STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DIARY OF THE SEASON - 2002

JANUARY

 Indoor Nets begin on Monday evenings at Scotland's National Cricket Centre.

Club sign new professional - John Kent who hails from Natal in South Africa.

FEBRUARY

 Website celebrates its 3rd birthday!!

APRIL

John Kent, makes One Day international debut for South Africa versus Australia.

Saturday 13th - season due to begin today will 1st X1 friendly versus Corstorphine.  Alas ground not yet fit for cricket.

Outdoor Nets begin on Tuesday 16th April.

Pro arrives on Thursday 18th April.

Saturday 20th - season does begin with 1st X1 losing to Premier League Carlton by 9 wickets.  John Kent, the Pro, makes debut and takes our only wicket.

It what was originally scheduled as a 2nd X1 fixture, the regular 4th X1 players faced Mitre in friendly at Inch Park and claimed a nail-biting victory by 1 wicket.  Lawrence Reilly top scored with 31 and Robin Macqueen made 26.

Sunday 21st - 1st X1 successfully beat Edinburgh University in friendly at Peffermill, where Roger Watkins makes 98* and Mark Burgess 54.

Saturday 27th - the 2nd X1 were the only team in action with a first ever fixture against Largo 1st X1.  This resulted in a win by 95 runs at Inverleith.  The 3rd X1 received a walk-over against Mitre 2nd X1 who failed to raise a team.

Sunday 28th - the 4th X1 opening League game was cancelled due rain around lunchtime against Boroughmuir.  The 1st X1 ECB Cup Tie against Forfarshire was also affected and will now be re-played on Sunday 12th May.

MAY

Saturday 4th - the 1st X1 opened their National League season with a narrow defeat of 9 runs by Strathmore.  Bowling out Strathmore for 154 with Willi Destroo taking 5 for 35 and John Kent 3 for 43, SMRH just failed in the run chase with Andrew Dodson top scoring with 33 and Willi Destroo next best with 32.

The 2nd X1 swept Freuchie away by 9 wickets with Mike Millar taking 6 for 23 and scoring 33 not out.  Colin Brown took 4 for 24.

The 3rd X1 recovered from 10 for 3 to score 221 for 8, thanks to a stand of 80 for the 4th wicket - Colin Grahamslaw 41 and Barry Kane 32 and a stand of 49 for the 8th wicket - James Crispin a career best 54* and Harry Van Zanten 22.  In reply Falkland made 96 with Mark Swan 4 for 24.  The 3rd X1 batsman scored 7 sixes!

The 4th X1 lost for the first time ever to Largo 2nd X1 by 3 wickets at Inverleith.  Alan Pennie made 32 and took 3 for 27 and Robin Macqueen made18 and 3 for 27.  For the statisticians a claim for the oldest dismal - Jim Arnot of Largo (aged 67) was caught Ernie Wilkins (62), bowled Robin Macqueen (52) -  a grand total of 181 years!

Tuesday 7th - the 1st X1 comfortably win their first round of the Masterton Trophy against Marchmont at Cavalry Park by 5 wickets. Willi Destoo made 28 and took 2 for 13.

Saturday 11th - the 1st X1 gain their first win of the season in the National League against Penicuik by 97 runs thanks to Alistair Archibald making 54 , whilst batting at number 8.  Ross Mackay took 6 for 32 and Willi Destroo 4 for 28 as Penicuik were bowled out for 103 in reply to SMRH's 200 for 9.

The 2nd X1 marched on. 3 wins out of 3, beating West Lothian by 8 wickets.  They were bowled out for 70 with Mike Millar taking 5 for 20.

In the first ever game of cricket played at Gyle Park, the 3rd X1 created history for Edinburgh Beige who achieved their first ever win by 10 wickets.  The 3rd X1 made only 102 with Alan Veitch top scorer with 31.

The 4th X1 also in the records having posted a disappointing 113, bowled Musselburgh out for 16.  Robin Macqueen took 6 for 10 and Ernie Wilkins 3 for 2.

