STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DIARY OF THE SEASON - 2003

JANUARY

Indoor Nets begin on Monday evenings, from 27th January (7.00 till 8.00pm), at Scotland's National Cricket Centre.

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

FEBRUARY

Website celebrates its 4th birthday and still growing!!

APRIL

Saturday 12th - and the season begins with a 1st X1 (of sorts) playing a friendly versus a strong-ish Heriots at Inverleith.

Heriots made 223 for 9 in 40 overs with Alistair Pennie 4 for 48 and Greg Bissett 3 for 22.  After a bright start the 1st X1 put on 50 for the 1st wicket (Greg Bissett and Eddie Hunter) but alas this quickly became 68 all out!

Saturday 19th - the 1st X1 stronger this week than last took on Carlton at Inverleith.  Chasing a Carlton total of 187, SMRH got to within 17 runs after a spirited comeback after being 10 for 4.  Runs for Andrew Coggins and Mark Burgess (42 and 40), and 2 wickets each for John Kent, Greg Bissett and Andrew Dodson.

The 4th X1 played Mitre in a friendly and batting first no fewer than 6 batsman made over 20 with Captain Keith top scoring with 42 in a team total of 211.  Mitre made 155 in reply with wickets for regular bowlers Pennie, Napier and Keith. 

Also noted during the day was something of a statisticians highlight when the Dodson family playing in different matches at Inverleith both took a wicket within seconds of each other - Gerry (Dad) for Mitre and Andrew (Son) for SMRH

Saturday 26th - the opening league fixtures of the season.

The 1st X1 just won by 6 runs against West Lothian at Boghall where John Kent made 39 and took 3 for 57,  overseas Amateur from Tasmania Nick Morrison made 36 and took 5 for 52 and Mark Burgess made 30.

The 2nd X1 lost by 5 wickets to Glenrothes at Inverleith with Mark Karapanovic scoring 42 runs and Victor Coltherd 31 runs.  Debutant Peter Mitchell took 3 for 51.

The 3rd X1 took part in a keenly contested draw against new opposition in Dalgety Bay at the sports centre in Dalgety Bay.  Charles Butcher was man of the match with 69 not out and 3 for 15.  Lawrance Reilly made 29 in a stand of 88 for the 5th wicket.

The 4th X1 made hard work of chasing Old Contemptibles score of 86 all out, eventually winning by 3 wickets.  Ernie Wilkins took 5 wicket for 16 runs and Andrew Keith scored 36 runs.

MAY

Saturday 3rd - heavy rain causes the cancellation of both the 1st and 3rd X1s and also brings an early end to the 2nd and 4th X1s.

The 2nd X1 made 211 for 9 against Haddington with Rod Bailey making 75 but the match was abandoned after 77 overs with Haddington 64 for 2.   In the 4th X1 match with Kirk Brae, the Great Man Jim Foster returned to form with a very patient 45 not out and with Andrew Diamond making 34 the side were all out for 143.  In reply Kirk Brae got to 129 for 5 before rain abandoned the match.  Ernie Wilkins took 4 for 20.

Tuesday 6th May and in the Masterton Trophy 1st round, Haddington scratched after failing to raise a side.

Saturday 10th - the 1st X1 were the only winning team in very close contest with Corstorphine at Barnton.  Corstorphine made 147 with Ryan Sales 4 for 41 and John Kent 3 for 26.  In reply an early Pete Steindl hat-trick reduced the 1st X1 to 7 for 4, but thanks to John Kent 84* and Eddie Hunter 18, the 1st X1 finally got home with 3 overs to spare by 2 wickets.

The 2nd X1 were 140 all out versus Grange with Peter Mitchell making 32. A rush of wickets reduced the score to 97 for 9, but a 10th wicket partnership of 43 between Matthew Meacham (27) and Brian Weatherby (17) took the score to 140.  Grange easily got home by 9 wickets.

The 3rd X1 lost to Edinburgh seconds at the Quarry Holes by 113 runs.  This was Edinburgh's third win from three starts and already look like potential promotion candidates.  There were 3 wickets for James Crispin, Mark Swan and John Archer in Edinburgh's total of 203 for 9.  In reply Steve Kerr made 21 and James Crispin 24 in a total of 90.

