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STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DIARY
OF THE SEASON - 2001 |
JANUARY
Monday 22nd - Indoor Nets begin....a new year and a new venue......the Scottish National Cricket Centre at Mary Erksine School between 8.00 and 9.00 pm.
FEBRUARY
APRIL
Saturday 14th April and the opening fixture of the season against Penicuik is cancelled – a lack of Spring so far!
Sunday 22st April and the 1st X1 friendly against Grange falls victim to the weather again.
Saturday 28th April and the opening of the East League. The 2nd X1 gain the better of the draw against Glenrothes, the 3rd X1 don’t score many and are defeated by 8 wickets by newly promoted Penicuik at Kirkhill. The 4th X1 home game against Heriots scheduled for Roseburn is cancelled due to a very wet ground.
On Sunday 29th April, the 1st X1 get started at last with a friendly against Heriots F.P. They are defeated by 5 wickets.
MAY
Saturday 5th and all 4 teams are in action. The 1st X1 gain a fine victory against Strathmore by 5 wickets. Zahoor Elahi takes 5 wickets and Jason Williamson 3 as Strathmore are bowled out for 151. The early loss of wickets including that of Zahoor Elahi didn’t stop SMRH marching towards victory lead by a splendid 64 from Martin Speirs and 44* from Kevin Azam.
The 2nd X1 lost to West Lothian by 4 wickets after being bowled out for 155, with Ian Duncan scoring 45, Greg Bissett 44 and Colin Brown 35.
The 3rd X1 all but repeated last week’s performance, this time making only 55 versus Drummond and in reply Dave Moore took 4 wickets as Drummond quickly won by 6 wickets.
The 4th X1 began their defence of the Division 7 title with a 62 run victory against Carlton at the Meadows. Regulars Robin Macqueen with 71* and Malcolm MacColl with 28 were top run scorers and Ernie Wilkins proving almost unplayable with 5 for 9 from 13 overs. In this match there was also a record for the 6th wicket of 95 between Robin Macqueen and David Lowe.
And finally, the Club fielded 4 father and son combinations on this Saturday namely Kerr, Bissett, MacQueen & Napier – also noted there was a D.Scott on both sides in the 4th X1 fixture.
Sunday 6th and a first round victory over Kelso in the SCU Trophy. Fielding an under strength side the 1st X1 found unlikely heroes in Colin Archibald 42 not out and Martin Speirs 5/36.
Tuesday 9th May and the good form of the 1st X1 continued in the 1st round of the Masterton Trophy against the Muslims – again under strength side winning by 5 wickets.
This 3rd victory in a row in 3 separate competitions by the 1st X1 has the Club statistician researching the archives for any previous occurrence!
Saturday 12th May and the 1st X1 continued there wining ways with an impressive 5 wicket victory against league newcomers Dundee High. Overseas amateur Jaco Gerber scored 49 and Andrew Dodson 42. Skipper Brian Townsend took 4 wickets.
The 2nd X1 drew with Grange 3rds with Victor Coltherd ending up with 52*. The 3rd X1, although scoring more runs this week, lost by 5 wickets to Falkland. A ‘young’ batting hero emerged in Tom Kinghorn scoring 27* and a similar ‘young’ bowler emerged with John Archer taking 4/35 including 3 in 4 balls. Commenting afterwards young Archer thought it was his best performance since schooldays!
The 4th X1 sent the ball to all parts of Inverleith and Ferry Road as they amassed 248/3 in 42 overs against Boroughmuir. Mark Burgess made an impressive 76, Malcolm MacColl 48, Robin Macqueen 47* and Donald Scott 42*. Malcolm MacColl topped a fine all round display taking 6 wickets for 43. Club records this week were the highest total by the 4th X1 and a 4th wicket partnership of 88 unbeaten between Donald Scott and Robin Macqueen.
On Sunday 13th, Greenock were awarded the 1st round National Knockout tie, after the 1st X1 failed to find a team – this causing some interesting correspondence on other websites!
Saturday 19th and the 1st X1 lose their 100% league record with an 8 wicket defeat by Arbroath United. Masood Ali made 41 out of a disappointing 132.
The 2nd X1 lost by 5 wickets to Falkland at Inverleith in spite of a career best 98 by Mark Burgess, promoted all the way from the 4th X1, from the previous week. Stewart Farquharson made 32 and Colin Brown 22 in a team total of 206 for 6 wickets. In reply Matt Coyle took 3 for 51 and ‘young’ John Archer promoted from the 3rd X1 at the last minute took 2 for 21. This he reckons was the first time he had taken wickets on the main square since schooldays!