Sunday 12th - the 1st X1 conceeded their first round ECB trophy match against Forfarshire as they were unable to raise a side.

Thursday 16th - and the Trojans X1 played their first evening fixture for 7 years with a win against Kirk Brae.

Saturday 18th - on a cold and wet day, it was only the enthusiasm of  Edinburgh 2 which produced any cricket for the 3rd X1 at the Quarryholes, Leith.  Batting first SMRH made 118/7 before rain finally ended the match as a no result.  Roy Murray made a second career half-century with 60 not out and Simon Kirkman 16.  Also recorded was Lawrence Reilly completing 5 appearances for 5 different Club teams in the shortest time (28 days).  The 2nd X1 played half a match at Inverleith before rain curtailed any further play.  Batting first SMRH made 204/8 against Murrayfield DAFS with Victor Coltherd making 53 and Simon Wilson 32*.

Friday 24th - the visiting Bear Flat CC from Bath, with former club stalwart Dick Colledge, made their 2nd tour of Edinburgh.  Unfortunately weather prevented a result.  SMRH were 16 for 0 in reply to Bear Flat's 156.

Saturday 25th - another miserable Saturday.  The 2nd X1 had Mitre in trouble at 66 for 6 before the rain came.  Both the 1st X1 and 4th X1 games were cancelled.

Sunday 26th - the 3rd X1 were at home to Penicuik alongside the 1st X1 playing their first Scottish Cup match of the season.  The 3rd X1 restricted Penicuik to 150/7 with Mark Swan taking 4 for 17 and James Crispin 3 for 38.  In reply SMRH were well placed at 62 for 2, after being 4 for 2, with Mark Swan 34*. 

The 1st X1 just failed by 1 run in the target set in a reduced match against Uddingston because of the rain.  Uddingston made 205 for 9 in 50 overs and in reply the 1st X1 were 114 for 6 thanks mainly to John Kent who made a splendid 57.

Thursday 30th - in the 2nd round of the Masterton Trophy, the 1st X1 lost to Watsonians by 3 runs in a match they should have won.  Willi Destroo made 26 and took 2 wickets for 17 runs and Greg Bissett and Colin Archibald both made 21 runs.

JUNE

Saturday 1st - the 1st X1 easily beat Perthshire at the North Inch thanks to the all round performance of John Kent who scored has maiden century (126) and took the first 3 wickets as Perthshire were bowled out for 77 in reply to the 1st X1 score of 220 for 9 where Greg Bissett also contributed 32 runs.

The 2nd X1 were idle as Grangemouth had withdrawn from the league and both the 3rd X1 and 4th X1 won their matches against St Modans and Clackmannan respectively.  Both these sides losing their 100% unbeaten record in the process.

For the 3rd X1, in a match played in excellent spirit, SMRH made 158 for 7 thanks to Colin Brown 58*, Victor Coltherd 37 and Barry Kane 30.  In reply St Modans were bowled out for 63 were Harry Van Zanten taking 4 wickets for 8 runs, and 2 wickets each for Colin Brown and James Crispin.

The 4th X1 won by 8 wickets, with a club record stand for the 3rd wicket between Brain Townsend (67*) and Andrew Keith (58*).  Clackmannan made 170 for 9 with Andrew Rennie 5 for 34 and Malcolm MacColl 3 for 50 taking the wickets.  A partly injured Brian Townsend appearance at this level matched Clackmannan 1st X1 regular - the non-injured A.Rashul.

Thursday 6th - the Trojans X1 easily beat Scottish Brewers by 9 wickets.  Chasing 89 for victory, Malcolm MacColl, Ian Banks and Andrew Macqueen all made over 20 runs each.

Saturday 8th - the 1st X1's match with Stirling County was cancelled due to the weather and 2nd X1's match was also cancelled against Stirling County's 2nd X1 after they refused to play on the artificial wicket at Inverleith - suggesting 2nd X1 matches (East League Division 3!!) should not played on these wickets - but strangely enough they have been for almost 20 years!!

