi-final (10.15) against Clydesdale. The final will take place following the conclusion of the second semi between Dumfries and Forfarshire. The players would be delighted to see as many supporters as possible travel through to watch the event, which is held in the picturesque ground within the Pollok Country Park estate on Glasgow's south-side.
With the title of Scotland’s T20 champions up for grabs, together with the first prize of £1,000, it’s a big day for Carlton in all respects.
On Saturday, our Twos head to Leith Academy to play Edinburgh CC 2nd XI, keen to keep in touch at the top of the East League Division One table. Carlton won the corresponding match comfortably at Grange Loan earlier in the season but Edinburgh CC are always a tough prospect on their own patch.
Also on Saturday the table-topping Threes visit Edinburgh Accies, desperate to maintain their narrow lead over their Stirling County counterparts at the top of the Division 5 table.
A string of fine recent performances have seen the 4th XI join the promotion race at the top of Division 8, and the Fours will have the run of Grange Loan on Sunday as they entertain Leith FAB 3s.
It’s been a number of years now since the club decided to put together a capital development plan. After consulting widely, it was decided that our immediate priorities included the replacement of the artificial wicket, upgrade of some key items of ground machinery, creation of a secure equipment storage facility, purchase of a bowling machine and the replacement of the net practice facilities.
 Lots of hard work over a long period has meant that all of these targets will have been achieved once the final phase of the nets development work is completed in early 2011.
As the club will now be turning its attention to creating a list of development objectives for the next five years, it’s the perfect time for all club members to let us know what you think should be the priorities for the club in the medium term. We’d very much welcome your views on how you feel we should be looking to improve the club – please drop us a line to improvements@carltoncc.co.uk
All suggestions will be considered when it comes to pulling our new plans together, although we should stress that any expenditure, as always, will have to be matched by supporting fund-raising efforts.
 The Carlton Under 18s are in Scottish Cup action on Thursday evening as they face a stiff challenge away to Heriot's.
The Carlton side, led by Rajan Bhopal (left), are not short of talent and include three players with 1st XI experience this season. However, with Heriot's likely to include their overseas amateur, New Zealand Under 19 World Cup squad member Matthew Thomas, in their side it should be a tough match.
18 year old Thomas already has 29 SNCL wickets under his belt this season, not to mention over 200 runs, and the Carlton youngsters will be looking to minimise the Kiwi's contribution.
However, the Carlton batting lineup, which includes Tom Barrett, Nick Hunt, Fergus Whatley and Fraser Boyd should be suited to the T20 format although they will be without the big-hitting Nick Martin, who is still in China on a school trip. Nevertheless, the Carlton youngsters should enjoy the chance to play together as a team for the first time since winning the Under 15 Lothian Cup three years ago.
Skipper Bhopal warmed up for the Heriot's match by becoming the fourth Carlton youngster to play for Scotland this season, after under 15s Kyle Macpherson & Matt Wells and women's international Leigh Kasperek, as he turned out for the national Under 17s in their 2 day match with Northumberland. And that figure should rise to five next week with opening bowler Neil Irvine-Hess set to make his debut for Scotland Under 15s against Northants. Finally, congratulations to Kyle on being named in the Scottish squad for the Under 15 European championships in The Netherlands next month.
UPDATE: Heriot's have called off the match as they have been unable to prepare a pitch due to the wet weather. It will be replayed on Tuesday 27th July at 5pm.
The Masterton Trophy victory on Friday evening proved to be the prelude to another four out of four weekend for Carlton.
There was no morning-after hangover for the 1st XI on Saturday as they travelled west to Premier League strugglers Greenock. From the moment that Charles Legget picked up the early wicket of danger-man Richie Berrington there looked to be only one winner. Greenock were dismissed for just 124, with the sprightly Cedric English taking the bowling honours with 3 for 21. In reply, the country’s top openers, Fraser Watts and Preston Mommsen, took just 21.2 overs to knock off the runs.
At Grange Loan, the 2nd XI welcomed back Bryn Lockie after an injury absence and the legend looked in fine touch as he stroked an effortless century against Holy Cross. With Rajan Bhopal hitting a classy unbeaten 55, and some well-timed late acceleration, Carlton’s 255 for 5 looked imposing. The visitors’ under strength batting line-up had no answer to another fiery spell from Mohammed Habib and the 2s won comprehensively by 168 runs.
 Down at Roseburn, in the battle of the 4th XIs of Murrayfield DAFS and Carlton, it was simply a question of which set of batsmen could cope best with the ageing artificial track. Youngsters Fraser Allardice and Chayank Gosain both pocketed three wickets as the home side were bundled out for just 81. Despite a few alarms, Carlton managed to pass the target with six wickets down.
On Sunday, the 3rd XI had the honour of sealing the second 100% weekend of the season as they entertained their counterparts from Murrayfield DAFS. A fine bowling display restricted the visitors to just 137 – a total that was knocked off in next to no time by a determined Tom Barrett (above) and a brutal Ross Burns.
It’s T20 Cup Final time at Grange Loan on Friday evening (6pm, admission free) as Carlton take on Grange in the final of the Murgitroyd Masterton Trophy.
Carlton, who have won the Trophy (left) three times in the last four years, will be near full strength for the encounter. Ali Evans, on duty with Scotland A in Jersey, is likely to be the only top player missing; for their part, Grange will be missing youngster Oli Hairs for the same reason.
If the match is even half as exciting as the last T20 match at Grange Loan, when Gordon Drummond took Carlton to a thrilling last gasp win over Watsonians in the quarter-final, spectators will be in for some top entertainment. Throw in the Carlton barbecue and everything is set for a great night. All we need is some sunshine …
If the weather does intervene on Friday, the reserve date for the final is next Tuesday – the day after Scotland’s One Day International against Bangladesh in Glasgow. No fewer than four Carlton players have been named in the Scotland squad for that match (Fraser Watts, Gordon Drummond, Ross Lyons and Preston Mommsen), and everybody at the club wishes them well for a match that will provide a big test for the national side.
It was bound to happen eventually – a wet Saturday. After 13 weeks of cricket Saturdays (including pre-season) the rains finally arrived with a vengeance to wash out the entire league card.
Although the Fourth XI were due to play on Sunday, they also found themselves sidelined as opponents Dalgety Bay turned down the chance to play at Grange Loan as they couldn’t raise a team. Luckily our old friends from Broomhall were able to fill the void to play a hastily arranged friendly, which a Carlton XI won by 44 runs.
Everyone at Grange Loan will be hoping that the weather will improve in time for the eagerly awaited Masterton Trophy T20 Final on Friday evening between hosts Carlton and old rivals Grange. Both sides will hope to be close to full strength for the big match, with the winners progressing to the National Murgitroyd T20 Finals day on Sunday July 25th.
 The wet weekend gave the extensive Carlton judging panel time to consider the entries for the recent caption competition. The winner of a vintage (well, it’s quite dusty) bottle of wine from the Carlton bar is the North of England’s finest left arm spinner, Tom Clarke. He reckoned that Drummo was saying:
“Put your iPhone away Ross, can’t you wait till you’re in the changing room before you update your Facebook status?”
Note for more mature readers: The younger members of the judging panel insist that this is both a) funny; and b) probably true.
Carlton openers Fraser Watts and Preston Mommsen continued their superb season of partnerships by putting on a record breaking 141 in the World Cricket League Final between Scotland and Ireland on Saturday. Not only was it the best partnership of the tournament at that point but it was also the highest Scottish partnership for any wicket in One Day Internationals between the two sides.
Both men started carefully, wary of the Dutch wickets that have been universally bowler friendly during the tournament, before accelerating to bring up their fifties within a few balls of each other. Preston then pushed on with an array of attacking shots, the highlight of which was a glorious straight six that landed in a canal. Both batsmen struggled with the intense heat and Preston was first to go, caught behind for 80. Fraser then had to watch as a succession of batsmen came and went in a spectacular batting collapse that was only arrested when another Carlton man came to the wicket. The Watts/Drummond combo put on a quick 57 with the Scotland skipper departing for a typically aggressive 30 off just 26 balls. Fraser then produced a selection of reverse sweeps, paddle sweeps and Dilshan scoops before being caught on the boundary in the penultimate over for 98 as Scotland were all out for 232. Only the three Carlton men made it to double figures.
Sadly, the total was not enough as Ireland knocked off the runs for the loss of 4 wickets to win the title.
Carlton failed to overcome the loss of five top players, and the sight of a semi-naked bowler, as they lost heavily to a weakened Grange side at Portgower Place (below). Four wickets for spinner Tom Clarke were overshadowed by a late onslaught by old adversary Stuart Davidson to put Carlton in trouble in their Premier League clash at Grange. A good start by opener Blake Dean hinted at a recovery before the Aussie’s wicket prompted one of the more outlandish celebrations of the season. Despite an Oli Tame fifty Carlton lost by 57 runs.
At Grange Loan there were half centuries for Ben Duerden, Tom Barrett, Simon Spry and Rajan Bhopal as the home side hit 281 for 5 against Grange 2s. A blitz from opening bowler Mohammed Habib ensured a comfortable win for the Twos.
The Threes continued their winning ways with a crucial win over SMRH 2s. The returning Cranston Watts was the Carlton hero with 62, after 4 wickets for Josh Walker had restricted the home side to just 149 for 8.
The Fours wasted no time in getting back to winning ways as they polished off Kismet 2s before tea. Under 13 Greg Murdoch picked up 4 wickets as the Fife side were dismissed for just 53, before the slightly older Tony Brown saw his side home.
Sadly, the Under 15 Cup Final at Grange was washed out at Grange CC on Sunday morning. The boys will have to try again although, sadly, they’ll have to do so without the popular Tobyn Fitch-Rabbit who returns home to Australia this week with parents Kate and Damian. The family fly back with the best wishes of all their new friends at Carlton.
Note: The Under 15 Cup Final will now be played at 5.30pm on Wednesday 7th July at Grange CC (Reserve date Thursday 8th July at Grange Loan).
The strength in depth at Carlton this season was shown last week with the record breaking performance from a 3rd XI packed with experienced cricketers. Fast forward a week, and Head Coach Stevie Gilmour has an ‘unavailable’ list that would fill the best part of three teams.
A great opportunity then for a host of players across all four sides to step up a level or two and to show what they’re made of.
For the first part of a weekend Grange v Carlton triple header, Stevie Gilmour will take over captaincy of the first XI for their trip to the Premier League leaders in the absence of Fraser Watts, who is on duty with Scotland in Holland together with team-mates Drummond, Mommsen and Lyons. Grange, however, are also deprived of a trio of international players and the result should go a long way to telling us if Carlton have the strength in depth to keep in contention at the top of the table during the second half of the season.
In the fixture between both sides’ second XIs at Grange Loan, Carlton will want to bounce back after last week’s disappointment at Craiglockhart. With Nathan Pietsch promoted to top team duty, Ben Duerden takes the helm.
 The third XI attempt to solve their availability crisis by welcoming Sahara marathon specialist Crannie Watts (left) to their ranks for a rare appearance. Home side SMRH 2s have found form in recent weeks and Akeel Aslam knows he’ll be in for a tough match as he tries to keep his side in touch at the top of Division Five.
The Fours once again face extremely tough opponents as they entertain Kismet 2s at the Meadows. With a few youngsters in the side, who don’t always find the Meadows to their liking having been used to batting at Grange Loan most of the season, Carlton will be looking to older, wiser heads to help the youngsters through this one.
Finally, everyone is hoping the rain will somehow stay away on Sunday as our Under 15s take on their Grange counterparts in the re-arranged Scottish Cup Final at Portgower Place at 9.30. Good luck boys ...
Anyone watching the end of the live video streaming of the Scotland v Holland ICC World Cricket League match would have witnessed one of the most amazing finishes to any ODI.
With Scotland appearing to be down and out, Drummo performed a salvage act with the bat that would be familiar to all Grange Loan spectators, including one absolutely huge six, taking his side to within sight of an unlikely win. Drummo was then rather improbably given out by the umpire for obstructing the field following an appeal by the Dutch. Anyone who has ever got on the wrong side of the Scotland skipper would have recognised the Drummo glare in the direction of his opponents that followed. The Dutch skipper then very quickly (and rightly) withdrew the appeal.