The 4th X1 made 86 against Clackmannan with Ross Logan 35 and Andrew Keith 20.  However with many overs to spare Clackmannan lost 5 wickets in achieving victory.  Ernie Wilkins 3 for 11 and Andrew Keith 2 for 42 took the wickets.

Saturday 17th - and all games are off due to rain.  However, the 'indoor' Race Night was well supported and very successful financially.

Sunday 18th - the 3rd X1 game was switched to Sunday against Grange, but alas heavy rain just prior to the start prevented the match starting.

Thursday 22nd May - the Trojans X1 made their first appearance of the season against Scottish Widows.  Very much a 'club affair' with familiar faces in both teams or was it the 3rd X1 Saturday side wearing different hats?  All very enjoyable with Scottish Widows winning by 5 runs.

Saturday 24th - and another wet Friday / early Saturday and only the 4th X1 game survived. 

The 4th X1 after winning the toss decided to bat in conditions which where neither helpful to the batting or bowling side.  After a brisk start and finish to the innings they amassed 153 for 9 in 47 overs with Malcolm MacColl 33, Donald Scott 22 and David Napier 16 not out.  After a quick tea, which was irksome to some members of the fourth eleven, but needed as it was already five to five, Marchmount started well but still lost a couple of wickets.  SMRH, not helping themselves with at least nine catches being shelled due to some sloppy and may be unlucky fielding, did manage to bowl Marchmont out with around 7 overs to spare for 113.  The bowlers ended with, Alistair Pennie 2-22, David Napier 4-29, Malcolm MacColl 3-36.

The 3rd X1 thanks to some non organisation at Leith were awarded the 25 points for the lack of opposition.

Thursday 29th May - and in the 2nd round of the Masterton Trophy, the 1st X1 were well beaten by Grange.

Saturday 31st May - the best day of the summer so far!.  However mixed fortunes for the Club.  The 1st X1 were well beaten by Penicuik by 7 wickets after being bowled out for 119 runs in 32 overs.  Eddie Hunter top scored with 20.

The 2nd X1 had a much closer game losing by 1 wicket to Boroughmuir.  The match was notable for last wicket partnerships - 41 for SMRH and 45 for Boroughmuir to win the match.  Batting first the 2nd X1 made 130 with Victor Coltherd 24 and Carlton Bobb 23.  Best of the bowlers were debutant Fergus Boyd 4 for 54, Carlton Bobb 3 for 22 and Andy Kirland 2 for 44.

And an equally close game for the 3rd X1 against Stirling County 3rd X1 at a new venue of Meiklewood (home of Gargunnock Village CC).  Rural cricket in a field where the going was soft to very soft.  Stirling made 67 with James Crispin and Elliot Black with 3 wickets and Richard Ungless and Chris Low with 2 wickets.  In a struggling reply the 3rd X1 got home by 3 wickets thanks to Captain Crispin 19* and Barry Kane 17.

The 4th X1 achieved a very successful 103 run win against Largo at Inverleith.  Batting first, Jim Foster 44, Struan Samson 40 and Alistair Pennie 30, top scored in a total of 170 for 7.  In reply Largo could only make 63, David Napier 3 for 24 and Ernie Wilkins, Rory Thomson and Alistair Pennie all 2 wickets each.

JUNE

Monday 2nd June and the City of Edinburgh's reception at the City Chambers marked the 70th Anniversary of the East of Scotland Cricket Association, the 50th Anniversary of the East of Scotland League and the 40th Anniversary of the Masterton Trophy.  Spotted amongst the various representatives were Neil Leith, Bert Barclay and Alan Veitch (all ex-Committee members with Neil and Bert ex-Secretaries) and Gordon Esslemont (representing a former sponsor).  Also noted fact that Royal High, Stewarts and Melville (Edinburgh Institution as it was known in 1933) were Founder Members and the representatives in attendance can all claim 'original' representation.

Tuesday 3rd June - the Webmaster is delighted to be back and apologies to regular customers for the lack of updates recently.  Two unplanned visits to the PC Doctor and three expensive transplants later...its good to returning to full health again.  Catching up fast, but wallet is however somewhat lighter!

Saturday 7th June and only the 3rd X1's re-arranged match took place today.  No games had been officially arranged for this Saturday due to the Scotland versus Pakistan match in Glasgow. 