The 3rd X1 at last won a match beating Peebles convincingly by 8 wickets. After Peebles elected to bat, new recruit Tom Snow took 3 for 26, Robin Macqueen 4 for 14 as Peebles were bowled out for 95. In reply, the unlikely opening combination of Alan Veitch and Roy Murray scored at almost five an over as the Peebles total was passed in 20 overs. Alan Veitch made 31, Tom Snow 24* and Roy Murray 18.
Sunday 20th and the 4th X1 were in action at Bluebellwood Park, Bannockburn against St.Modans 2s. Alas they were defeated by the small margin of 141 runs! Ernie Wilkins took 2/13 and David Napier 2/37.
Tuesday 22nd and back to the Masterton Trophy and a 2nd round tie with Edinburgh Accies. Batting first the 1st X1 made 123 for 4 wickets with Masood Ali continuing his good form with 63, sharing a stand of 92 for the 4th wicket with Brian Townsend who scored 23*. In reply Edinburgh Accies were bowled out for 98 with Brian Townsend taking 4 for 21 and Jason Williamson 3 for 19.
Saturday 26th and wins for the 1st X1 and 3rd X1, a draw for the 2nd X1 and defeat for the 4th X1.
The 1st X1 just made victory in a key game against Falkland by just 3 runs in a low scoring match. Zahoor Elahi was back in form with 60 and Brian Townsend the best of the bowlers with 4 for 42. The 2nd X1 drew with Watsonians and were just 16 runs short of target with 1 wicket remaining. Colin Brown returned the best bowling performance, 4 for 37, and the pick of the batsman were Greg Bissett 44 and Mark Burgess with 32.
The 3rd X1 won a good game of cricket with 2 overs to spare against Kirk Brae. Batting first the 3rd X1 made 152 for 9 with Alan Veitch 43 and Lawrence Reilly 21 and with an important last wicket stand between Tom Kinghorn 20* and James Crispin the 3rd X1 set up the challenging total. In reply Kirk Brae were bowled out for 135 with Tom Snow (ex Kirk Brae) taking 4/21 and Simon Owen 3/34.
The 4th X1 lost to Morton by 4 wickets with Malcolm MacColl producing an all round performance of 27 runs and 2 for 29.
Sunday 27th and the first Trojans match of the season was called off by Mitre.
JUNE
Saturday 2nd and the 1st X1 lose by 87 runs to Freuchie with Martin Speirs top scorer with 40 out of a total of 140, but this was well short of the required target of 227.
Good news however for the rest of teams, the 2nd X1 winning for the first time against Cramond, the 3rd X1 making it three in a row against Musselburgh and the 4th X1 pulling of perhaps the surprise of the season with a victory against the Muslims, their first defeat for 3 years in the League.
In the 2nd X1 match, Ally Armstrong made 50* and Victor Coltherd 40 as the team chased 191 for victory. Earlier Colin Brown took 3 for 47.
In the 3rd X1, Musselburgh made 168 for 5, thanks to an embarrassing and record number of extras – 50, of which 45 were wides!! Colin Grahamslaw turned bowler took 3 for 44. In reply an opening stand of 77 between Roy Murray and Alan Veitch set up victory by 9 wickets. Roy Murray made 38, Alan Veitch 49* and Mark Karapanovic 64*.
The 4th X1 bowled out the Muslims for 103, Simon Owen 5 for 27 and Robin Macqueen 3 for 5. In reply Malcolm MacColl quickly sealed victory by 8 wickets making a career best 70*.
Sunday 3rd and further records go crashing as Meigle make a massive 326 for 6 in the 2nd round of the SCU trophy. In reply only Zahoor Elahi 64* stopping a complete rout as the team lose by 187 runs.
Tuesday 5th and a third defeat in a row, this time by Penicuik in the quarter final of the Masterton Trophy. Both teams tie on 133, but Penicuik win as a result of losing fewer wickets.
Saturday 9th and the day of abandoned games. The 1st X1 lasted 14 overs against Glasgow Accies, the 2nd X1 just 3 balls against Dunnikier. The 3rd X1 perhaps were thankful for rain at 66 for 7 after30 overs against Edinburgh Beige at Leith Links and the 4th X1 were in the driving seat at 114 for 2 after 26 overs against the newly merged Murrayfield/DAFS 3rd X1. In this match Malcolm MacColl made a second successive 70* sharing an opening partnership of 108 with Robin Macqueen who scored 36.
Saturday 16th and following heavy rain on Friday, no play was possible for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd X1s. However, the artificial wicket at Roseburn allowed the 4th X1 game to go ahead against Clackmannan in very cold conditions. Batting first Clackmannan made 146 with Robin Macqueen taking 4 for 23. In reply a quick procession of outing batsman (the first 4 all making nought) ensured an early finish with the team bowled out for 47.