Two quick wickets brought number 11 Ross Lyons to the wicket and the Carlton boys found themselves needing 7 off 3 balls. A smash through the covers for four by Drummo and it was 3 from 3. Drummo then skied the next ball to offer a simple catch … a dolly … an absolute sitter … one that even Cheeky would have pouched … the fielder dropped it!
A scampered single amidst the mayhem meant two needed off one delivery ... or one to tie.
 Ross swung and missed … the umpire signalled wide … Drummo hared off down the pitch … Ross then set off but too late … all the Dutch fielder had to do was knock off the bails .. but he threw the ball at the stumps … and missed!
Drummo, who hadn’t seen the umpire’s call, magnanimously shook all the Dutch players’ hands believing the match to have been tied. As the two Carlton players walked off the pitch, Ross had to explain that Scotland had actually won the match.
All well and good, but the real question is this. Just what is Drummo saying to Ross in this picture? Best suggestion (suitable for publication on a family friendly website!) wins a bottle of wine from the lavishly stocked Carlton bar. Email entries to caption@carltoncc.co.uk before midnight on July 9th.
While Edinburgh bathed in sunshine, dark, heavy clouds enveloped the Perthshire skyline as the Carlton Under 15 squad arrived for Scottish Cup finals day at Doo’cot Park, Perth. With the welcoming instructions of “bring your own food” issued to players and umpires alike by Cricket Scotland, the Carlton convoy arrived laden with picnic baskets and enough food to feed an army (or eleven hungry young cricketers). Veteran cricket watchers brought their own folding chairs (the seating available to spectators comprised one bench), while those who had thought to check out the morning forecast had umbrellas under their arms.
 With rain around on such a big day for Scottish junior cricket, it was great to see that the venue had a set of shiny new, state of the art covers (left). Closer inspection revealed them to be covers without … well … without any coverings. Fingers crossed they wouldn’t be missed later …
The clouds cleared on cue as Carlton and Clydesdale prepared to take to the field for the second semi-final (Grange having defeated Arbroath in the first tie.) There was an inauspicious start as the coin tossed by the Glasgow skipper landed on its side. The second attempt was more successful and Carlton skipper Kyle Macpherson called correctly. “We’ll bat,” was the confident decision.
Kyle’s confidence was clearly not misplaced as he and Will Brown got things off to a great start. Will was majestic, racing to a classy 50 before retiring under the rules of the competition, with Kyle giving great support. Later batsmen found it hard to get in and go for quick runs and Carlton settled for 112 for 4 off their 20 overs. What followed was an excellent bowling and fielding performance. The fielding, in particular, was of the highest standard and credit to coach Al Duncan. The youngest player in the team, Haris Aslam, opened the bowling with the pacey Neil Irvine-Hess and the two started a stranglehold on the Clydesdale batting that was never relinquished. In the end, a comfortable win by 37 runs and revenge for the U13 Cup Final defeat of two years ago by the same side.
As we’ve sadly discovered in recent years, playing the second semi-final is a distinct disadvantage as there is very limited recovery time for the players – even more challenging on a hot, muggy day like the one we were encountering. With the final over of the semi-final playing out, the event manager instructed us to be back on the field for the final within 20 minutes ... or we would default the tie! With a bit of negotiation and the support of the understanding umpires we gained an extra 10 minutes. Still, very little time for the youngsters to take on water, food and re-focus for such a big match.
Worse still, Kyle lost the toss and his team were back in the field. Bowlers who were performing superbly an hour before suddenly delivered wides and long-hops, helping the talented Grange openers to get off to a flyer. As all this was playing out the skies were getting darker and darker and, eventually and inevitably, the heavens opened. As players sheltered under the trees beside the shiny, expensive cover frames the strip quickly became saturated.
The umpires did what they could but an inspection at 6pm confirmed the inevitable. A bit hard on Grange who were sitting on 37 without loss after 7 overs; but a chance for the Carlton boys to regroup for the replay, which will be played at Grange CC on Sunday 4th July at 9.30 a.m.
One player who did enjoy the rain was Tobyn. He didn’t believe the stories about Scottish summers and cancelled matches … now he’d finally witnessed what we’d been talking about … and he had his new Carlton cap, presented as a going away present after the game, to keep him dry. As for the covers, we had to explain to Tobyn that the ones on show at Perth aren’t exactly typical …
Match report
On a remarkable Saturday afternoon at Inverleith Park, club historians were given cause to trawl through the Grange Loan record books as the Carlton 3rd XI racked up an astonishing 441 for 5 in their 45-over East League Division Five match against Leith FAB 2s. The verdict: the highest ever limited over score by any Carlton side. It is also thought to be an East League record.
 Ross Burns peppered the boundary with a series of sixes on his way to 129, while teenager Nik Hunt (left) also notched a century as the Threes raced along at almost ten an over. In reply, the shell-shocked visitors were bundled out for just 127, youngster Cheeky Gosain collecting 4 for 18, as Carlton won by the huge margin of 314 runs.
Things were a trifle more sedate at Grange Loan as Aberdeenshire set the home side 238 to win in the SNCL Premier League clash. A Preston Mommsen 58 got the reply off to a good start before the now familiar middle-order collapse. Thankfully Gordon Drummond and number 10 Omar Ahmad kept their nerves to seal a nailbiting win in the final over.
The Twos and Fours had days to forget elsewhere in Edinburgh. The Carlton 2nd XI batting failed to fire when it counted most as they lost their crucial top of the table clash with their Watsonians counterparts at Craiglockhart.
And it was déjà vu for the Fourth XI as they lost out to Teuchters CC for the second time in 6 days at Leith Links.
This Saturday sees all four Carlton senior sides in action in Edinburgh.
 A near full-strength 1st XI host reigning Scottish champions Aberdeenshire at Grange Loan (1pm). Pete Deakin (left) returns to bolster the batting while opening bowler Ali Evans makes a welcome return. The visitors have missed the penetration of opening bowler Chris West since his early-season injury and Carlton skipper Fraser Watts will be looking to pick up maximum points before he and his international team-mates Gordon Drummond, Ross Lyons and Preston Mommsen head off on World Cricket League duty to Holland for a couple of weeks.
Over at Craiglockhart there’s a fascinating clash at the top of the East League between the Watsonian and Carlton second strings. Nathan Pietsch leads a side that will be hoping to leapfrog his hosts at the top of the table, but in the full knowledge that his opponents have won seven matches in a row.
The Threes set up camp at Inverleith as they play their ‘home’ game against Leith FAB 2nd XI. The in-form Leigh Kasperek gets her chance following an impressive unbeaten 63 for the Fours last week in their narrow defeat against Teuchters CC.
The Fours have an immediate chance for revenge against the talented pub side, when they travel to Leith to face Teuchters in the ‘second leg’ of their double header.
 Skipper Kyle Macpherson (left) leads the Carlton Under 15 side into action at Scottish Cup Finals day at Doo’cot Park, Perth on Sunday. They face up to Glasgow side Clydesdale in the second semi-final in a repeat of the Under 13 Scottish Cup Final of two years ago. The winners of this tie will play either Arbroath or Grange in the final shortly afterwards.
Carlton have been regular attenders at Finals Day over the last few years without bringing home a trophy. One consistent factor in all these appearances has been the fact that Carlton rarely seem able to field their full side due to the annual spectre of school trips. Unfortunately for coach Al Duncan he has three of his top youngsters travelling to different parts of the UK and Europe this weekend, so is once again unable to put out his first-pick team. However, he is hopeful that the extra strength in depth of the 2010 squad may see Carlton through, although they couldn’t have asked for a tougher task than a match against Clydesdale.
Everybody at the club wishes the boys all the best for their big day in Perth.
The international match on Saturday included a heady moment for Carlton supporters when Gordon Drummond and Ross Lyons batted together against the might of the England bowling attack.
Drummo and Ross prepare to take on England
Ross then showed that he was much too good a bowler for Kevin Pietersen, enticing the superstar into one top edge just out of reach then making him play another false shot straight to a fielder, only to see the chance spilled. He did, however, have the consolation of picking up the wicket of the impressive Craig Kieswetter.
 Because of the Scotland-England match, league cricket was spread over two days this weekend. Saturday saw Edinburgh Accies visit Grange Loan to take on Carlton 2s. The home side batted first and a series of cameos from a number of players made for an entertaining but frustrating day for the home support. Ani Majumdar and Fraser Boyd top scored with 48 and 43 respectively and it needed a good 37 from skipper Nathan Pietsch to take Carlton past the 250 mark.
In reply the Accies top order did well to weather a fiery spell from Mohammed Habib and, with Michael Raso going well, a tight finish looked on the cards. However, two stunning catches from Tom Clarke (left) got Carlton back in the game before Habs dismissed Raso to finish the Accies’ resistance. Clarkey bowled an excellent spell to finish with 4 for 24.
Over at Craiglockhart an inexperienced Watsonians 3rd XI were no match for their Carlton counterparts. The wily bowling duo of Brad McKay and Charles Paterson made it difficult for the home side with Brad picking up two for 24, while his mate went even better returning the mightily impressive figures of 9-6-6-2. In reply, Seb Rae (82*) and Ross Burns (48*) showed no mercy on the bowling attack, taking Carlton to victory halfway through their allotted overs.
On Sunday, Ross carried off where he’d left off against Kevin Pietersen as he returned his best bowling figures for Carlton, taking 4 for 15 at Uddingston. Although the home side recovered from 70 for 8 to 152 all out, this never looked enough and the prolific Watts/Mommsen duo hit 55 and 60 respectively as Carlton won by 6 wickets with almost 17 overs to spare.
Also on Sunday, there was a great game of cricket played in East League division 8 as Carlton 4s (containing 7 juniors) lost out narrowly to Teuchters. A third 50 in 4 matches from Craig Everett (the other innings was 40 not out), supported by 49 from Mo Ahmed set a solid foundation before a brilliant knock of 63* from teenage women’s internationalist Leigh Kasperek took the home side to a challenging total. Despite some good bowling from the youngsters – and a late hat-trick from Neil Browning – Carlton fell agonisingly short; losing by two wickets off the penultimate ball of the match.
There were also three fine performances from our junior sides at the weekend. On Friday evening our Under 15s powered their way to Scottish Cup Finals day with a 10 wicket win over Penicuik at Grange Loan. On the same evening, our under 11 squad notched their fourth win out of four with a win at Watsonians. Calton-Watsonians matches at any level always seem to produce nailbiters and this one was no exception. With one ball remaining the scores were level. Charlie Kidd then won an lbw decision off the final delivery, which knocked 5 runs off the batting total under the junior rules, to earn a thrilling win.
The following morning our Primary School team won an entertaining match against George Watson’s to round off an excellent weekend at junior level.
 This weekend there’s a packed calendar of cricket ahead in Edinburgh, headlined by the Scotland v England international at Raeburn Place on Saturday.
Three Carlton players are in the 14 man Scotland squad – Gordon Drummond (left), Preston Mommsen and Ross Lyons – and with the weather hopefully set fair a big crowd is expected. However, for players and spectators not going to the international match, there is plenty of cricket action elsewhere this weekend.
On Friday evening at Grange Loan the Carlton Under 15s hope to seal their place in Scottish Cup Finals day with a win over Penicuik in their quarter final tie. Skipper Kyle Macpherson will be looking for his side to continue their devastating form in the competition so far, following comprehensive wins over Border sides Hawick and Gala in the previous two rounds.
The Under 13s also face a quarter final tie on Monday evening when they take on Grange, who defeated the Carlton youngsters in the final last year. It will be a huge ask to beat the holders but there are a number of talented young cricketers in the Carlton U13 ranks and it will be interesting to see if they can rise to the occasion.
 Returning to the senior game, the 2nd XI go into their home match with Edinburgh Accies on Saturday on a good run of form but knowing that they face a serious challenge from the visitors, who are keen to make a return to the SNCL by winning the East League One title. Nathan Pietsch (left) returns to skipper a side that has scored over 600 runs in their last two matches.
