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STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DIARY
OF THE SEASON - 2004 |
JANUARY
A Happy New Cricket Year to you all!!
FEBRUARY
The website celebrates its 5th birthday!
APRIL
Thursday 15th - outdoor nets have started!
Saturday 17th - the first match of the season, a friendly against the Edinburgh Club is cancelled.
Saturday 24th - the season is underway. The 1st X1 play a friendly against Carlton, but it was all rather depressing scoring for the 1sts as they were completely outplayed by a 9 man Carlton side in a 40 over game. Ex-SMRH Captain Rob Thornton took advantage of the friendly bowling scoring 132* in 72 balls whilst adding 181 in an unbeaten 4th wicket partnership. In reply SMRH made 169 with Rod Baillie with 53 and Andrew Dodson making 34. Amongst the curiosities we had Carlton Bobb playing against Carlton and one of the wickets to fall being "ct PH Mitchell b PA Mitchell".
On a more positive note, Andrew Keith rounded up 21 players for a 30 over practice match and David Napier's X1 just got home by 3 runs against Andrew Keith's X1. Robin Macqueen and Andrew Keith both scored fifties for the respective teams and were then both requested to retire.
Thursday 29th - John Kent arrives for his 3rd season as the Club Professional.
MAY
Saturday 1st - not a great start to the League season. The 1st X1 and 3rd X1 were called off due to the poor weather on Friday. However, under almost cloudless skies on the Saturday both the 2nd X1 and 4th X1 lost heavily.
The 2nd X1 were well beaten by 9 men from Haddington (doesn't seem we are very good against 9 men!). Andrew Coggins top scored with 27 and took 2 for 49 with Malcolm MacColl next best with 24 runs.
The 4th X1 also were on the receiving against what looked like a much improved Kirk Brae side. Kirk Brae made 203/3 in 45 overs and only Ernie Wilkins with 1 for 17 in 13 overs was able to offer some resistance in the bowling department. In reply batting was dead slow stop, and for those who voted in favour of abandoning the draw, would have much satisfaction after this display. 69 for 8 in 45 overs, enough said!
Tuesday 4th - the 1st X1 receive a walk-over against Peebles in the 1st round of the Masterton Trophy
Saturday 8th - the 1st X1's match against league newcomers Weirs was again called-off due to wet weather on Saturday morning. The 3rd X1 had an easy 9 wicket victory against Dunnikier. The 9 men of Dunnikier made 104 with Charlie Butcher 3 for 10. In reply Colin Grahamslaw with 52* and Barry Kane 35 quickly finished the match. The 4th X1 could only manage half a game when rain at tea ended the match. St Modans were dismissed for 85 with Simon Kirkman 4 for 13 and James Crispin 4 for 18, the main wicket takers.
Sunday 9th - the 2nd X1 lost to a closely fought contest with Grange 3's. Victor Coltherd made 31 out of the 2nd X1 total of 106. Rod Baillie with 3 for 26 and Malcolm MacColl with 2 for 22 were the pick of the bowlers as Grange won by just 2 wickets.
Saturday 15th - the 1st X1 at last got under way, but were well beaten by Drumpellier. John Kent was unbeaten on 82 out of a total of 139 and with the 1st X1 scorecard showing no one else in double figures, it least made for interesting reading!.
The 2nd X1 achieved a good victory against Clackmannan County. James Crispin took 5 for 16 as the County were dismissed for 93. Stephen Parker made 41 out of 97 in the run chase for victory.
In 3rds match against Dalgety Bay, Simon Kirkman again scored runs (34). Scott Anderson added a useful 21 but other contributions were very limited. Charlie Butcher took 4 for 20 and Andrew Keith 2 for 22 as Dalgety Bay won by 4 wickets.
Sunday 16th - a strong Boroughmuir 2nd X1 were too good for the 4ths. SMRH were bowled out for 86, Stuart Foubister 28 and Paul Keith 21 were the main contributors. Boroughmuir won easily by 8 wickets.
Thursday 20th - in what almost represented an-inter Club game, The Trojans made their first appearance of the season against Scottish Widows. Chasing a Widows total of 133 for 5, Greg Bissett made 46 and Victor Coltherd 22 but the Trojans fell short by some 14 runs. Earlier Alistair Archibald took 2 for 15 and Rod Baillie took 2 for 18.
Saturday 22nd - the 1st X1 won comfortably against league strugglers Hillhead. John Kent made 94 and Victor Coltherd 31 in the 1st total of 183. Hillhead were then dismissed for 106, Rod Baillie 4 for 23 and Pete Mitchell 3 for 23.