Stirling's generosity allowed the 3rd X1 match to go ahead after the main square at Inverleith was deemed too wet for the game against Marchmont.  In a match dominated by good bowling and excellent fielding SMRH made 91, thanks to Alan Veitch (36) and debutant Paul Davey (23).  In reply, thanks to a run out on the third ball and early wickets from Charlie Butcher (3 for 6), Marchmont were always in trouble.  With Mark Swan sweeping through the lower order with 5 wickets for 4 runs, Marchmont were bowled out for 29, this being a club record lowest ever score against the 3rd X1 - 3 runs less than Murrayfield 2nd X1 made in 1993.

The 4th X1 just got home against Holy Cross 3rd X1 at Meadows.  Holy Cross made 88 with Matt Coyle 5 for 15 and Ernie Wilkins 3 for 5 in 13 overs!.  After being 40 for 7, the 4th X1 won by 2 wickets thanks to Robin Macqueen 31, Malcolm MacColl 24 and Alf Bissett 15*.

Sunday 9th - the second Scottish Cup match of the season against West Lothian falls victim to the weather.

Saturday 15th - weather again causes havoc, with only the 3rd X1 match against Haddington surviving thanks to their artificial wicket.  Haddington made 105 for 5 in 47 overs, aided by a number of dropped catches. Harry Van Zanten and Andrew Barclay both had 2 wickets each.  In reply Alan Veitch held anchor with 27*, Colin Grahamslaw 33 and Stuart Foubister 20* and the 3rd X1 won by 7 wickets.

Sunday 16th - no surprises to find Inverleith main square unplayable for the big match of the season for 1st X1 against West of Scotland in the Scottish Cup.

However, the 4th X1 found the outfield had dried up enough to play against Morton on the artificial wicket.  This rearranged fixture was exercising the new League rule this season where teams could reply a cancelled match if both teams were agreeable. Morton were all for 85 with David Napier 3 for 18 and Robin Macqueen, Elliot Black and Rupert Forsyth all 2 wickets each.  In reply Malcolm MacColl hit an excellent 50* and Andrew Keith 21, to see the 4th X1 home by 5 wickets just before another downpour arrived.

Saturday 22nd - rain again!

Sunday 23rd - less rain, still too wet for the 1st X1 Scottish Cup game against Poloc.  Original competition now scratched and replaced with a straight knock-out.

Saturday 29th - morning rain almost curtailed cricket again, but following a delayed start at Inverleith, the 1st X1 quickly got into gear by hitting 263 for 4 in 50 overs thanks to Andrew Dodson 50, and a record 3rd wicket partnership of 182 between John Kent (109) and Willi Destroo (84).  In reply Hillhead made just 69 with John Kent 5 for 29 and Ryan Sales 3 for 11.  John Kent created a second record, by becoming the first player to score a century and take 5 wickets in the same match.

The 2nd X1 was cancelled at Largo due to rain - shock!.  However, the 3rd X1 maintained their top of the table position by beating Mitre by 6 wickets.  Harry Van Zanten took 4 for 13 and Mark Swan 3 for 20 as Mitre were bowled out for 69.  In reply Mark Swan made 35.

The 4th X1 also maintained their league challenge by beating Boroughmuir by 7 wickets at Meggetland.  Boroughmuir made 147 with Robin Macqueen taking 5 for 41.  In reply Andrew Keith made 50 and Lawrence Reilly was stranded on 48 not out as Robin Macqueen (20 not out) scored the winning runs.

JULY

Saturday 6th - For the the first time time since the 11th May, the Club's four teams completed their matches.  The 1st X1 gained revenge against Strathmore with an easy victory at Inverleith.  Willi Destroo made 54, with useful contributions from Andrew Dodson (24), Mark Burgess (22*) and John Kent (20) in the SMRJH total of 200.  In reply John Kent took 5 for 20 and Willi Destroo 3 for 24 as Strathmore made only 68.

The 2nd X1 were back on action at long last, against Freuchie at Newfield.  A victory by 5 wickets was achieved thanks to the all round contribution of Mike Millar 45 and 3 for 47.  Andrew Coggins took 4 for 34 and Matt Coyle 2/41 as Freuchie were bowled out for 158.   A successful first appearance of the season for Mark Karapanovic (41*) and Eddie Hunter 32 were the other top scorers.