The Threes have a short trip across the south of the city to play their counterparts from Watsonians at Craiglockhart. Akeel Aslam has the spin twins Cheeky Gosain and Ferg Whatley at his disposal to back up an experienced seam attack and will be hoping for another win to continue his side’s climb up the Division Five table.
With all the SNCL matches put back by a day to allow centre stage for the Scotland England match, Carlton travel to Uddingston on Sunday desperate to put last week’s late collapse against Watsonians behind them. Skipper Fraser Watts hopes to have a near full strength side at his disposal against a team that chased down 341 to beat Grange last week.
Also on Sunday, the Carlton 4th XI face Jamie Kerr’s other favourite cricket team, Teuchters CC, at Grange Loan. The Teuchters skipper has already scored a double hundred this season (in a total of over 400) so it will be fascinating to see how the young Carlton bowlers will fare.
There’s been plenty happening on the junior front this week. Firstly there was a historic event on Saturday morning when Carlton played – and won - their first ever girls’ match.
The Carlton girls have been practising hard every Wednesday evening for a couple of seasons now under the guidance of coaches Eric Edwards and Leigh Kasperek and they finally made their kwik cricket match debut this week when they won a tense encounter at Barnton against RH Corstorphine girls by just 4 runs.
Also on Saturday morning our Primary School team won an entertaining match against the Heriot’s P6 side. And on Monday evening there were wins for both our Under 13 sides – the B team defeated the SMRH U13 1st XI, while there was a crushing win for our A team in a league/cup double header at Penicuik. That win takes the Under 13s into the quarter final of the Scottish Cup where they now face a crunch tie against old rivals Grange.
Our under 15s (below) play their Scottish Cup Quarter Final tie against Penicuik at Grange Loan this Friday (6pm). A win here will take the Carlton boys through to Finals Day at Perth on Sunday June 27th.
The home match with Watsonians was the scene of the annual reception and lunch for the club’s sponsors, patrons and benefactors. Guests were treated to an excellent array of food, arranged by catering supremo Ann McConnell and her team.
There was an extra element to the reception this year, as the new net practice facility was officially opened and Cricket Scotland Development Trust representative Bobby Frazer handed club president Dave Carter a cheque for £5,000 from the Trust as a much appreciated contribution to the new facility.
Bobby Frazer (right) presents Carlton president Dave Carter with the CSDT cheque, watched by some Carlton youngsters whose practice they had just interrupted!
Carlton are also very grateful to everybody who kindly contributed to the nets fund and to all the players – young and old – who took part in the sponsored events and other fund-raising activities. A big thank you is also due to project manager David Watts and his stand-in Hugh Parker; to financial mastermind Brad McKay; and to Tim Dent and Colin Burrow for their invaluable help with our funding applications.
The big question before the weekend was how a weakened Carlton 1st XI would cope without the services of Drummond, Mommsen, Lyons, Kerr and Evans. Unfortunately, the lack of their experience and calming presence was a key factor as Carlton slipped to two home defeats in league and cup.
On Saturday, a decent bowling and fielding display restricted Watsonians to less than 200 and a 50 from Stevie Gilmour has Carlton well on track. However, once Gilly fell to the off-spin of the wily Craig Wright the Carlton response fell apart with number 11 Tom Clarke eventually presenting Wright with his fifth wicket in the final over with only 3 required to win.
The following day Carlton were a further man down with Cedric English unavailable and the home side proved to be no match for an experienced Clydesdale outfit in a sadly one-sided contest. There was, however, there was a good performance in the field once visiting opener Williamson had departed for a rapid 50.
Much better news elsewhere as the Twos continued their excellent recent form as they racked up a magnificent 328 for 6 at Glenrothes. Once again it was the Carlton teenagers who were to the fore as Nick Martin (70) and Rajan Bhopal (72*, left) had the home bowlers toiling in the sun after an excellent foundation had been laid by relative veterans Ben Duerden (66) and Peter Swan (44). In reply, the home side could only stumble to 102 all out in the face of another clinical Carlton bowling and fielding performance.
The Threes could be well pleased with an excellent win over their Falkland counterparts in Fife. Amit Bij, Alex Fedenczuk and David Rush all contributed as Akeel’s side reached 155. A miserly spell from the returning Brad McKay soon had the home side on the back foot, before the inimitable Thunder-Strike Whatley ensured there was to be no batting recovery with an excellent display of leg spin that had the hosts dismissed for just 74.
Down at the Meadows, Shaun Barrett’s hamstrings were soon found wanting. Step forward under- 13s Haris Aslam (31) and Ruari Macpherson (25) who set the perfect foundation for Bob Irvine (42*) and Neil Browning (37*) to plunder the tiring Preston Village attack. Haris and Neil then both picked up wickets as the visitors were rolled over for 118, although the best figures went to the wily Alan Murray with 3 for 12. Another literary masterpiece masquerading as a 4th XI match report can be found here.
On Friday evening our Under 11 hardball squad notched their third win out of 3 as they trounced SMRH by 119 runs.
And finally, congratulations to Carlton's Gordon Drummond who maintained his unbeaten record as Scotland captain as he led his side to a win over Holland. Scotland now sit top of the ICC Intercontinental Cup table with Afghanistan next up in August.
There’s an important double-header this weekend for Carlton as they entertain Watsonians, in the league on Saturday, before welcoming Clydesdale for a Scottish cup tie on Sunday.
With a number of first team regulars unavailable, skipper Fraser Watts is looking for an all-round team effort on both days. Saturday’s visitors, Watsonians, sit in joint second place in the Premier League and with a full-strength squad to choose from will arrive in confident mood. While Carlton won the most recent clash between the sides – a thriller in the T20 Masterton Trophy – the visitors’ pro Tim Weston was ineligible for that one and will be a key man in Saturday’s clash.
On Sunday, Carlton and Clydesdale will make a second effort to play their second round Scottish Cup tie after last Sunday’s match was washed out. Carlton go into the match keen for revenge after losing out in the league match in Glasgow last month. The winners will be rewarded with a home tie in the next round against Dunfermline.
 The Second XI travel to Fife on Saturday to take on Glenrothes. The East League Division One title race looks like being a keenly fought affair this season and the Twos will be anxious for a win to keep in touch with their title rivals.
The Threes were left cursing their luck last week as they were the only Carlton side not to beat the rain. Akeel Aslam (left) takes the reins again as a much changed side heads over the bridge to Fife to take on their counterparts from Falkland.
The cerebral Bob Irvine will once again lead the intoxicating blend of doughty veterans and precocious youngsters known as the Carlton 4th XI into action in division 8. Bob’s side are desperate to extend their recent winning run and will call the Meadows home as they entertain Preston Village 2s.
 Congratulations to Carlton opener Preston Mommsen (left), who has been included in the Scotland squad for the ICC Inter-Continental Cup 4-day match in Holland starting this Thursday (10th).
The squad, skippered by Gordon Drummond and including Ross Lyons, currently sit second in the table behind Afghanistan with one game in hand.
22 year old Preston, who was born in South Africa, has been in Scotland since attending school at Gordonstoun. He’s been in fantastic form with the bat for Carlton this season, scoring 360 Premier League runs so far at an average of 90.
Following the 4-day match, Scotland take on Holland in a one-day international in Rotterdam on Tuesday 15th June.
Next up is the big match against England on Saturday 19th June, followed by the World Cricket League in Holland from 30th June to 10th July. The Scots, again skippered by Drummo, will play ODIs against Holland, Canada, Ireland, Kenya and Afghanistan. Carlton skipper Fraser Watts joins the squad for this tournament, lifting the club contingent to four. While the absence of a quartet of top players will be a challenge as far as Carlton’s Premier League challenge goes, it’s a great honour for the club and should provide well-deserved 1st team opportunities for players who have been performing well for the 2nd XI so far this season.
It was another 100% league Saturday for Carlton, with wins for the 1st, 2nd and 4th XIs, while the Threes were rained off while seemingly well set against their Stirling County counterparts.
Up at Broughty Ferry, Thursday’s batting hero Gordon Drummond showed his class with the ball as he took 4 for 27 against Forfarshire after the returning Ali Evans had snapped up the prize wicket of Ryan Watson. Another 50+ opening partnership between Fraser Watts and Preston Mommsen got the reply off to a sound start, with Preston carrying his bat for 81 as Carlton ran out 7 wicket winners with ten overs to spare.
 At Grange Loan, 2nd XI skipper Nathan Pietsch won the toss and elected to bat against Boroughmuir on a perfect summer’s day. Before long, however, the clouds had rolled in, the ball was swinging and the first five batsmen were back in the pavilion. However, the Twos were rescued by an excellent sixth wicket partnership of 190 between teenager Fraser Boyd (101, left) and Simon Spry (91*). An eventual total of 281 for 9 looked imposing, especially as the Twos included the pacey Mohammed Habib in their ranks. Habs racked up 6 quick wickets and with Stevie Elder pitching in with three, a straightforward win was on the cards. However, the skies darkened and the first drops of rain fell to put the match in the balance before Clarkey struck just in the nick of time to seal a big win.
The Threes fielded a very strong looking batting line up against Stirling County 3s at Inverleith, and another youngster, big-hitting Nick Martin, top scored with a spectacular 91 as a huge 291 was posted off the allotted 45 overs. Stirling were on 104 for 3 when the rains came, ruling out the chance of another four out of four.
 At Kirk Brae, the Fours were disappointed to have conceded 194 runs to the home side off their 40 overs. However, a brilliant opening partnership of 111 between the ageing but graceful Shaun Barrett and the Scotland U15 batsman Kyle Macpherson (left) got the chase off to a flyer, with young Craig Everett then seeing his side home in the rain with 40 not out.
Sadly, the rain washed out Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie between Carlton and Clydesdale. The two sides will try again next Sunday (13th).
Further south the Under 15 Scottish Cup tie did beat the rain as Carlton scored an emphatic win over Kelso. Iain Martin (Nick’s younger brother) took 3 for 6 as the home side were no match for the Carlton attack, limping to 27 all out in the 17th over. The runs were knocked off without fuss as a 10 wicket win was sealed in the third over of the reply.
The Kelso match followed another junior win on Friday evening as our Under 11 hardball squad made it two wins out of two after an impressive performance at West Lothian.
 Carlton batting legend Bryn Lockie has announced that he is retiring from first team cricket at Carlton. Happily for the club, this is not the last we’ll see of Bryn as he’s going to continue to turn out for the club’s 2nd XI.
Since the advent of the SNCL in 1998, Bryn has scored 3897 runs. A superb slip fielder he also has 40 league catches to his name. Bryn also played 37 times for Scotland and numbers half-centuries against the county bowling attacks of Durham and Derbyshire among his highlights.
In a message to everybody at the club, Bryn looked back on a long career at the top level and paid tribute to his team-mates and friends at Carlton:
“I still remember my first senior game for Clackmannan County against Aberdeenshire way back in June 1984 at the tender age of 15. Now after playing 1st XI cricket over four decades, sadly it is time to call it a day at this level.
My move to Carlton in the early 90’s was made to increase my chances of playing International cricket and to bat on, in my opinion, the best wicket in Scotland. Over the years I have witnessed the club change dramatically, not only with the new pavilion, but more importantly in the depth of talent that is now coming through the ranks. With a thriving junior set up along with four strong senior sides the time is right for me to make way for some of this prodigious young talent.
I have played with some great players and more importantly great friends over the years, names such as Scottie Baker, Tich Bannerman, Jimmy Govan, Kevin Whitaker and Fraser Watts spring to mind. However, the one thing that has made my time at the club so special is taking the field with my two best friends Cedric and Jamie. I still vividly remember the evening when Jamie and I collected our new young South African pro and took him out to sample Edinburgh nightlife for his first time; seven pints of Stella later and here we are today. It’s true what they say about this strange sport of ours being a great game for making lifelong friends.
But have no fear, I will still be treading the grass at Grange Loan in the 2nd XI and hopefully will help in the development of some of our young batsmen to push up into the 1st XI. Finally, I would like to thank Ann and the tea ladies for feeding me every summer for the best part of 17 years and to Russell, Hugh and especially Alasdair for allowing me to score some runs.”