Sunday 17th and the Trojans X1 were in action for the first time in 2 seasons, resulting in a victory against St.Boswells.
Saturday 23rd and the performance of the day goes to Mark Burgess for scoring his first ever century – 116* against Haddington for the 3rd X1. In this match the 3rd X1 made 211 for 5 with Alan Veitch also in the runs with 46. In reply Haddington after a positive start, lost interest latterly and played for a dull draw. The 4th X1 got back on the winning trail at Largo where Andrew Keith made 67 and Donald Scott 32 out of a total of 179 for 9. Largo were then bowled out for 122 with Robin Macqueen and Alf Bissett with 3 wickets a piece. There were two 4th X1 wicket partnerships – Andrew Keith and Donald Scott made 99 for the 2nd wicket and Ernie Wilkins and Alf Bissett made 30* for the 10th wicket.
The 2nd X1 scored only 127 against Fauldhouse who in reply took only 14 overs to win the match by 6 wickets. The 1st X1 were also beaten by Kelburne by 6 wickets where Vic Coltherd top scored with 32, but unfortunately a total of 141 wasn’t enough to trouble Kelburne.
Saturday 30th and 2 dramatic last over victories for the 3rd and 4th X1s. In their match versus league leaders Penicuik, the 3rd X1 made 179 for 4 wickets with Roy Murray scoring his first ever half century, eventually scoring 60, Colin Brown 49 and Alan Veitch 28. In a dramatic last over, which started with a wide, Dave Moore took the last 2 Penicuik wickets who were all out on the last ball of the match for 114.
The 4th X1 claimed victory with 5 balls to spare thanks to an all round performance from Robin Macqueen 51 (including a partnership with his son Andrew of 44) and 3 wickets for 19 runs. Andrew Keith made 22 in a SMRH total of 145 and in bowling Heriots out for 133, 13 year old James Fraser took 3 for 40.
The 1st X1 lost to Perthshire in a low scoring contest by 6 wickets. SMRH were bowled out for 135 after being 105 for 3 with Andrew Dodson making 47 and Victor Coltherd 32. Perthshire won with 4 wickets to spare, with Brian Townsend taking 3 for 38.
The 2nd X1 match at Glenrothes was cancelled due to rain.
JULY
Saturday 7th - overnight and early morning rain means the 1st X1 are one of the few matches played in the National League against Strathmore at Lochside Park. Zahoor Elahi scores a century at last (127) and with Victor Coltherd’s third successive score of over 30, the 1st X1 make 224/5 but a nail biting finish sees Strathmore get home by 1 wicket.
The 2nd X1 again suffer with the weather as their fourth match in five weeks is called off. The 3rd X1 after some debate played against top of the table Drummond at Inverleith Park. Bowlers were on top with Drummond being bowled out 110. James Crispin took 4 for 7 and David Pearce in his first game of the season took 3 for 38 and also claimed 4 catches. In reply the 3rd X1 provided resistance but alas not enough runs and settled for the poorer draw. Scott Anderson hit a career best 37.
The 4th X1 beat a slightly stronger than usual Carlton 3rd X1 by 2 wickets thanks to Alf Bissett and Colin Brown with 4 wickets a piece. In reply Robin Macqueen scored 38 with victory being achieved with only a couple of overs to spare.
Saturday 14th – after several days of rain, including Saturday morning, ensures no cricket this Saturday. For the 2nd X1 they have now played only 1 match in the last 6 Saturdays.
Saturday 21st – well no surprises this week, the 2nd X1 game was cancelled again by rain at Falkland! The 1st X1 however did play a key match against Arbroath at Inverleith and lost by 8 wickets. This now places them in relegation trouble lying 2nd bottom of the league.
The 3rd X1 won a low scoring contest at Peebles on a very wet wicket. Peebles were bowled out for 95, with wickets for David Pearce (3), Colin Brown (3) and Dave Moore(2). Recovering from 47 for 5 in reply, the 3rd X1 won by 4 wickets, thanks to Simon Kirkman with 32 and Colin Brown 30 not out.
St Modans once again scored heavily at the expense of the 4th X1 at Inverleith totalling 204 for 5 wickets. In reply Mark Karapanovic made 55 and Malcolm MacColl 30 in a total of 155 for 7 in a drawn match.