The 3rd X1 retained their top spot in Division 6 with an easy victory against 7 man Falkland.  Put into bat the 3rd X1 made 208 for 9 with Mark Swan 64, supported by Simon Kirkman 26 and Patrick White 25*.  In reply Falkland made 40 with Harry Van Zanten 4 for 10.

The 4th X1 in their top of the table clash with Largo could only draw at Eastfield Drive.  Largo's batting was too strong making 186 for 5, Alistair Pennie and Rory Thomson 2 wickets each.  In reply SMRH made 119 for 8, with Robin Macqueen 55* and Lawrence Reilly 34 top scorers, but the overall total failed to gain any draw points.

Sunday 7th - and in the revised Scottish Cup knock-out saw the 1st X1 lose to Clydesdale by 13 runs.  Clydesdale made 226 for 7 and in reply SMRH made 213 with John Kent 123 and Greg Bissett 29.

Saturday 13th - the 1st X1 continued their promotion challenge with another close game with Penicuik.  Batting first SMRH made 181 for 9 with Alistair Archibald continuing his good form against Peniicuik, this time with 43*, supported by Mark Karapanovic and Andrew Dodson both with 36.  Penicuik at one point well placed, collapsed dramatically ending 15 runs short - Willi Destoo taking 4 for 30 and Jason Williamson 3 for 30.

The 2nd X1 once again found rain, this time at Linlithgow where no play was possible.

The 3rd X1's big top of the table clash with Edinburgh Beige was switched to the Meadows at the last minute.  Beige's early batting ensured a respectable score of 154 for 7 with Tom Snow and Paul Davie 3 wickets each.  In reply the 3rd X1 made 127 for 7 with Mark Swan 49*, this something of a recovery having been 36 for 5.  In the end the worse of the draw was achieved.

The 4th X1 found Musselburgh much stronger this time round at Inverleith.  Musselburgh made 132 for 7, Robin Macqueen 4 for 21 and a comfortable victory was achieved by 7 wickets.  Andrew Keith (50), his third half century of the summer, and Robin Macqueen 39 were the main scorers.

Tuesday 16th - a Trojans X1 played the touring West Hawthorn from Melbourne as part of their UK tour.  A strong Trojans X1 won by 18 runs thanks to the batting of Mark Karapanovic 42 and John Kent 36.  Willi Destoo took 2 for 33 and Jaco Gerber 2 for 37.

Saturday 20th - no surprises - rain returns after a short break and no play is possible on the East coast of Scotland.

Thursday 25th - the Trojans X1 lost to the Standard Life by 13 runs.

Saturday 27th - the 1st X1 moved into second place in the League due to (a) victory against Falkland by 3 wickets, thanks to John Kent 75* and 4 for 21 and (b) Freuchie losing their 100% record to Penicuik.  The 2nd X1 maintained their 100% record with a 120 run victory over Mitre at Inch Park.  Batting first, the 2nd X1 scored 246 for 7 with Alistair Armstrong 89 and Mike Millar 76.  In reply Alistair Armstrong took 3 for 0 and Jaco Gerber 3 for 3 for 27.

The 4th X1 suffered a shock defeat by Peebles.  The 4th X1 made 162 for 9 with Alistair Pennie 54* and Malcolm MacColl 23, but Peebles progressed steadily to win by 7 wickets.

Sunday 28th - the 3rd X1 fixture against Penicuik was switched to Inverleith.  Penicuik were bowled out for 127 with Andrew Keith, turning the match at a crucial point with 4 for 23 and Mark Swan 4 for 29.  In reply Stuart Foubister made 47* and Colin Grahamslaw 44 and victory was secured by 8 wickets.

Tuesday 30th - Trojans X1 versus Scottish Widows is cancelled due to rain.