In what was a very good game of cricket, the 2nd X1 beat Largo by 6 runs. Congratulations to Stewart Farquharson on his maiden ton (109*) out of a total of 174. Largo were then bowled out for 168.
The 4th X1 produced won their weakest sides ever against Marchmont at Cavalry Park. Batting first they made 77 in 42 overs with Steve Kerr on 39. Marchmont didn't take that long to win by 9 wickets.
Sunday 23rd - the 3rd X1 game was moved at Dunfermline's request to avoid a clash with a larger ball Cup Final on the Saturday. Dunfermline made 215 for 8 batting first and in reply the 3s made 142, Stuart Foubister 48 and Stephen Parker 39 were the top scorers.
Tuesday 25th - in the 2nd round of the Masterton Trophy, the 1st X1 beat Livingston by 8 wickets. Set 151 for victory, Mark Burgess was the unlucky one to finish on 99*.
Saturday 29th - at Poloc, the 1st X1 lost by 7 wickets. Batting first the 1st X1 made 166 with Mark Burgess 39 and John Kent 23, but this wasn't enough runs for Poloc to be stretched.
The 2nd X1 match produced plenty of statistical highlights against Murrayfield DAFS. Batting first Murrayfield DAFS made 222 for 5 where there was a club record partnership of 195 runs (Shields and Jayahanthan). Jayahanthan was dismissed on 99 having scored 101 the previous Saturday. The 5 wickets fell in just 2 overs at the start and end of the innings and all were caught Farquharson bowled Brown. Colin Brown figures were 5 for 36. In the SMRH batting, Stewart Farquharson followed up his century from last week, with 55 and Stephen Parker made 41 and Malcolm MacColl finished 31 not out.
The 3rds match against Largo was called off due to heavy rain on Saturday morning.
Sunday 30th - the 1st X1 lost in the first round of the Scottish Cup to Ferguslie. A total of 110 was never going to be enough runs. So onto the Scottish Cup Plate again!
The 4th X1 played Old Contemptibles and although putting up a better performance, lack of early wickets allowed the Old Contemptibles to score 192 for 4. In reply Patrick White scored a very good 39 and Simon Kirkman 23 but this wasn't enough as the 4s fell some 52 runs short of the required total.
JUNE
Saturday 5th June - the 1st X1 had a disappointing performance against Penicuik at Kirkhill. Batting first Penicuik were all out for 220, but only Victor Coltherd with 37 provided any resistance in the low total of 105 all out.
The 2nd X1 lost to Marchmont by 48 runs. Chasing Marchmont's score of 193 for 9, Struan Samson made 52 out of the SMRH's innings of 145.
The 3rd X1's match against Edinburgh Beige didn't take place as the Beige were unable to provide a pitch.
In the 4th X1 match at Inch Park, there was a much improved performance by the 4th X1. Mitre were all out for 151 with wickets for Simon Kirkman and David Napier 3 each and Ernie Wilkins and Rory Thomson 2 each. Chasing the Mitre total, Scott Anderson made a solid 29 and some late hitting from Chris Gosling with 20 got the 4th X1 within striking distance. However, wickets fell just to regularly in the run chase and the 4th X1 lost by 20 runs.
Sunday 6th June - and Club stalwarts Alan Veitch and Neil Leith celebrate their personal half centuries in true cricket style with a special match. For such a grand sporting event the weather matched the occasion and barbecue which followed. Grand time had by all.
Saturday 12th June - the 1st X1 were well beaten by Corstorphine at Barnton by 7 wickets. Two excellent 50s from Struan Samson and Rob Baillie batting at numbers seven and eight rescued a very serious position at one point to finally get the score to 182 for 7. However Corstorphine's James Schorn quickly scored 122* in the run chase.
The 2nd X1 lost to Holy Cross by 8 wickets at Inverleith.
The 3rd X1 had a very good win against Trinity at Bangholm. Batting first they made 219 for 6 with Andrew Keith scoring 71 and Stuart Foubister 59. In reply Trinity made 156 for 9 with Richard Ungless taking 3 for 23 and Colin Grahamslaw and Rory Thomson 2 wickets each.
The 4th X1 had a walk-over against Leith Franklin Accies 2nd X1 - the club currently suffering something of a player crisis.
Sunday 13th June - the 1st X1 had to concede their away tie to Forfarshire in the 1st round of the Scottish Cup Plate due to lack of willing travellers.
Thursday 17th June - and revenge for the 1st X1 as they beat Peniciuk by 7 wickets in the Masterton Trophy Quarter Final at Inverleith. Batting first Penicuik were bowled out for a lowly 72.