Saturday 28th and at last the 1st X1 gain a much needed victory, and in doing so completed the double over Falkland this season. Chasing 234 for victory, contributions by Zahoor Elahi 78*, Martin Speirs 40 and Brian Townsend 38 ensured victory by 4 wickets. The 2nd X1 at last played a game again but lost by 8 wickets to Watsonians. Stuart Samson in his first game of the season made 46.
The 3rd X1 will rather forget their poorest batting performance for some time when they were bowled out for 46 against Kirk Brae, who won the match before the first football matches of the season had finished by 8 wickets. The 4th X1 played out a dull draw out against Morton at the Meadows, although they seemed to have the largest crowd of the day. Robin Macqueen was the star with 6 for 28.
AUGUST
Saturday 4th and only the 3rd X1 achieved victory against bottom of the table Musselburgh. Middle order batting from Patrick White 29*, Matthew Meacham 28 and David Pearce 21 took the total to 156 for 6. In reply James Crispin returned figures of 4 for 27 and Mark Swan 3 for 26 as Musselburgh were bowled out for 79.
Performance of the day was Robin Macqeen with 5 for 46 and 71 runs for the 4th X1 against the Muslims. Chasing an unlikely 221 to win the 4th X1 settled for the draw, ending at 162 for 7.
There was disappointment for the 2nd X1 in a key relegation game against Cramond. Set 199 to win, the 2nd X1 with probably their strongest batting line up for some time, were bowled out for 108.
The 1st X1 failed to chase 186 for victory against Freuchie as they were bowled out for 134. Only Alistair Armstrong made a significant contribution of 37 runs.
Saturday 11th and a day of 4 results – the 1st X1 with the best of the draw against Glasgow Accies, the 2nd X1 abandoned at nearby Fettes against Dunnikier, (although the games at Inverleith were completed!), the 3rd X1 winners against Edinburgh Beige and the 4th X1 the losing draw against Murrayfield/DAFS.
The 1st X1 gained much needed points in the relegation match with Glasgow Accies. The 1st X1 scored their highest score of the season 244 for 5, with major contributions from Martin Speirs 86, Zahoor Elahi 61 and Brian Townsend 41. In reply Glasgow Accies just held on at 135 for 8, with Zahoor Elahi taking 4 wickets for 24 runs.
The 2nd X1 failed to complete their match again after letting Dunnikier off the hook. Their professional Shaid Asalm was dropped when the score was 44 for 5 and he then went on to score 136 out of a total of 232 for 8. The match was abandoned as a no result with the 2nd X1 on 95 for 4.
Charles Butcher was man of the match for the 3rd X1 scoring 25 runs in a key 8th wicket partnership with Andrew Diamond, after a middle order batting collapse, and followed this up taking 4 wickets for 14 runs in 13 overs. Scott Anderson scored 31 runs and James Crispin for the second successive week took 4 wicket as Edinburgh Beige were bowled out for 59. Beige’s ability with the bat was somewhat short of how they viewed their opponents ability to bat in their innings of 131.
The 4th X1 held on for a draw against Murrayfield/DAFS at Roseburn thanks to Lawrence Reilly with 25 not our and Jim Foster 19. However, their 89 for 8 was short of the 80% required for any draw points. Earlier Robin Macqueen took 3 wickets for 39 runs.
Saturday 18th and rain is the only winner as all matches are abandoned around tea time. The 1st X1 looked well placed having restricted league leaders Dunfermline to 115 for 8 in their 50 overs. Jason Williamson took 3 for 26 and Zahoor Elahi 3 for 23. The 2nd X1 also had their league leaders Marchmont struggling at 91 for 7 with Ian Duncan taking 3 for 13.
A similar story for the 3rd X1 where promotion candidates Leith Franklin Accies were 91 for 6 in the 43rd over when play was abandoned. Mark Swan had 3 for 22. The 4th X1 got to the second innings at The Arns before the rain came. Chasing Clackmannan’s 197 for 4, the 4th X1 were 40 for 2 when play was abandoned.
Saturday 25th and rain, again, stops play. This week the 1st X1 and 2nd X1 are abandoned after only a few overs, the 4th X1 failed to start and the 3rd X1 did best of all with 15 overs, played almost entirely in the rain, at Haddington. So ends the East League season and the 2nd X1 are relegated to the 3rd Division, having only completed 9 matches out of 18 and alas only one win.
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 1st and to the last National League game of the season. The 1st X1 beat Perthshire by 6 wickets thanks to Martin Speirs 58 and Zahoor Elahi 50. Earlier Brian Townsend took 3 wickets for 65. This match also marked the last appearance of the Club’s professional Zahoor Elahi after 5 very successful seasons with the Club and coach at Stewarts Melville College. With this result the 1st X1 finished 5th in the National League 2nd Division, their best performance to date.