Dunfermline made 200 for 7 in their 45 overs at McKane Park with Carlton Bobb taking 3 wickets and 3 catches and James Crispin taking 2 wickets, but unfortunately 5 dropped catches allowed Dunfermline to gain an advantage.  In reply Andy Kirkland made 67 and Alan Veitch 31 in a total of 165 for 8 as the match ended in a losing draw for the the 3rd X1.

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June - not a good weekend for the 1st X1.  With John Kent away on Scotland duties there were 2 heavy defeats, firstly Edinburgh Accies achieving their first win of the season by 9 wickets after bowling out the 1st X1 for 80.  On Sunday in the first round of the Scottish Cup, Ferguslie won by a massive 195 runs with the 1st X1 bowled out for 75.

The 2nd X1 were also well beaten by Marchmont who batted first and made 267 for 4 wickets in 47 overs.  In reply, the 2nd X1 scored 150 with useful contributions from Struan Samson 35, Kevin Azam 31, Andy Kirkland 23 and Mark Karapanovic 20.

The 3rd X1 beat Dunnikier by 78 runs in a match which had a slow start and a brighter finish to the 3rd X1 innings thanks to Chas Butcher 32.  In reply Dunnikier had a bright start and a major collapsed losing their last 8 wickets for just 7 runs, with Chas Butcher easily winning the man of the match award with 7 wickets for 26, which was actually a spell of 7 for 11 in 6 overs. 

The 4th X1 had a losing draw with Falkland.  A lack of full time bowlers and an unusual shape to the oval saw  48 extras in the Falkland total of 187 all out.  David Napier 4-41 and Dougie Ryecroft 4-39 were the pick of the bowlers. In reply two early wickets fell, but John Heaphy (36) and Jim Foster (63) put on 108 steady runs before the fall of the next wicket.  This potential record partnership ensured defeat was never going to occur.  Despite some great late hitting by Dougie Rycroft, Andrew Diamond and younger Keith brother, the win was just out of reach.  With Paul Keith needing six of the last ball to win, SMRH ended on 183 for 8, 5 runs short.

Thursday 19th June and Trojans played an evening match against the Fancy Freens winning an enjoyable contest by 4 runs.  Struan Samson made 48 and Ross Logan 22.  Robin Macqueen made 37 for the Fancy Freens.

Saturday 21st June and both the 1st and 2nd X1s gained victory.  the 1st X1 bowled Dundee High out for 88 with John Kent taking 5 for 25.  The 2nd X1 achieved their first win of the season against Dunnikier who made 186 for 9 in 50 overs.  Paul Mitchell took 3 for 23, Peter Mitchell 2 for 29 and Alistair Pennie 2 for 49.  In reply Mark Karapanavic made 89 not out in 122 balls and Struan Samson 33 (these players sharing a stand of 76 for the 2nd wicket), with the 2nd X1 winning by 6 wickets.

The 3rd and 4th X1s were both idle - the 3rd X1 had no fixture and the 4th X1 no opposition as Penicuik have now withdrawn from the league.

Sunday 22nd June - in the first round of the Scottish Cup Plate Perthshire failed to raise a team.  The 1st X1 will now meet either Prestwick or Strathmore in the 2nd round.

Saturday 28th June - and a good win for the 1st X1 over fellow promotion challengers Falkland.  John Kent was back to form with 119 and Mark Karapanovic made 39.  John Kent, Rod Baillie and Nick Morrison all took 3 wickets as Fakland were dismissed for 92 chasing the SMRH total of 208 for 5.

The 2nd X1 achieved their second win of the season against Largo.  Set 157 for victory, they won by 2 wickets thanks to Malcolm MacColl 57* who shared a match winning 9th wicket of 55 with Andrew Coggins 19*.  Earlier Malcolm MacColl took 3 wickets as did Andy Kirkland and Andrew Coggins took 2 wickets. 

Fascinating fact of the day concerned Pete Mitchell's bowling analysis of 5-0-18-1. The 18 runs consisted of 1 run from the bat, 1 no ball & 16 wides. The one wicket was an LBW!

The 3rd X1 achieved a walk-over as Glenrothes failed to raise a team and the 4th X1 match was off as the Inch Park was unplayable.