In a Thursday night double header at Inverleith the Trojans easily beat the Fancy Freens. Debutant Kiernan Jamieson from New Zealand quickly scored 50 before an enforced retirement. Patrick White made 44 not out and Ross Logan 22. In reply the Fancy Freens made 108 for 6 in reply to the 160 for 2 of the Trojans.
Saturday 19th June - heavy rain on Saturday morning in Edinburgh caused the cancellation of the 2nd X1's match with Penicuik at Inverleith.
The 3rd X1 lost the toss at Falkland and then the rain came.....no play
The 4th X1 won by 5 wickets at Williamfield against Strirling County. Starting the match with 6 men SMRH eventually gathered more numbers and restricted Stirling to 146/5 after 45 overs with Ernie Wilkins and Andrew Keith taking 2 wickets each. In reply, SMRH reached 147/5 with three balls remaining, the winning run coming off a no-ball. Batting credits go to Stephen Parker with an excellent 59, Ally Pennie with 35* and Patrick White with 22. Full marks to Stirling's sportsmanship allowing the match to start with 6 men and also only a couple of players present at the official starting time. SMRH slightly embarrassed but also caught out with the game actually being on given how wet it was in the rest of Scotland. A very good match.
Sunday 20th June - the 1st X1's match against Edinburgh Academicals was transferred to the Sunday & Newfield due to the Under 21 World Cup Rugby at Raeburn Place. It was a match within a match for the Pro's - Steve Spoljaric made 141* including 12 sixes in the Accies score of 236 for 7. Matt Coyle bowled well with 3 wickets for 47. In reply John Kent scored 134* as the 1st X1 won by 6 wickets with 5 overs to spare. Ally Armstrong making unfortunately too rare an appearance made a good 34 and Andrew Davidson 24* in providing good support for John Kent.
Thursday 24th June - Masterton Trophy Semi-Final time - no chance its pouring down!
Saturday 26th June - rain at lunchtime as predicted by the weather forecast ends all prospect for play anywhere.
Thursday 1st July - the Masterton Trophy Semi-Final finally takes place with some rain interruptions.....and a great result with SMRH winning by 4 wickets with 3 balls to go against Watsonians at Inverleith. The final is on Wednesday 7th July at Myreside against Grange, 6.00pm start.
Saturday 3rd July - and in almost a repeat of last Saturday, the rain again arrives at lunchtime only considerably heavier this time plus the addition of thunder and lightening too!
Wednesday 7th July - Grange proved too strong in the final of the Masterton Trophy at Myreside. Batting first Grange raced away and scored 180 for 2 and in reply the 1st X1 could only make 90, although with the match interrupted just after the start of the 1st X1 innings due to heavy rain, it would fair to say Grange got by far the better conditions to play in.
Saturday 10th July - on their first ever trip to Albert Park, the 1st X1 lost to Weirs by 39 runs. Weirs made 238 for 9 with John Kent & Pete Mitchell 3 wickets each. In reply John Kent made 102 and Ryan Sales, making a welcome return to the league side, scored 51 out of a total of 199.
The 2nd X1 had a dramatic last ball win against Grange 3rds at Inverleith. Paul Mitchell had taken 4 wickets and Ross MacKay 3 wickets as Grange ended up on 199 for 9. In reply, a big stand between Stephen Parker & Ally Armstrong set up a possible victory. After Stephen Parker was dismissed for 27, Ally Armstrong took control but alas fell one short of a well deserved hundred. With a regular fall of wickets it was then down to the last over with 7 runs required. Paul Mitchell hit a dramatic 6 of the first ball of the last over but was bowled 2 balls later. James Crispin got the team home with a well steered single through backward point of the last ball.
The 3rd X1's match against Dunnikier was cancelled as they were unable to raise a team again. It is currently unclear whether they have formerly withdrawn from the league this season or not, as this is now their sixth cancellation of the season.
The 4th X1 lost by 35 runs to St Modans. On winning the toss St Modans made 146 for 8, a somewhat higher total than should have been allowed. Mr Extras and some 'generous' fielding helping the cause. Both Adam McHoul and Andrew Keith took 2 wickets. In reply Andrew Keith made 35 and Jim Koster 16 but unfortunately the 4th X1 were never quite up with the run rate.
Saturday 17th July - the 1st X1 won comfortably at Langloan against Drumpellier. John Kent made his highest score of 148 not out and Ryan Sales his second successive 51 in a total of 248 for 7. Drumpellier were all out for 165 with John Kent 3 for 12 and Matt Coyle 2 for 45.