Club skipper Fraser Watts paid tribute to Bryn as he tried to get used to the idea of taking to the field without his long-time colleague:
“When I was a young boy making my way as a cricketer, Bryn Lockie was both a hero and a mentor of mine. I was lucky enough to open the batting with him when I first broke through to both the Carlton and Scotland sides and he helped me immensely.
He was a superb batsman for Scotland; undoubtedly one of the best back foot players we’ve produced. He loved taking on the best of the fast bowlers with an array of cuts and pulls and it was impossible not to learn from him.
As far as his Carlton career goes he’s been a fantastic servant to the club. His statistics, which speak for themselves, tell a big part of the story. But just as importantly, he’s been a great guy to have around and there was no-one we’d like to see striding to the wicket if we were in a bit of bother than Bryn.
It was typical of such a selfless guy that the main reason he gave for stepping down was that he didn’t want to take the place of a younger player. While it’s very sad to see him call a halt to his first team career we’re all delighted that he intends to continue playing in the second team. I know he’ll be a wonderful role model at 2nd XI level and will be a great influence on all of the promising youngsters that we have coming through the ranks at Grange Loan – just as he was for me.”
Bryn's complete Carlton 1st XI career:
Bryn has made 338 appearances for Carlton, battting 312 times. He's spent 221 hours at the crease and has faced more than 11,349 balls.
In all he has scored
9,797 runs at an average of 36.97, with a highest score of 130. In all he's scored 11 centuries, 68 fifties and has hit 26 sixes, 846 fours and taken 99 catches.
At last, after two seasons and one month of trying, all four Carlton senior teams won on the same day.
 The Ones led the way with a thumping win over previously high-flying Dunfermline. Shrugging aside the last-minute loss of Steven Elder who was mauled by a wild animal, Carlton posted another impressive total, thanks in main to 122 from skipper Fraser Watts.
In reply, the visitors were knocked over for just 118 with seamer Omar Ahmad (left) taking the bowling honours. The last time Omar appeared for the 1st XI at Grange Loan he finished with figures of 7 for 30; this time his return was a measly 6 for 12.
The long trip to Fife brought another maximum haul of points for the Second XI. A wobbly 190 for 6 was transformed into 282 for 7, thanks to the lower middle order of Amit Bij (48) and skipper Nathan Pietsch (42*) supporting top scorer Oli Tame (87*). In reply, the home side fell well short with Nathan picking up 5 for 30.
At Pefermill, the Threes also posted an imposing total, hitting 220 for 7 off their 45 overs. A superb partnership between Simon Spry and 14 year old Matthew Wells set the tone, with Simon going on to collect a well deserved century. Josh Walker and Akeel Aslam then both picked up three wickets to see Carlton home by 103 runs.
Drummond Trinity Twos became the final Carlton victim on Saturday with young Craig Everett hitting his second successive half-century as our Fours totalled 214 for 5 off 40 overs at Inverleith. Skipper Bob Irvine (35*) and Aussie under-15 Tobyn Fitch-Rabbitt (31) were also in the runs. Three wickets for Neil Browning led the Fours to another 100+ run win and sealed off a great day for the club.
Not such a happy day on Sunday as the Twos found that going into a match with the East Academy with a depleted side was not a good idea. Admittedly they had the worst of the weather as they batted first and Tom Barrett had to battle hard through rain breaks and a sodden outfield to fight his way to a dogged 86. Oli Tame had earlier contributed a beligerent 54. Defending 203 against a talented East batting line up proved too difficult as the Twos, not for the first time, were undone by a classy knock from the talented Andrew Chalmers, whose unbeaten 84 took the East youngsters to a thoroughly deserved 5 wicket win.
As we've now completed the first month of the season, it seems a good time to catch up on what’s been happening around the club so far this season.
 First up, news that the superb Carlton fund-raising effort has reached a global audience. The May edition of that fine publication the Wisden Cricketer (on sale at all good newsagents), includes a piece on the efforts of our players in taking part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh 10K Run.
As well as a fine photo of Fraggle and Drummo showing their best sides, the magazine makes special mention of Akeel’s feat of scoring a 50 at Grange Loan immediately after completing the run. Happily for Mr Aslam the article makes no mention of his 10k time …
 At this stage of the season all our skippers and coaches are used to receiving elaborate excuses from players unable to turn out at the weekend (see Elder, S). One player whose reason for unavailability is surely beyond reproach is 4th XI big-hitter Mike Kennedy (left) who is currently in the middle of a coast-to-coast cycle ride across the Southern USA. Averaging 85 miles a day in the saddle, Mike believes he is sure to be mega fit when he returns to Edinburgh in June – we may even see him take the odd quick single rather than simply bashing every ball for six.
There must be something of a mid-life crisis thing going on in the 4th XI because fellow middle-order thrasher Martin Robertson (below) is taking part in the Swiss Ironman Challenge on 6th June. Another player for whom the quick single is only a distant memory, Martin faces quite a day: first he swims 1.2 miles in Lake Zurich; then he cycles 56 miles; and finally he finishes his day with a half-marathon. Martin is putting himself through all this for a very good cause – to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. If you’d like to support the mighty Martin, you can make a donation via his justgiving page.
Back to on-field matters, congratulations are due to Ross Lyons for his recall to the Saltires side. And a big well-done is also due to Preston Mommsen. The new Carlton opener has been in top form this season and he delivered a less than gentle nudge to the national selectors with a match winning 100 not out for the Scottish Lions against Leicestershire 2nd XI in the 3 day game recently.
Still on the international scene, great news for youngsters Matthew Wells and Kyle Macpherson as they were selected to represent Scotland Under 15s in their match against Cumbria on Sunday 6th June. Best of luck to both boys.
Still, with our juniors, the section has been exceptionally busy so far this season. In mid-May our regular Wednesday Primary School coaching evening attracted no fewer than 104 youngsters to Grange Loan! This has, not surprisingly, meant that we have had to put a freeze on any new junior members – much as we hate having to turn away anyone our priority has to be providing quality coaching to those who have already signed up at the club. It does prove that we are doing something right and puts paid to the myth that cricket will never prove popular in Scotland!
This season our junior section is putting out no fewer than 6 hardball sides (including our Under 18s who play in the Scottish Cup later in the season). Our state school primary squad, who play a number of matches against the local private schools, has given a number of youngsters a first taste of hardball cricket this season and the boys had a great thrill recently when they bumped into the Notts Outlaws side after completing their match at Fettes. The professionals clearly learnt a thing or too from the Carlton kids as they beat Scotland at Grange CC the following day.
Friday evening saw Gordon Drummond’s 8-a-side Under 11 team get their season off to a start with a win against a Grange B side. A big thank-you is due to Grange for sending a side to play us at short notice after Heriot’s had cried off the scheduled fixture the day before as they could not raise a team. This was the second time in a week that Grange had stepped in at the last minute to provide opposition for our youngsters and we're very grateful to our local rivals for their help.
Our Under 13B side has done very well so far, despite fixture problems caused by opposition clubs struggling to put a team together early in the season, and there have already been a number of players showing great potential.
Our Under 13 A side is unbeaten at the time of writing and have moved smoothly through to the second round of the Scottish Cup.
Despite their by now traditional league defeat when coach Alistair Duncan was away on holiday, the Under 15s have put in some formidable performances so far this season. Recently they defeated Grange at Portgower Place, thanks in part to a superb 70 from Matthew Wells. The 15s are also in the second round of the Cup and travel to Kelso next Sunday morning (minus our internationalists) with their eyes on a quarter-final spot.
 Carlton play host to the in-form Dunfermline Knights on Saturday as they look to extend their winning league run to three matches.
However, the Fife side are enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment, sitting in second place in the SNCL Premier League. Carlton will be minus Ross Lyons for this clash, thanks to his call-up to the Saltires to join fellow Grange Loan all-rounder Gordon Drummond. However, they do welcome back prolific batsman Pete Deakin (left) for his first league match of the season and his off-spin may also have a part to play at some point.
The second XI also have a familiar face playing his first match of the season – Durham University student Tom Barrett – as they face a league double-header at the weekend. On Saturday they head to Fife to take on Largo and on Sunday they entertain the Eastern Academy Under 18s at Grange Loan. The Twos should know not to take the youngsters lightly as the Academy side racked up over 330 against Grange 2s earlier this month. Skipper Nathan Pietsch will be hoping that the stars of last weekend – Ani Majumdar and Chayank Gosain – will be able to repeat their form over both games.
After having to play two ‘home’ matches at the Meadows in recent weeks, the Carlton 3s will be pleased to call Pefermill home on Saturday as they entertain the Holy Cross 2nd string. New skipper Grant Newman will be hoping his side can put two recent defeats behind them as the Threes look to get their promotion bid back on track.
Finally, in-form Fantasy Cricket all-rounder Bob Irvine retains the captaincy of the Fours on Saturday as his side travel across town to Inverleith Park to take on Drummond Trinity 2nd XI. The youngsters, led by an assured 61 from Craig Everett, performed well for Bob last week and they’ll need to be at their best once again for this tricky fixture.
 Cricket is changing all the time …
… so this summer, our Head Coach Stevie Gilmour will be running two T20 Cricket Camps for young hardball players aged between 12 and 15.
Stevie will lead the coaching team in delivering specialist skill sessions including switch hits, slog sweeps and Dilshan scoops! Bowlers will be able to focus on key skill areas such as yorkers and slower balls. Every player will also get the chance to play in their very own T20 international with white balls.
The coaching team, which will include Scotland international Gordon Drummond as guest coach, will also use bowling machines and video analysis to further advance each player’s game. Both camps will be held at Grange Loan - the home of Carlton CC. Non-members welcome.
Camp 1: July 12th to 15th 9am to 1pm
Camp 2: July 26th to 29th 9am to 1pm
The cost of each camp is £80 with a £10 discount available for Carlton members. Please note that because of the nature of the camps, places will be strictly limited.
Click here to download and print off a camp registration form. Completed forms and payment can be handed to Stevie during Carlton training sessions (Tuesdays u13's or Thursdays u15's between 5pm and 6.30pm) OR posted directly (postal address on forms).
Any queries contact Stevie at stevie.gilmour@carltoncc.co.uk or on 07763 834718.
T20 Camp poster
The crucial, final event of the 2010 Nets Fundraising Project was a big success as over 150 Carlton players, members and friends enjoyed the club ceilidh at the Roxy Art House on 14th May.
There was an array of excellent food (thanks Akeel and Karen), top music provided by Alison and the band and a very successful auction compered by Aussie superstar Rob Thornton.
A big thanks is due to event organiser Stevie G and his trusty sidekick Fraggle for making the whole event possible.
Ceilidh photos
The top two Carlton senior sides scored almost 600 runs between them on Saturday on a day that was perfect for batsmen everywhere.
Carlton picked up their second successive league win as they defeated hosts West of Scotland in Glasgow. Messrs Watts, English, Gilmour, Dean and Kerr were all in the runs as Carlton posted 304 for 5 in their 50 overs. Two early wickets for Cedric put West on the back foot but a superb century from the evergreen Dougie Lockhart kept West in the game right up to the wire until Lockhart was finally undone lbw by Mohammed Habib, who finished with impressive figures of 2 for 38 off his ten overs.
 At Grange Loan, Twos skipper Charles Paterson didn’t have a tough decision to make on winning the toss. He sent in his openers and then sat back to enjoy the sun with his long-suffering better-half. Ben Duerden and Peter Swan played excellent supporting roles but the man to take centre stage was Ani Majumdar (left) who carried his bat for a superb 142 as the Twos finished on 290 for 3. Statisticians believe this to be the highest ever score by a Carlton player batting on an empty stomach ... In reply, an early onslaught by the Edinburgh batsmen had Carlton toiling in the sun. Two quick wickets for Peter Swan dragged the home side back into the match before 14 year old Chayank Gosain, playing his first ever Division 1 match, ripped thorough the middle order to finish with 5 for 45. More details in the skipper’s match report, including video clips of Ani’s century celebrations and Cheeky’s fifth wicket.
The only disappointing note on an otherwise perfect weekend came at the Meadows, where a crowd of several thousand sunbathed, barbecued, drank … and occasionally watched the cricket. Not surprisingly the wicket didn’t match either Hamilton Crescent or Grange Loan and our Threes narrowly failed to chase down a total of 163. Amit Bij again starred with the bat while ex-skipper Akeel Aslam picked up three wickets.