JULY

Saturday 5th July - the 1st X1 made it 3 wins in a row with a 6 wicket victory over West Lothian.  John Kent scored 93 of the 129 runs required for victory.  The 2nd X1 also made it 3 wins in a row by beating Glenrothes by 116 runs.  Struan Samson made 57, Ross Mackay 51* and Eddie Hunter 45.  Jason Williamson took 4-25.

For the 3rd X1, it was Simon Kirman's perfectly timed 100 of the last ball of the innings which set a winning position against Dalgety Bay at the Leisure Centre.  Matthew Meacham also battled well for 56.  However, the 3rd X1 just failed to get the last wicket and had to settle for 20 points.  James Crispin took 5 wickets and Paul Mitchell 4 wickets.

In the 4th X1 match against Old Contemptibles, the toss was lost, the batting was poor and the fielding worse. In a total of 119 for 8 President Heaphy made 22.  Bowling wise both Ernie Wilkins and Rory Thomson took 3 wickets each but the match was lost by the narrow margin of 2 wickets..

Saturday 12th July - in the key promotion game for the 1st X1 Stirling were the victors by 2 wickets.  Batting first the 1st X1 were all out for 214 with John Kent scoring 86 and Greg Bissett 43.  In reply Sajid Ali made 135* for Stirling with John Kent 4-46 and Ryan Sales 3-60 the best of the bowlers.

The Haddington batting was too strong for the 2nd X1 as they scored 263 for 3 wickets, also watched by the rapid fly past of the Red Arrows at the nearby East Fortune air show. In reply the 2nd X1 just failed by 2 runs to gain a couple of draw points in totalling 196-8.  Colin Archibald made his highest score for some considerable time with 70 runs and Pete Mitchell made 42.

The 3rd X1 beat rivals Edinburgh Beige by 45 runs.  Batting first the 3rd X1 made 144 with Scott Anderson 33 and Simon Kirkman 21.  The bowling honours went to James Crispin 4-12, in addition to his 20 runs.  Paul Mitchell took 3 for 28 and Colin Brown 2 for 25.

In the 4th X1 match at Kirk Brae, SMRH got of to a good positive start, but a collapse occurred caused mainly by a very good hat trick by their left are spinner.  Then, at last as many observers have commented, Rory Thomson came good, finishing on 48 not out, denied a fifty by the fall of the last wicket in the second last over.  In the process a new batting partnership record for the ninth wicket of 42 was achieved (Rory Thomson with Adam McHoul), and equalling tenth wicket partnership of 30 was achieved (Rory Thomson with Ernie Wilkins).

In reply Kirk Brae found the going easy helped along by an extremely fast out field.  In fact they where at one stage 98 for 2 going along at 4 an over.  Then due to a number of lose shots, some solid catching, and good ground fielding they slumped to 138 all out.  Andrew Keith finished with 7-41, easily a career best, and Ross Logan took 4 catches behind the stumps.

Sunday 13th July - in the Quarter-Final of the Scottish Cup Plate, the 1st X1 beat Prestwick by 146 runs and will now meet Grange in the semi-final.  John Kent scored 119 in the SMRH's innings.

Saturday 19th July - and disappointingly, it was played 3 lost 3.  The 1st X1 lost a high scoring game in the last over.  Batting first they made 233-8, with Ryan Sales 71* and John Kent 50.  In reply Corstorphine won with 4 wickets to spare on the 3rd last ball of the match.

The 2nd X1 could only mange 152 batting first against Grange 3's at Newfield who achieved the target comfortably by 6 wickets.  Colin Brown made 33, Malcolm MacColl 26 and Alistair Pennie 24 in SMRH's innings and Andrew Coggins 2-34 and Andrew Kirkland 2-40 took the wickets.

The 3rd X1 lost by 2 wickets in a promotion clash with Edinburgh 2 at Inverleith.  Batting first SMRH made 161-9 which included an opening stand of 64 between Alan Veitch (27) and debutant Stephen Parker (40).  Kevin Azam then made 30 and Barry Kane 29, but the innings fell away a little towards the end.  A number of the Edinburgh side made useful contributions in achieving victory in the 84th over.  James Crispin took 5-43 and Paul Mitchell 2-36, but the lack of the more regular bowlers was noticeable as the 3rd X1 chased victory.