AUGUST

Saturday 3rd - as yes rain again.  Only the crucial 4th X1 match against Clackmannan goes ahead at the re-arranged venue of Stirling University, as the Arns is completed swamped by this season's rain.  Clackmannan's  useful total of 165 for 7 with Malcolm MacColl and Matt Coyle 2 wickets each was far too many for the 4th X1 who could only manage 80 for 7, when the match finally ended in the 82 over due to yet another rain stoppage.  Lawrence Reilly made 31 and Brian Townsend 28.

Tuesday 6th - Robin Macqueen's 'Fancy Freens X1' take on a Trojans X1 and win by 10 runs.  Former player David Rees turning the clock back with 38 not out.

Saturday 10th - Friday's rain prevents any play for the 1st and 3rd X1's.  However, almost amazingly the 2nd X1 get a game at Stirling County where they lost their 100% record.  Batting first the 2nd X1 made 147 thanks to Ross Mackay's 53 not out and who also took 3 for 30 in Stirling's reply.  In a close finish Stirling were 6 runs short of victory win 9 wickets down.  Matt Coyle took 3 for 40.

In the 4th X1 game at Inverleith, Holy Cross made 106 with Ernie Wilkins 5 for 23 and Alistair Pennie 4 for 25.  In reply, the reliable Robin Macqueen 51* and Lawrence Reilly 26 got the 4th X1 home by 6 wickets.

Thursday 15th - the Trojans X1 win their last midweek fixture of the season against Scottish Brewers.  Alistair Pennie made 44 not out and David Napier took 4 for 11.

Saturday 17th - the 1st X1 won a low scoring contest against Edinburgh Accies by 23 runs at Inverleith.  SMRH were in the trouble but some good lower order batting from Ryan Sales (33) and Mark Burgess (24*) got the score up to 125 for 9.  In reply Edinburgh Accies collapsed from 86 for 2 to 102 all out thanks to fine spell of bowling from John Kent who took 7 for 12.

The 3rd X1 moved into second place in Division 6 with an easy win over struggling Haddington.  Batting first the 3rd X1 made 180 for 3, with Colin Grahamslaw (53), Mark Swan (51*) and Stuart Foubister 41.  In reply Haddington made 52 with Harry Van Zanten taking 5 for 7.

The 4th X1 beat Heriots at Goldenacre.  There was a record opening stand of 141 between Malcolm MacColl (65) and Andrew Keith (70*) - his fourth 50 of the season. The 4th X1 made 204 for 3 and in reply Heriots were 127 with Robin Macqueen 7 for 28.

Sunday 18th - the Trojans X1 match with Comrie was cancelled due to rain.

Saturday 24th - Freuchie were too strong for the 1st X1 in the promotion decider at Inverleith.  The 1st X1 made only 66 and lost by 4 wickets.  The 2nd X1 title hopes are slipping as they lost to Corstorphine at Newfield.  Rashid Ejaz took 5 for 39 in Corstorphine's total of 148/8.  In reply the 2nd X1 were bowled for 117 with Matthew Meacham making 40.

The 3rd X1 hopefully won promotion from Division 6 by beating Kirk Brae at Doubles Hedges.  Kirk Brae made 136 for 7 with Tom Snow 3 for 30.  In reply contributions from Colin Grahamslaw 51, Stuart Foubister 37 and Scott Anderson 21* sealed promotion.  Promotion will finally depend on how many teams are promoted from this Division following results elsewhere in the Leagues.

The 4th X1 lost their final league game of the season to West Lothian at Inverleith.

Saturday 31st - the 1st X1 lost to Hillhead by 34 runs in a match they had to win in case Freuchie lost their final game to Perthshire - this was in fact cancelled.  Hillhead were restricted to 113 thanks to a fine bowling performance of 7 for 13 from Ryan Sales.  However the 1st X1 could only score 79 in reply and recorded a best position of 3rd in the League.

The 2nd X1 won Division 3 thanks to their match against Townhill being cancelled.

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 1st - Ernie Wilkins continues his fine golfing season by winning the Gully Tankard in the Cricket Club's Annual Golf Outing at Torwoodlee.  He amassed 36 stableford points, one ahead of Roy Murray and two ahead of last year's winner John Heaphy.