Another batsman to prosper in the sunshine was 14 year-old Craig Everett, who stroked his way to a fine 61 in St Andrews as the Carlton 4th XI hit 225 for 6 in their 40 overs against their counterparts from Largo. In reply, the home side could only muster 135; juniors Iain Martin and Ruari Macpherson both picking up a couple of wickets.
While an under-strength Primary School team lost out to a well-drilled Fettes side on Saturday, there was a big thrill for the boys as they got to meet the Notts Outlaws players who were training nearby. Even better the boys got to bowl at the county players!
And there was more big run scoring on Sunday as the Carlton Under 15s racked up 159 for 3 in their 20 overs against Hawick & Wilton in their first round Scottish Cup tie. There were unbeaten fifties for William Brown and Tobyn Fitch-Rabbit as Carlton won by 102 runs.
After a first league win last Saturday, Carlton travel to West of Scotland this week in a confident frame of mind. However, with only 2 points separating the sides, the hosts will be confident of making home advantage count in the Premier League clash in Glasgow.
While the Carlton batting has been firing on all cylinders recently, skipper Fraser Watts must be aware that there is still room for improvement in his side’s bowling and the match could come down to who bowls best in the west.
Carlton 2nd XI are at Grange Loan on Saturday and they will be hoping to make better use of the deck than they did the last time they were at home, when they were bundled out rather abjectly by Fauldhouse. However, a much better performance during last week’s win at Holy Cross, albeit one in which Carlton still failed to bat the full 50 overs, gives cause for optimism ahead of the visit of Edinburgh CC 2s.
 Unfortunately 3rd XI opponents Edinburgh Accies 2s were unable to take up a last minute offer to play at Grange Loan on Sunday, so the two sides match up for Carlton’s ‘home’ tie at the Meadows on Saturday (not now at the Gyle). The Three’s positive start to the season came to a shuddering halt last week as they crashed to Murrayfield DAFS and skipper Grant Newman will not want his side to fall further out of the promotion chase with another defeat this week.
Also on Saturday, the Carlton 4s travel to Fife to play their old foes Largo 4s. The two sides always enjoy each others’ company but the Carlton side will be looking to get back on track after two disappointing defeats in a row. As always, the secret lies in getting the optimum blend of talented youth and canny experience. Bob Irvine (left) makes a welcome return to the ranks of canny experience.
There’s cup action for our Under 15s on Sunday as they travel to the borders to take on Hawick & Wilton in their first round Scottish up match. The 15s made it all the way to the final last year and the class of 2010 will be desperate for another good run, starting with Sunday’s tricky tie.
Carlton delivered a first win of the league season on Saturday with a resounding win over Greenock at Grange Loan. Good opening spells from the returning Cedric English and Stevie Elder gave the home side an initiative they never looked liked surrendering once Fraser Watts and Preston Mommsen (left) got the reply off to a flyer. A classy knock from Cedric, supporting a well-paced 97 from Preston, secured an 8 wicket win.
While regular second XI skipper Charles Paterson was revealing an apparent fondness for rivals Grange by appearing on national television wearing a plastic set of stag’s antlers, stand-in captain Nathan Pietsch only had eyes for Carlton as he led his team to an impressive victory over bogey side Holy Cross at Arboretum. Even Nathan couldn’t encourage his side to bat out their 50 overs, as aggressive cameos from Messrs Swan, Majumdar and Boyd thrust Carlton to 183 all out, before fine bowling from Omar Ahmad helped to bundle the home side out for just 131.
Not such good news from the other senior sides. Akeel Aslam’s 3rd XI lost their unbeaten record on the plastic at Roseburn. Five ducks didn’t help the cause and only a 70 run partnership between the skipper and Amit save his side’s blushes. A decent effort though as the hosts eventually limped home by only 2 wickets chasing just 93.
And on Sunday the Fours failed to capitalise on a Shaun Barrett 50 as they surely broke the world record for dropped catches. Morton 2s were the lucky recipients and youngsters Ruari and David had most cause to rue the failings of their elders and (most definitely not) betters in the field. Just as well that Head Coach Gilmour was taking a well deserved day-off and didn’t witness the fielding debacle. Let’s hope he doesn’t read this ...
Much better news from the junior ranks as our Under 13s stormed past Heriot’s in their 1st round Scottish Cup tie at Goldenacre on Saturday. Thirties from Haris, Euan and David made sure that Carlton made it into round 2.
 Carlton welcome back the talismanic Cedric English (left) for their home match with Greenock on Saturday (1pm).
The all-rounder has been struggling with a niggling calf strain for the last couple of weeks but is set to make his first appearance of the season as Carlton look for their first league win of 2010.
Cedric will replace Gordon Drummond, who is away on Scotland duty as the Saltires take on Leicestershire on Sunday in a match that is live on Sky Sports.
Also on Saturday, the Seconds head to Holy Cross where they will be skippered by Nathan Pietsch, who replaces the unavailable Sky Sports man Charles Paterson. Holy Cross has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Twos in recent years but the new skipper remains optimistic.
On the same day, Akeel Aslam will lead his 3rd XI to Murrayfield DAFs. Akeel’s team has started the season with a bang and the skipper will be looking to continue that run in week 3.
On Sunday, the 4th XI have the run of Grange Loan once again. Their league match against the Morton second string starts at 1pm.
Although Saturday saw three defeats for the Carlton senior sides, there was plenty to smile about for the 3rd XI as a Peter Swan century and a Chayank Gosain hat-trick saw Akeel Aslam’s side to a second successive league win.
In Glasgow, a superb third wicket partnership between Preston Mommsen (120*) and wicket keeper Jamie Kerr (109*) saw Carlton through to an impressive total of 273 for 2 off their 50 overs against Clydesdale. Sadly, any hope of a first league victory was dashed by an old thorn in the Carlton side, Greg Williamson, who hit 105 to lead the Glasgow side to a 5 wicket win.
There was an even worse day for the 2nd XI at Grange Loan as they batted badly against an inexperienced but accurate Fauldhouse attack. At 50 for 1 and with Ani Majumdar batting beautifully everything looked rosy. However, once Ani fell to a tight stumping decision the middle order capitulated in a manner all too reminiscent of their early season form last year and the home side could only muster a paltry 122 all out. If the Twos needed a lesson on batting they got it from one of the league’s most effective players, Derek Allan, who raced to an unbeaten 70 as the visitors won by 6 wickets.
  Down at the Meadows the Carlton Musselburgh double-header ended one apiece. Peter Swan, making his first appearance of the season, hit a mighty 132. Quickly, and wisely, Swanny left his normal flowing cover drives in the locker and adopted a more down-to-earth approach more suited to the Meadows. It paid off for him as he was the mainstay of the Threes’ total of 246 for 5.
In reply, a four wicket opening blast from Chris Hoefling soon had Musselburgh on the back foot. The highlight of the innings, though, was a Cheeky Gosain hat trick, which helped to dismiss Musselburgh 2s for just 128.
On the neighbouring pitch, Carlton’s total of 167 for 4 off their 40 overs, based around a typically forceful 66 from Mike Kennedy and 31 from Shaun Barrett, looked as if it should be enough. However, they hadn’t reckoned on Loretto schoolboy George Munsey who took a particular liking to the young Carlton bowling attack, hitting an unbeaten 110 to take his side to a four wicket win. All part of the learning experience for the Carlton youngsters and they will come back stronger next time.
Talking of Carlton youngsters, the club's primary school team got their hardball season off to a cracking start on Saturday morning with a fine win at Edinburgh Academy.
Sunday gave the 1st XI a chance to atone for the disappointment of the previous day and they bounced back with a comprehensive win over SMRH in the Scottish Cup. Pete Deakin, making a welcome first appearance of the season, top scored with an unbeaten 96 after overseas amateur Blake Dean had got the innings off to an electric start with a rapid 52. Blake then picked up his first two Carlton wickets as the second division side were dismissed for just 123.
The 2nd XI's dismal weekend was completed with a comprehensive nine wicket defeat at the hands of Marchmont in the President's Trophy. Only keeper Fraser Boyd got to grips with the spongy wicket with a hard fought 49 as Carlton tumbled to 132 all out. Cheeky Gosain bowled well once again, picking up the only home wicket to fall.
New Carlton overseas amateur Blake Dean finally arrived in Edinburgh on Wednesday, two weeks after his original flight fell victim to the volcanic ash from Iceland. Even then, the ash had a say in matters, as the youngster’s flight was diverted to Newcastle and he had to head north of the border by bus.
Speaking just before his first ever Scottish practice session, Blake (left) was already putting himself in the groundsman’s good books by praising the condition of the Grange Loan square. He knows however that conditions this weekend will be very different to what he’s used to at his home ground at the University of New South Wales
Blake, who is a top order batsman and accurate medium pace bowler, is already well known to a couple of Carlton players. Stevie Gilmour and Ross Lyons spent the Australian summer of 2009 playing for UNSW and were quick to recommend him to the club as an all rounder to bolster the 2010 Grange Loan campaign.
While Blake will be scouring Edinburgh for some thermals to keep out the cold, his team-mates will be looking forward to a trip to Clydesdale on league duty on Saturday and a home Scottish cup tie against SMRH on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the other three Carlton sides are ‘at home’ on Saturday. Charles Paterson’s 2nd XI will be eager to follow up their good win at Grange last week with a strong performance at Grange Loan against Fauldhouse.
‘Home’ for the Threes and Fours, however, is the Meadows. While not an ideal venue, in the absence of anywhere better for the time being, it will be an interesting test of resolve and attitude for the Carlton players as they take on Musselburgh 2s and 3s respectively.
On Sunday, while the first round Scottish Cup tie is played out at Grange Loan, the 2nd XI travel to Cavalry Park to take on Marchmont in the first round of the President’s Trophy
This summer, our Head Coach Stevie Gilmour will be running 3 of his hugely popular Summer Camps for the 7 to 12 age group.
Stevie will lead the coaching team delivering both 'soft' and 'hard' ball skill sessions and fun games. All camps will be held at Grange Loan - the home of Carlton CC.
The cost of each camp is £70 with discounts available for those attending more than one camp. Non-members are very welcome.
- Camp 1 : July 5th to 9th - 9am to 12.30pm
- Camp 2 : July 19th to 23rd - 9am to 12.30pm
- Camp 3 : August 2nd to 6th - 9am to 12.30pm
Completed forms and payment can be handed to Stevie during primary coaching (Wednesdays or Mondays between 6.30pm and 8pm) OR posted directly (postal address on forms).
Any queries contact Stevie at stevie.gilmour@carltoncc.co.uk or on 07763 834718.
On a bright and chilly Sunday morning a host of Carlton players ensured the penultimate round of the Grange Loan nets fundraising appeal would be a big success by completing the 10k Bupa Great Edinburgh Run.
All four senior club skippers took part and 1st team players Steve Gilmour (above), Fraser Watts, Gordon Drummond and Oli Tame went one step further by running the 10k in full cricket gear!
Finishing times have been excluded from this report to protect those who came in behind the lads wearing pads and carrying their bats. However, one thing that was clear was that Drummo's running was better than it had been against Grange the day before.
All in all a great effort by a top bunch of players. Well done all.
Click here to donate to the nets fund at justgiving.com.
Photographs
Saturday’s first premier league match of the season ended in disappointment as an inability to put together any meaningful partnerships cost Carlton dear. Mohammed Habib, on debut, and Ross Lyons both picked up two wickets while Gordon Drummond was the mainstay of the Carlton batting with a well-paced 60.
In the reverse fixture at Portgower Place, the Carlton 2nd XI started their season where they left off in 2009 – with a comfortable win. Despite some early season rustiness in the field, the home side were dismissed for just 159 – four wickets for Steven Elder and new boy Simon Spry; and two for leg-spinner Whatley. A classy knock from Ani Majumdar and a typically entertaining assault from Craig Marshall help ease Carlton to a 5 wicket win.
 Elsewhere, the Carlton v SMRH triple header resulted in a whitewash. On Saturday, our 4th XI under 14 bowling attack (plus Bob Irvine) skittled SMRH 3s at Inverleith – Haris Aslam and Fraser Allardice picking up 7 wickets between them. In reply, the tricky artificial and a couple of lbws had our Fours in trouble before the imperturbable Irvine saw them home.