Sunday 20th July - and the 4th were in action against Clackmannan County 2nd X1 at the Arns.  Batting first the 4th X1 made 168-6 with Rory Thomson scoring 45 and Dougie Ryecroft 25).  In reply Clackmannan made 135-6 and the match was drawn.

Saturday 26th July - the 1st X1 won easily at Whitehaugh against struggling Kelburne.  John Kent made his third century of the summer (109), and was supported by Alistair Archibald 33, Ryan Sales 31 and Eddie Hunter 28 in a total of  240-5.  Kelburne made 114 with John Kent 3-10 and Matt Coyle 3-13.

The other three elevens all conceded 200 runs and lost.  The 2nd X1 batting first made 211 for 7 with Pete Mitchell making 47 and Ross Mackay 42*.  Holy Cross won by 4 wickets in the 97th over as the match finished at 8.50pm!

The 3rd X1 were still very much in the promotion hunt against Grange 4s.  Unfortunately, due to a number of non-availabilities in the 3rd X1, a weaker side than normal was fielded in this important game.  Grange made a 242-5 with James Crispin and debutant Alistair Logan 2 wickets each.  The reply was 87 - not a good day.

The 4th X1 were also lacking a number of players against St. Modans.  They fielded 2 father & son combinations (Keith & Napier) but there were very few cricket highlights other than the statistical fact of 75 extras!! in the St. Modans innings of 209.  Not a good day either.

Sunday 27th July - and in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup Plate, the 1st X1 gain a surprise victory over Grange.  Batting first, the 1st X1 were all out for 179 with John Kent (97) and Greg Bissett (42).  In reply Grange were bowled out for 140.

AUGUST

Saturday 2nd August - a similar pattern to last week with the 1st X1 winning and the other three teams losing, but by narrower margins this week  The 1st X1 restricted Hillhead to 128-8 with John Kent taking 3 for 13.  In reply John Kent made 45 and Nick Morrison 31* as SMRH achieved victory by 4 wickets.

The 2nd X1 lost by 1 wicket to Falkland.  They recovered from 48 for 6 to made 155 with Stewart Farquharson, returning to the 2nd X1 for the first time this season, making 53.  Paul Mitchell added a more than useful 36 not out towards the end. Best bowlers were Colin Archibald 4 for 19 and Paul Mitchell 2 for 54.  Statistical highlight of the match was Peter Heddon being dismissed 'handled the ball' - the first player in the SM and SMRH history to be dismissed in this manner (and there was no doubt either!).

A weak 3rd X1 lost by 5 wickets to Leith Franklin Academicals at Leith Links.  Batting first they scored 118 for 7 with Scott Anderson (32) and Stuart Foubister (26) top scorers.  In reply Leith romped away to a good start, but unfortunately the break through came too late as Leith started to stagger to a 5 wicket victory.  Richard Ungless, a late entry into the bowling attack, took 4 for 11.

The 4th X1 also lost by 5 wickets to Marchmont at Newfield.  They were 128 all out with Jim Foster batting a long time for 37, and Dougie Ryecroft making 27.  Paul Keith with 3 for 58 and David Napier 2 for 34 took the wickets which fell.

Saturday 9th August - in the key promotion match versus Penicuik, the 1st X1 lost by 61 runs and therefore ended their promotion chances for this season.  Penicuik made 220 batting first with Nick Morrison taking 4 for 43.  In reply another major contribution from John Kent of 94 was alas in vain as the 1st X1 were bowled out for 159.

The 2nd X1 produced one of their finest performances for some time by beating table toppers Boroughmuir by 52 runs.  Kevin Azam made 73 not out and Stewart Farquharson 28 in a total of 185 for 7.  In reply fine bowling by Andy Kirkland 5 for 35 and Ross Mackay 4 for 46 ensured Boroughmuir were restricted to only 133.

Stirling County 3rd X1 achieved their first victory in 2 seasons against the 3rd X1.  In a close contest the 3rd X1 again failed to score enough runs - only 111 and Stirling just got home by 1 wicket.  Richard Ungless made 25 and took 2 for 23 and Mike Kane took 5 for 35.

Little can be said about the 4th X1's performance against Largo at East Drive, other than a thumping defeat by 181 runs.