On Sunday morning, half-centuries from William Brown and Rory Simpson helped Carlton Under 15s post a challenging total in the Lothians Cup Final held over from last year. Despite a fine knock from the visitors’ Alex Clayton the Carlton youngsters retained the trophy by 36 runs.
In the afternoon, Grange Loan witnessed one of the most one-sided matches at the ground in many years as SMRH 2s were trounced by Akeel Aslam’s 3rd XI. Akeel had only just staggered out of a taxi after completing the Great Edinburgh Run when he found himself out in the middle. He managed to hit his way to a fine 50 (below) before his creaking body finally gave out. There were also big scores for Nathan Pietsch (86), 14 year-old Matt Wells (62), Liam Prescott (59) and Grant Newman (47*). The visitors showed no inclination to chase the 337 required to victory and prodded their way to 130 for 4 off their 45 overs.
This Saturday sees Carlton launch their SNCL Premier League campaign with one of the most anticipated clashes of any season – the home match against Grange (1pm).
New boy Mohammed Habib is in line to make his debut for the home side, while Durham University student Charles Legget could join him in the home bowling attack. New skipper Fraser Watts (left), who joined Carlton as a young primary school player at South Morningside, is keenly looking forward to the clash – and to the season ahead for the club as a whole:
"We've been lucky to get three solid weeks of outdoor training under our belts prior to the first games this weekend. It's brilliant for me to see 4 such strong sides being named, but, as the old saying goes, 'the game isn't played on paper'.
We've prepared well and now it is time for guys to translate the preparation and hard work into meaningful performances in the middle. We're working to create a culture at the club where everyone takes personal responsibility to win games and that needs to start this weekend.
Everyone should have the attitude that 'if it's to be, it's up to me'. "
Grange, as always, will provide tough opposition for our 1st XI and they will be looking to teenage opener Oli Hairs to set them on their way. The visitors have already notched up their first win of the season, winning a rain affected clash against the National Academy last Sunday.
The two clubs’ respective second XIs also clash at Portgower Place on Saturday. Charles Paterson’s side include a few new faces and he’ll be looking to start off the new season where he left off in 2009 after 8 successive wins for the Carlton 2s.
Elsewhere, there’s a Carlton v SMRH triple bill. On Saturday Alan Murray’s 4th XI travel to Inverleith to take on a new-look SMRH 3s. With five talented under 14s in the side, the Fours will be looking to bounce back after their narrow defeat in their season opener last week.
On Sunday morning , while a host of the club’s senior players are running in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run to raise cash for the new net practice facility, Carlton Under 15s face off against SMRH in the held-over final of the 2009 Lothians Cup. While denied the services of his opening bowler Neil Irvine-Hess, who is taking part in the morning run, coach Alistair Duncan will be hoping his side can retain the trophy.
In the afternoon, skipper Akeel Aslam will no doubt plant himself gingerly at slip after his morning exertions in the 10K as his 3rd XI take on SMRH 2s in the opening fixture of East League Division 5. He has a strong-looking bowling attack at his disposal and will be hopeful of getting the 3rd XI season off to a winning start. The match starts at 1pm following the conclusion of the under 15 tie (9.30).
On the eve of a big weekend for the club, both on and off the field, club captain Watts had a final word for his clubmates: "Good luck to all and see you all back at the club for some food and a few beers after the game!"
The long awaited junior sponsored obstacle run took place at Grange Loan on Sunday in front of an enthusiastic audience of parents and helpers.
Two challenging courses – an inner circuit for under 11s and an outer one for the older runners – had been laid down by the cunning Stevie Gilmour and his team, ensuring a tough 60 minutes for all the runners.
The short straw belonged to youngsters Haris, Cheeky and Craig, who had to take the course early because they were on club playing duty at Dumfries. The trio raced round in torrential rain as the watching adults huddled under the marquee eyeing the grey skies with trepidation.
Happily, the skies cleared right on cue at 10.30 and while parents availed themselves of the sensational cream teas in the pavilion, the competitive juniors limbered up - all with an eye on the prizes available for the most laps completed. At 11.15 the starting whistle was blown and a stream of runners were soon slithering under nets and leaping over a range of obstacles. And as if that wasn’t enough there was the famous Carlton hill to contend with!
The predictions of the watching experts, who confidently asserted that most runners would be stopping for cakes and juice after a couple of laps, were shown to be nonsense as every competitor ploughed on and on, occasionally taking a drink on the run in true marathon style. After an hour of superhuman effort from all concerned, Fraser Allardice and Tom Dean were found to have covered the greatest distance in each age group. For once, however, everyone taking part was a winner!
Many thanks to all who ran or helped out on the day. Please remember to get your sponsor money and sheets into your coaches during the week of 12th May.
More photos
 The highlight of the Carlton social calendar, and the key event of the nets fundraising project, takes place on Friday May 14th - the Carlton Ceilidh!
Held this year at the Roxy Art House in 2 Roxburgh Place, from 7.30 till late, the evening will include the usual dance favourites together with a buffet, raffle and an auction, with lots of top items up for sale- including an aerobatic flight lesson!
All Carlton members and parents are welcome; please bring along your friends for what should be a great occasion. Tickets are priced at just £15 (£10 for students or children), or £40 for a family ticket, and are available by emailing stevie.gilmour@carltoncc.co.uk or by contacting a team captain, club coach or the junior convener.
If you have any desirable items that you’re willing to part with that you think will raise good money in the auction – or if you, or someone you know, has a talent or service that you feel might be ‘auctionable’ - please let Stevie know.
Carlton’s first competitive outing of the season ended in disappointment as our 4th XI fell just short against a talented young Dunfermline 3rd XI at Grange Loan on Saturday.
Following his Division 8 century at Grange Loan last year, the visitors’ Jordan Davidson no doubt needed no second invitation to skipper his sides 3rd XI. He made the most of the opportunity hitting a fine undefeated 130, despite giving three tough chances on the way. With a total of 183 for 4 after the allotted 40 overs, Carlton skipper Alan Murray was left to rue how the score might have looked if one of the offered catches had been taken. He had plenty to be pleased with, though, with the bowling performances of youngsters Ruari Macpherson and Haris Aslam (left).
Despite excellent knocks from veterans Shaun Barrett, Bob Irvine and skipper Murray, supported by a long and assured innings from young Macpherson, the home side were eventually all out in the last over some 14 runs short.
Match photos
Elsewhere at the weekend there was plenty of opportunity for last minute pre-season practice. In a double header at Stirling, Fraser Watts’ 69 set our 1st XI on the way to a comfortable win, while the home side’s 2nd XI beat their Carlton counterparts in a low-scoring affair despite a five-wicket haul for 14 year-old Cheeky Gosain.
On Sunday a Carlton XI had a comfortable home win over West Lothian while an inexperienced XI put up a good fight against SNCL Dumfries; Ani Majumdar hitting a fine 50. Our roving reporter has submitted a match report for this one.
 The first Carlton team into competitive action in 2010 is the 4th XI, skippered by Alan Murray (left), who take on Dunfermline 3s at Grange Loan on Saturday (1pm).
As usual the 4s will be an intoxicating mix of youth and … ermm … experience, with the older brigade knowing that they will need to be on their toes this season with a host of youngsters from the Carlton conveyor belt likely to be vying for places. As always, though, having a big car will be a huge advantage when it comes to securing selection for away games.
 Over at Stirling, the Carlton 1st and 2nds will enjoy the excellent facilities at New Williamfield as they take on their Stirling County counterparts. The 1st XI look strong on paper for this clash, while the thinking woman’s Archie MacPherson – Charles Paterson – is due to make his first appearance of the season at the helm of his 2nd XI.
On Sunday, following the junior sponsored obstacle race (in aid of the new nets fund) a Carlton XI host West Lothian at Grange Loan. At the same time, Akeel Aslam (pictured left, bowling in a kilt – don’t ask) will take another Carlton XI to Dumfries for what is sure to be a final stern pre-season test.
 Players from all four senior sides got together on Saturday for the pre-season Topcat CPL (Carlton Players’ League). Using pink balls imported from Pakistan, six matches were played from 11am, finishing after 8 at night.
The four skippers - Fraser Watts, Oli Tame, Rajan Bhopal and Preston Mommsen – led their eight-man teams in a series of 12 over a side matches. Each batting pair was out in the middle for 3 overs –with a wicket resulting in the loss of five runs to the batting side.
Ever competitive club skipper Fraser Watts eventually saw his squad come out on top; albeit they needed a super-over to win one of their three matches. Overall victory was secured in the last over of their final match. Young Chayank Gosain was bowling to Preston Mommsen with 18 required to win and Cheeky kept his head to see his side home.
All in all a good pre-season event that was a great way to get everyone in the club together. Special thanks are due to the enthusiastic Martin Flynn for umpiring the event and to Topcat for making the day possible.
More photographs
With Mother Nature currently grounding air travel in much of Europe, it was no perhaps no great surprise to see the elements conspire to scupper Carlton’s Sunday friendly against North-East Premier League side Benwell Hill.
There was some cricket further north on Sunday, as the ‘Eastern Knights’ launched the new representative regional cricket series with a match against Caledonian Highlanders at Strathmore. Carlton batsmen Fraser Watts and Preston Mommsen both notched half-centuries, proving that Saturday’s CPL was the perfect warm-up for representative action! The rain did, however, have the last laugh with the match ending after 3 overs of the second innings.
One match that didn’t have to worry about the weather was the indoor challenge match on Friday evening between the Under 9’s of Grange and Carlton. With the entire MES games hall at their disposal the youngsters produced a thrilling match. As always, running between the wickets can prove to be a challenge for youngsters and this match was no exception! In the end, Grange won a nailbiter by just ten runs.
 With skipper Fraser Watts and three other Carlton stars on ‘Eastern Knights’ duty this weekend, Carlton vice-captain Stevie Gilmour turns to an experienced trio for the visit of ECB North-East Premier League side Benwell Hill CC on Sunday (1pm).
As well as captain Watts, Gordon Drummond, Ross Lyons and Preston Mommsen will be on representative duty at Forfar. And with fellow Carlton ‘Knights’ Ali Evans and Charles Legget having university commitments, the new Carlton vice-captain will be delighted to see Bryn Lockie (left), Pete Deakin and keeper Jamie Kerr turn out for the first time this season.
While the batting line-up will certainly not be short of experience, the bowling attack will be led by new recruit Mohammed Habib. Mohammed impressed on his first outing last weekend and will be looking to pick up some early wickets against a side that is sure to boast a strong top six. Left-armer Tom Clarke also returns to support Pete Deakin in the spin department.
Happily, the snow that was originally forecast for Sunday seems to have lost its way (presumably in a haze of volcanic ash) and if the rain showers also stay away we should be in for an excellent Anglo-Scottish clash.
 The 16 man Eastern Knights squad for the new regional cricket series has been announced – and it contains no fewer than 6 Carlton players.
Skipper Gordon Drummond is joined by Fraser Watts, Ross Lyons, Ali Evans, Charles Legget and new boy Preston Mommsen (left).
When we take into account our Eastern Academy juniors the total number of Carlton players selected to represent the East Region this season is a hugely impressive 20.
Carlton East of Scotland representatives:
Eastern Knights
Gordon Drummond, Ali Evans, Charles Legget, Ross Lyons, Preston Mommsen, Fraser Watts
Senior Academy
Rajan Bhopal, Fraser Boyd, Nik Hunt, Nick Martin
Under 16 Academy
Saif Azhar, Gair Currie, Neil Irvine-Hess, Kyle Macpherson, Zaki Yusaf
Under 14 Academy
Craig Everett, Euan Everett, Chayank Gosain, Ruari Macpherson, Matthew Wells .
 Some glorious spring weather, which hopefully is a sign of the summer to come, heralded the start of the new cricket year on Saturday as near neighbours Watsonians were the visitors for a pre-season Twenty20 double header.
In game 1, the Myreside XI set 99. A fine unbeaten 50 by new boy Preston Mommsen was the mainstay of the Carlton reply as they also ended their 20 overs on 99. Carlton skipper Watts' call for a super-over to decide the match was howled down by both sides, who were clearly ready for their tea.
The second match, then, became the decider. Carlton batted first this time, and an excellent opening partnership between Stevie Gilmour and 18 year-old Tom Barrett got things off to a cracking start. Barrett eventually fell to new Watsonians’ off-spinner Craig Wright for a well constructed 30, but Gilly went on to a fine 50 as the home side posted an impressive 132 for 4. In reply, ex-Scotland skipper Wright smashed a quick 40 but, once he departed, spin twins Mommsen and Lyons strangled the visitors’ batting to see Carlton run out comfortable winners.
On Sunday, a young Carlton XI skippered by the not-quite-so-young Brad McKay entertained upcoming East League side Peebles at a sun-kissed Grange Loan.
 The visitors couldn’t believe their luck when they won the toss and got first bite at a wicket of a quality rarely seen north of the border in early April. After the young openers got the Borderers off to a good start, it was a Carlton youngster – keeper Matt Wells – who started the fightback with a fine diving catch off the bowling of Chris Hoefling.
Wickets then fell steadily, with the bowling honours going to debutant Richard Metcalfe, who picked up four wickets in his first three overs with an impressive combination of pace and accuracy. The final Peebles wicket fell in the final over of the allotted forty with the score on 175.
The Carlton top five were all aged under 18 and they, together with an impressive cameo from Metcalfe, saw the home side to a six wicket win. Top scorer was the classy Rajan Bhopal with an unbeaten 42.
 With the first phase of the new Carlton nets development partially completed, the first outdoor practice of the season was used to test out the new facility. First XI skipper Fraser Watts and the Premier League’s highest run scorer Cedric English, just back from wintering in New Zealand, both gave the new nets the thumbs up.
The first session was very well attended, which augurs well for the season ahead, and was run expertly by new Head Coach Stevie Gilmour. And while the players enjoyed the new facilities, skipper Watts was quick to remind them that they need to be paid for by the end of May! All the more reason to redouble fundraising efforts, which include a junior sponsored obstacle run and the entry of the senior players into the Bupa 10K Great Edinburgh Run in May.
All players are reminded to use clean trainers and no spikes when using the nets. As the surrounds and run-ups have not yet been completed due to the muddy ground, please note that the nets are not yet open for general use.
 Grange Loan had the air of an episode of Antiques Roadshow recently when the enthusiastic Liam Prescott unearthed a strange object from the depths of the garage during the annual pre-season clean up.
On being informed by his elders and betters that the object was the frame of a catching cradle, Liam started to excavate more pieces and gradually began to recreate a fielding aid that was apparently an integral part of fielding drills in the days before the advent of Colin Smith’s gaudy orange plastic Katchet.
It was, Liam discovered, popular with men who played cricket in the last century while wearing think woolly sweaters, trousers with buttons and pads with buckles on them (yes, honestly, buckles).
Helped by whippersnappers Haris and Cheeky (left), Prescott devoted a large part of his week to the task , defying the monsoon conditions sweeping the city. Liam now hopes that the cradle will form a key part of new Head Coach Gilmour’s summer practice regime.
Whatever next … striped blazers and club ties?!
The old Grange Loan practice nets have now been dismantled and the foundations have been laid for the new four-lane facility
To avoid extensive damage to the ground, a temporary trackway has been laid parallel to the Grange Loan wall; firstly to enable the JCB to get to the far corner of the ground to rip up the old concrete lanes and supporting posts, and secondly to let the contractors transport the necessary new equipment.
Construction work on Phase 1 of the project will continue. Also continuing, of course, will be the club’s fundraising efforts to pay for the development. 18 senior players have now volunteered to take part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run, while our youngsters are holding their own sponsored obstacle run in late April. Tickets are also on sale for the club ceilidh on May 14th.
More pictures from Brian
Carlton Under 13s delivered the club’s second trophy of the indoor season, when they beat Watsonians in an exciting final of the Lothian Indoor tournament.
Steady batting, with wickets lost kept to a minimum, enabled Carlton to post a challenging total of 292. The coach’s pre-match chat ensured that there were plenty of quick singles taken to go with some fine attacking shots, the highlight of which was a 6 from Greg Murdoch.
Despite some elegant left-handed batting from Rory Evans, the Watsonians’ reply struggled to gain momentum early on in the face of excellent leg spin bowling from Haris Aslam and Keshav Arvind, backed up skilfully behind the stumps by Ruari Macpherson.
The Carlton fielding was also excellent, with the fast improving Adam McDonald and youngsters Rory Allardice and Harry Simpson setting the standard. The Carlton lead looked comfortable as the last Watsonian pair came to the wicket, but two towering sixes from big-hitting Adam Hastings quickly put the tie back in the melting pot. However, two catches off the bat of the young Watsonian finally swung the game Carlton’s way, the first rather unluckily coming straight down off the ceiling into the grateful fielder’s hands. Euan Everett was the bowler entrusted with the final six deliveries and he saw Carlton home with an excellent over.
A brave effort from a fine Watsonians side, but Carlton gained revenge from their earlier group defeat to take the trophy, which was presented to skipper Macpherson by Gordon Allan.
Earlier in the afternoon, a young Carlton Under 11 side narrowly lost out in a thrilling semi-final match to a well drilled Borders select team. Things had looked bright early on when Ollie Brown smashed 25 runs off the first 5 deliveries of the Carlton innings. However, his hard hitting resulted in the ball having to be changed and with no similar ball available the decision was taken to start again with a heavier ball. This time the Carlton batsmen lost a wicket in the first over and the accurate Borders attack followed up with a further three wickets as Carlton ended their innings on 272.
The Borders batsmen were tactically sharp and nothing was hit in the air making wickets hard to come by. However late nerves from the batsmen offered a couple of run-outs, while Calum Everett picked up two wickets in two balls to drag Carlton back into the game. Six to win off the last over and the scores tied with one ball to go; however it wasn’t to be for Carlton although the youngsters did the club proud in a great match.
Results
Lothian Under 13s
21st March Final: Carlton 292 beat Watsonians 273
Lothian Under 11s
21st March Semi-Final: Carlton 272 lost to Borders 274
The draw for this year’s Under 15 Scottish Cup sees Carlton head to the borders to play Hawick and Wilton CC in the first round. Meanwhile, there is more familiar opposition for our Under 13s in their first round tie as they host city rivals Heriot’s.
Both first round ties are due to be completed by 23rd May. This year, the finals day is set for Sunday 27th June at Doo’cot Park, Perth.
With both sides having reached their respective finals in 2009, the Carlton youngsters know they’ll have to be at their best to emulate last year’s successes.
The inaugural Under 18 T20 Scottish Cup sees Carlton sit out the first round to await the winners of the RH Corstorphine v Heriot’s tie. The Under 18 finals day takes place at Stirling at the end of August
Full draws:
ECB Under 13 National Club Championship 2010
Nat West Under 15 National Club Championship 2010
Under 18 Scottish Cup 2010
Head Coach Stevie Gilmour enlisted the help of Scotland stars Fraser Watts and Gordon Drummond to launch the club’s participation in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run on Sunday May 2nd.
The three players will be running the 10k course in full cricket gear to raise money for the new Carlton net practice facility. With the previous nets having succumbed to age, and with 170 youngsters under the age of 16 using the club’s coaching facilities last year, the need for a new facility is acute. It’s hoped that the efforts of the three players, together with those of a host of other players from the club’s four senior sides who are also running, will go a long way to help the club raise the money required.
You can support the players’ efforts collectively via the club’s page on justgiving.com. Alternatively, you can also sponsor a player individually by searching for their own sponsorship page.
Carlton justgiving page
The Carlton Nets Fund - full details
 Following on from the success of the senior indoor side, Carlton Under 13s clinched a place in the final of the Lothian Indoor tournament with a hard-fought win over Loretto.
Batting first, the Carlton youngsters notched 294, with only four dismissals during their allotted overs. "Good stuff, but too many dot balls," was coach Macpherson's verdict.
A decent bowling and fielding performance saw Loretto needing 24 off the last six deliveries and a fine last over from Euan Everett (left) sealed the Carlton win. The side now face up to neighbours Watsonians in the final at Westwoods on Sunday 21st March. With the Myreside team having won the qualifying round tie between the sides, the Carlton youngsters will need to be at their best to lift the trophy.
Also in action on the 21st are the Carlton Under 11s who face a semi-final tie in their competition against a Borders select side. The winners will play in the final later in the day against either Watsonians or Grange.
Earlier in the month, Carlton picked up their first silverware of the season as the senior side won the Cricket Media Sixes indoor tournament at the MES Centre.
With the tournament’s top scorer, Rob Thornton, unavailable (wife Elaine had just given birth to a baby boy) Carlton drafted in Stevie Gilmour and Ross Lyons for finals night .
Semi-final opponents Freuchie batted solidly, with two wickets from Ross Lyons helping to restrict them to 105 all out. The Fifers then had no answer to the Carlton opening partnership of Jamie Kerr and teenager Nick Martin, both of whom retired undefeated to bring Ross Lyons to the crease. After warming up for the final with 23 off 93 balls in the 4-day international match in Kenya, the real Lyons showed up at MES, slamming 28 off just 5 balls with not a forward defensive in sight to ease Carlton home with almost two overs to spare.
In the final Carlton faced last year’s winners Martin Currie CC (formerly the Bank of Scotland), skippered by Grange Loan reject Fraser Watts.
Skipper Kerr and Martin put on 30 for the first wicket, with Kerr finishing unbeaten on 32, well supported by 25s from Stevie Gilmour and Preston Mommsen. A total of 119 off their 10 overs looked inadequate when the bankers raced to 81 for 1 off 5 overs. However, the retiral of Fraser induced a collapse and the financial wizards suffered rapid deflation as they were dismissed for just 98. Youngster Martin took the bowling honours with 2 for 20.
Result & Fixtures
Lothian Under 13s
7th March Carlton 337 beat Edinburgh CC 204
14th March Semi-Final: Carlton 294 beat Loretto 262
21st March Final: Carlton v Watsonians
Lothian Under 11s
14th February Carlton 254 beat Watsonians 214
14th February Carlton 317 beat Murrayfield DAFS 253
21st March Semi-Final: Carlton v West Lothian/Borders
21st March Final: winners v Watsonians or Grange
Scottish Media Indoor Sixes
5th March Semi-Final: Freuchie 105 all out (Ross Lyons 2 for 16); lost to Carlton 109 for 1 (Jamie Kerr 28, Ross Lyons 28*, Nick Martin 27*)
5th March Final: Carlton119 for 3 (Jamie Kerr 32*, Stevie Gilmour 25, Preston Mommsen 25); beat Martin Currie CC 98 all out (Nick Martin 2 for 20)
At a well attended Carlton AGM, the members approved the appointment of Fraser Watts as the new club captain.
Fraser, who first represented Carlton as a member of our Primary School side, spoke passionately about his aims for the first team and the club as a whole, underlining the need for a positive culture throughout the club.
Vice President David Watts provided a quick update on plans for the new net practice facility. He explained that while significant fundraising efforts will be required, recent good news on the funding front suggests that the club may be able to begin work on the first stage of the new net development shortly.
Stevie Gilmour then provided an update on fundraising, highlighting the ‘opportunity’ for all senior players to do their bit by getting sponsorship to take part in the Edinburgh 10K run on Sunday 2nd May. Other fundraising initiatives in the pipeline include the club ceilidh and the junior sponsored obstacle run.
Finally, club secretary Martin Flynn updated the members present on the latest episode in the long running SNCL reconstruction saga. While Carlton had offered qualified support to the original plan of extending the number of clubs in the premier league to 14, Mr Flynn explained that the club felt strongly that Cricket Scotland’s latest plan to add another two clubs to the league was unsupportable, tipping the already delicate balance towards a league that is likely to contain too many one-sided and meaningless games. Consequently, Carlton has formally advised Cricket Scotland that it has withdrawn its support for the reconstruction proposal.
 This Friday (5th March) sees the Carlton senior indoor side take on Freuchie at Mary Erskine Sports Centre in the Cricket Media Sixes semi-final.