Sunday 10th August - cup final day for the Scottish Cup Plate competition against fellow division two side Dundee High School FP at Myreside.  However, it was probably the poorest performance for some time by the 1st X1 who could only make 110 in 45 overs.  Dundee raced home in 17 overs for the loss of one wicket.

Saturday 16th August - in a very high scoring match at Inverleith against Edinburgh Accies the 1st X1 made 246 for 7 in their 50 overs.  Ryan Sales made 89 not out, Greg Bissett 48 and Andrew Dodson at last returning to form with 46.  However, Edinburgh Accies achieved the double this season over the 1st X1, winning by 4 wickets.  37 extras didn't help the the 1st X1's cause.

The 2nd X1 gained revenge for an early season's defeat by Marchmont at Cavalry Park.  Marchmont made 191 for 8 with Colin Archibald 3 for 29.  In reply Victor Coltherd with 66, Martin Speirs, home on holiday, with 45 set up victory, and aided latterly by Stephen Parker with 32 not out.

The 3rd X1 stopped the recent run of defeats with the better of the draw with Dunnikier.  Recovering from an indifferent start the 3rd X1 got to 154 for 7 in 47 overs with Stuart Foubister making 48, Neil Gibson on debut 36 not out and Carlton Bobb making 28.  Dunnikier, however, were not interested in chasing victory and game provided the best advert for abandoning the draw!  

The 4th X1 just held out for a draw against Falkland.  David Napier took 2 for 64 and Jim Foster 2 for 23 - only those with long memories will remember these sorts of figures.  Batting wise Iain Banks with 26 and Andrew Diamond with 25 were the top scorers.  Statistical highlight of the day was Ernie Wilkin's bowling figures - 13 overs, 11 maidens, 4 runs, but alas no wickets.  One of the runs was actually an overthrow!

Sunday 16th August - and the Trojans X1 made a rare Sunday appearance at Comrie.  The Trojans, however, were probably some 40 runs short of a suitable target and lost by 4 wickets.

Saturday 23rd August - the 1st X1 gained some revenge over Dundee High School FP, after being heavily defeated in the recent Scottish Cup Final Plate Competition.  Batting first they made 168-9 with Ryan Sales again in the runs with 55 and Eddie Hunter making 35.   John Kent took 6 for 55 as the 1st X1 won by the narrow margin of 7 runs.

The 2nd X1 scored a massive 271 for 8 (a record score) in their 50 overs against Dunnikier and lost!  Ally Armstrong, making only his second appearance of the season, made 149 and Stewart Farquharson 30 before retiring hurt.  However, a number of dropped catches didn't help the bowlers as Dunnikier won by 6 wickets with 3 overs to spare.

The 3rd X1 beat Dunfermline by 7 wickets thanks to a partnership for the 3rd wicket of 129 between Andrew Keith (74) and Stewart Foubister (63*).  Earlier Mike Kane took 4 for 31 and James Crispin 3 for 59 as Dunfermline collapsed from 171 for 4 to 178 all out.

The 4th X1 had no fixture.

Saturday 30th August - the 1st X1, minus John Kent who had returned home, lost to Falkland and as a result Falkland retained their National League status.  Falkland made 240 for 6 in 50 overs with Ryan Sales and Andy Kirkland 2 wickets each.  In reply the 1st X1 could only make 123 with Mark Burgess top scorer with 24.

The 2nd X1 scored a good away win at Largo with last week's 3rd X1 heroes Andrew Keith and Stuart Foubister scoring runs again in a total of 158.  Largo were bowled out 119 with Ross Mackay 5 for 28 and Rod Baillie 2 for 19.

The 3rd X1 also enjoyed success in Fife with a comfortable 6 wicket win against Glenrothes.  James Crispin took 5 for 24 as Glenrothes were bowled out for 97 in just 22 overs.  In reply Barry Kane made his first 50 for the club and it was also good to see the return of Colin Grahamslaw to the wicket following his recent illness.

A weakened 4th X1 just about held out for a draw against Mitre in the only game at Inverleith.  Rory Thomson and the return of Robin Macqueen from umpiring duties both took 3 wickets as Mitre made 148 for 9.  The 4th X1 were all out for 125 in the 85th over.

And so ends the playing season..........