Later in the evening the winners will line-up against the winners of the other semi-final between last year's winners Martin Currie CC and Watsonians.
The side won through to the Cricket Media Tournament finals night with two more wins in their group matches on Friday 19th February. Skipper Jamie Kerr top scored in match one against Fauldhouse with an unbeaten 30, supported by Rob Thornton with 27 as Carlton totalled 168. Both Rob and Stevie Elder picked up two wickets as Fauldhouse were dismissed for just 67.
Penicuik were up next and Carlton hit 174 with 61 for Rob, 54 for Jamie and 40 for Stevie. In reply, Penicuik were 117 all out.
 Meanwhile, there was the first indoor defeat of the season for our under 13s on Sunday 28th February as they lost out to Watsonians in a hard fought match at Westwoods. They now need to bounce back in their final qualifying match to have a chance of making the play-offs.
Earlier in the month the Carlton Under 11s notched up two fine victories over Watsonians and Murrayfield DAFS. Hari Rittoo and Oliver Brown (left) both claimed hat-tricks in the match against local rivals Watsonians. The youngsters now move on to the semi-finals on Sunday 21st March.
Fixtures & Results
Lothian Under 11s
17th January Carlton 309 beat Fauldhouse 141
14th February Carlton 254 beat Watsonians 214
14th February Carlton 317 beat Murrayfield DAFS 253
21st March Semi-Finals and Final
Lothian Under 13s
31st January Carlton 342 beat Murrayfield DAFS 242
31st January Carlton 297 beat Loretto 255
28th February Carlton 264 lost to Watsonians 289
7th March Carlton v Edinburgh CC
14th March Play-offs
Scottish Media Indoor Sixes
22nd January Carlton 117 for 3 (R Thornton 54*, B Lockie 27*) beat Penicuik 66 ao
22nd January Carlton 160 for 2 (J Kerr 36*, R Thornton 27*, N Martin 25*, B Lockie 25*) beat Fauldhouse 99 ao (P Mommsen 2 for 13)
19th February Carlton 168 for 3 (J Kerr 40*, R Thornton 27*) beat Fauldhouse 67 all out
(S Elder 2 for 8, R Thornton 2 for 11)
19th February Carlton 174 for 3 (R Thornton 61*, J Kerr 54* beat Penicuik 117 all out
5th March Semi-Final: Carlton v Freuchie
5th March Final: Carlton/Freuchie v Martin Currie CC/Watsonians
 One of the delights of playing East League cricket is the opportunity to take your turn at umpiring!
To help out, the ESCA have put together an invaluable Guide to the Laws as they apply to East League cricket. This is a must-read for every player before the start of the season.
And on Wednesday 14th April, Grange CC is hosting a free Introduction to Umpiring course between 7 and 9 pm.
The course is valuable for all players (including juniors) playing in senior leagues who may need to umpire from time to time, as well as coaches and parents involved in junior cricket.
Organised and delivered by the Scottish Cricket Officials' Association in partnership with Cricket Scotland, the evening is an interactive two-hour event, which is free to candidates, and centres on the key themes of:
- Umpire positioning
- No Balls and wides
- LBW
- Methods of being out
- Umpire signals
If you'd like to attend, just drop Gordon Drummond an email at: gordon@sporting-chance.org
Preparations for the 2010 junior season are well underway, with pre-season indoor coaching sessions for a range of age groups running since November under the guidance of Head Coach Stevie Gilmour.
There was a pleasant surprise for two young Carlton bowlers during their Friday evening session at Edinburgh Academy sports hall when 4th XI skipper Alan Murray popped in to hand over special East of Scotland Cricket Association awards, commissioned by the association to recognise outstanding performances by young cricketers in adult cricket during 2009.
Playing for the Carlton 4th XI in the East League, left arm seamer Fraser Allardice returned the remarkable figures of 5 for 6 against Kismet 2nd XI. Not to be outdone, his under 13 team mate from 2009, left-arm spinner Chayank ‘Cheeky’ Gosain, then picked up 6 for 20 against Largo 4s later in the season. Both boys are pictured below with their skipper.
 
Congratulating both boys on their well deserved awards, Alan also remarked on how important the contribution of all the junior players is to the Carlton senior sides. Here’s hoping for more great performances in 2010.
Congratulations to Carlton opener Fraser Watts, who smashed 73 off just 44 balls for Scotland against Uganda in the tri-series T20 match in Nairobi. Fraser put on 130 for the second wicket with Durham star Kyle Coetzer as the Scots reached 163 for 4 in their 20 overs.
Fraser’s knock was his highest ever international T20 score, eclipsing his previous best of 46 against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup of 2007 in South Africa.
In reply to Scotland’s total, Uganda could muster only 107 for 9, with Carlton’s Gordon Drummond and Ross Lyons both in the wickets. Gordon opened the bowling and picked up 2 for 14 off 3 overs, while Ross took 1 for 22 off his 3.
After their final Tri-Series match with Kenya, Scotland move on to Dubai to prepare for the crucial World T20 qualifiers, which start on 9th February.
Scotland 4-day skipper Gordon Drummond continued his unbeaten run at the helm of the national team as he led his side to a comprehensive 8 wicket Intercontinental Cup win over Kenya in Nairobi.
The Carlton all-rounder turned in his best first-class bowling return in the Kenyan first innings, taking 3 for 18.
Another Grange Loan star, Ross Lyons, had a big impact on the match with the bat. Ross played an uncharacteristically patient innings, putting on 58 with Richie Berrington at a crucial time in the tie after the Scots had lost four quick wickets and looked to be in trouble.
Gordon and Ross will now be joined by Carlton team-mate Fraser Watts, as the Scotland squad turn their attention to the crucial World T20 qualifiers in Dubai from 9th to 13th February.
 Anyone watching coverage of the final test match between South Africa and England recently will no doubt recall the furore surrounding the implementation of the much vaunted Decision Review System.
England were so unhappy with the interpretation and implementation of the technology supported decision making process that the ECB submitted an official complaint to the ICC. In response, the ICC have announced that they will carry out ”an independent and comprehensive investigation into the procedural issues involving technology and the decision review system (DRS) as applied during the fourth Test".
The investigation will be led by two distinguished left-handed batsmen – ex-West Indian test skipper Sir Clive Lloyd and Carlton CC member and Edinburgh advocate Brent Lockie.
When not flaying bowling attacks in the East League, Brent is a Disciplinary Tribunal Member for Cricket Scotland and is a member of the ICC Code of Conduct Commission.
Announcing the appointment of Lloyd and Lockie, the ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said “The ICC has appointed two eminent individuals to investigate the exact circumstances relating to the application of the DRS in Johannesburg”.
 The 2010 East League fixtures have delivered an early season cracker for the Carlton 2nd XI as they start their campaign away to old rivals Grange 2s. With the respective 1st XIs clashing on the same day at Grange Loan, it promises to be a great double header to start the senior league season.
Carlton 3rd XI have serious promotion intentions this year and they have a tough start with a match against SMRH 2nd XI on May 1st.
The Division 8 programme gets underway a week earlier and this means that the Carlton 4th XI have the luxury of a Saturday match at Grange Loan as they entertain Dunfermline 3s (above).
2nd XI fixtures 2010
3rd XI fixtures 2010
4th XI fixtures 2010
2010 PRE-SEASON KWIK CRICKET CAMPS
Carlton CC Head Coach Stevie Gilmour is running 3 pre-season Kwik Cricket Camps during the school holidays at the Crags Sports Centre in south Edinburgh.
Camp 1 : February 15th – 19th 2pm to 5pm
Camp 2 : April 5th – 9th 2pm to 5pm
Camp 3 : April 12th – 16th 2pm to 5pm
Stevie and his coaching team will deliver a blend of top notch coaching and fun-filled games aimed at players aged 7 to 11.
To ensure a high level of coaching and maximum enjoyment, places on all camps are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Book your place(s) now by contacting Stevie at stevie.gilmour@carltoncc.co.uk or on 07763 834718. Cost is £75 for a full camp or £18 per day. Non-members welcome.
Poster including location map
 The first fundraising event of 2010 is the Carlton CC Burns Supper.
Come and support the club and sit down to a 3 course 'informal' Burns Supper.
There are prizes to be won and Guest Speakers to toast the haggis and attempt a recital or two to entertain you!!
Informal/casual dress (but wear a kilt/something tartan if you have it!) It's a steal at just £10 (£5 for students!).
Tickets available via player representatives or by emailing Stevie Gilmour at stevie.gilmour@carltoncc.co.uk.
All members, parents and friends welcome. If you've never been to a Burns Supper before this is definitely the evening for you!
Poster
The main off-the-field challenge for Carlton in 2010 is the funding and building of new practice nets.
The existing 2 lanes, constructed almost 25 years ago, have deteriorated to the point of now being unusable. The club has ambitious plans to construct a badly needed 4-lane net facility to cope with the practice and coaching needs of our rapidly growing junior and senior membership. While grant funding has been sought to support the initiative, the club will have to raise a five figure sum if we are to make the plans a reality.
 The fund raising push got off to a good start at a snow-covered Grange Loan on 19th December as the club Christmas Party saw the pavilion packed to the rafters and a good time had by all. Craig Everett, who was born to be a salesman, did a superb job selling raffle tickets aided by the brains behind the operation, younger brother Euan. Fraggle’s ‘Knock the head off the snowman’ proved to be a popular, if violent, event and the Christmas catering from the multi-talented Weirs proved a festive hit.
The slightly chilly party overspill area!
Grange Loan in the snow.
In terms of fund-raising for the nets, this was a small first step towards a challenging target and the club will be holding a number of fund-raising initiatives for both junior and senior members over the coming months. We hope that we can count on you to support as many of these events as possible as the club seeks to provide excellent practice facilities for all our players. If you wish to make a donation to the nets fund, please drop a line to our Treasurer Brad McKay at treasurer@carltoncc.co.uk
.
Carlton will get their 2010 Premier League campaign under way with a home match against old rivals Grange.
The local derby on May 1st starts the season off in style, in a month that sees two league trips to Glasgow and home clashes with Greenock and newcomers Dunfermline .
In the Scottish Cup, Carlton have been handed a home tie on May 9th against local Division Two side SMRH. No-one at Grange Loan will need reminding that Carlton have never won the cup – could 2010 be our year?
2010 Fixture List
On the international front, there's good news to end the year for a trio of Carlton stars. Fraser Watts, Gordon Drummond and Ross Lyons have all been named in the Scotland squad for the Twenty20 World Cup qualifying event in Dubai in February.
TheT20 squad will also play warm up matches against Kenya and Uganda in Africa before the ICC event.
Before that, Gordon Drummond (left) will skipper the Scotland 4-day side in their Inter-Continental Cup clash against hosts Kenya in Nairobi from January 25 to 28.
The Masterton Trophy draw for 2010 sees Carlton head to East League chanpions Faldhouse for their first round tie. If Carlton manage to see off the challenge of the men from the west, they will then face either old rivals Watsonians, whom they beat in last year's semi-final, or the holders RH Corstorphine.
The draw for the President's Trophy pits Charles Paterson's 2nd XI against near neighbours Marchmont in the first round.
Full draws:
Masterton Trophy 2010
Grange v Peebles
Heriots v SMRH
Stenhousemuir v Marchmont
Holy Cross v Murrayfield Dafs
Edinburgh v West Lothian
Penicuik v Edin Accies
Fauldhouse v Carlton
Watsonians v RHC
Round 1 by May 21st
Round 2 by June 11th
Semi finals by July 2nd
Final at Grange Loan on Friday July 16th
President's Trophy 2010
Heriots bye
Grange v Kismet
Edin Accies v Peebles
Drummond Trinity v Leith FAB
Dunfermline Wanderers v Haddington
Musselburgh bye
Livingston bye
Freuchie bye
Carlton v Marchmont
Edinburgh bye
Watsonians v Preston Village
Boroughmuir v Fauldhouse
Stenhousemuir v Westquarter
Holy Cross bye
Stirling County v Penicuik
Morton v RH Corstorphine
Round 1 by May 23rd
Round 2 by June 113h
Round 3 by July 4th
Semi finals by July 25th
Final tbc
|
.JPG)