The 2nd X1 just won by 8 runs against struggling Clackmannan at the Arns. Stephen Parker made 48, Charles Butcher 31 in a total of 133 for 9. Clackmannan were bowled out for 125, James Crispin 3 for 23 and Kevin Azam, Malcolm MacColl and Charles Butcher all 2 wickets each.
The 3rd X1 just got home by one wicket in the only game at Inverleith. Dalgety Bay were bowled out for 150 with Colin Grahamslaw taking 3 for 27 and Ric Bartsch 3 for 29. In reply Ross Logan top scored with 42* and Ric Bartsch completed a fine all round performance with 37 runs.
There's probably a not a lot to say about the 4th X1's match against top of the table Boroughmuir at Meggetland. Put into bat, the 4ths were 1 for 3 after a Gus MacLean hat-trick all bowled off stump. Always uphill from there and after 28 overs were all out for 30! Boroughmuir should have been 0 for 2 if the umpire had spotted the stumping, rather than 0 for 1. 14 overs later Boroughmuir hit the winning run, their first in front of the wicket, to record an 8 wicket victory. Ernie Wilkins bowled 7 overs for 7 maidens. Tea & heavy rain followed which would have likely finished a match on a more normal Saturday.
Saturday 24th July - and the 1st X1 were once again caught by the rain. After a delayed start the match was abandoned after 7 overs at Hughenden, with Hillhead 23 for 1, the batsman out being ex-Stewarts Melville David Shanks.
For the 3rd successive week the 2nd X1 had a dramatic finish. Largo scored 248 for 6 with Charles Butcher 2 for 35 and James Crispin 2 for 48. In the run chase which followed Stephen Parker made 93, Struan Samson 52, Andrew Davidson 32 and Alistair Archibald 30. However at the final over, 11 runs were needed to win and in a very tense final moment Steve Kerr hit four of the final ball to tie the scores.
At McKane Park the 3rd X1 were always just behind in the run chase of Dunfermline's 207 for 7. Andrew Keith was out just before the end for a fine 76 and Stuart Foubister made 29, but the 3rd X1 finished 23 runs short. Simon Kirkman contributed 24 runs to go with his 3 wickets for 61 in a rare long bowling spell for him of 13 overs.
The 4th X1 performed much better this week against strong going Marchmont. Mathew Meacham got the man of the match award with 69 runs and 3 for 58. Jim Foster scored 27 runs in the 4th X1 score of 159 for 8 batting first. Marchmont won by 5 wickets with John Archer taking the other wickets to fall with 2 for 21.
Saturday 31st July - League leaders Poloc were the visitors for the 1st X1 match. A wet patch on the wicket didn't appeal to Poloc who seemed more interested in protecting their 100% record rather than play cricket on the best day of the summer! After some deliberation the match started some 45 minutes late and finished very early as the 1st X1 could only manage 78 - the wet patch wasn't an issue!. Poloc easily won by 8 wickets.
The 2nd X1 lost a low scoring game at Muirhouse against league leaders Murrayfield DAFS, who were bowled out for 122 with Charles Butcher 5 for 39. In reply the 2nd X1 made 101 with Kevin Azam top scorer with 23. The Murrayfield DAFS match report describes their result as "escape to victory"!
The 3rd X1 after batting first always looked just ahead of the Largo as they chased the 3rd X1 score of 203 for 6. Andrew Keith with 60 and Colin Grahamslaw with 52 being the top scorers. Largo were 18 runs short with Simon Kirkman 3 for 18 and Colin Grahamslaw 2 for 49 the pick of the bowlers.
The 4th X1 lost by 6 wickets to Old Contemptibles at Inverleith Park. Robin Macqueen taking time off from the umpiring duties made 33 and Patrick White 21 in a total of 115. Craig Ferguson on debut took 2 wickets for 30 runs.
Saturday 7th August - in a run feast at Inverleith, Penicuik made a massive 293 for 6 against the 1st X1 who fell just 25 runs short in the run chase. The second half of the match was completed in probably the worst foggy conditions known in recent years. Mark Burgess made 90 and John Kent 73, after two early wickets had fallen, in a big third wicket stand which had the 1st X1 at one point well up with the run rate. Earlier Pete Mitchell took 3 for 80.
In an excellent result at Cavalry Park the 2nd X1 beat Marchmont by 5 wickets. Chasing 233 for victory, 80 runs being required of the last 10 overs, their were key contributions of Kerryn Jamieson (62*), Kevin Azam (47), Stewart Farquharson (39) and Steve Kerr (31).
In another high scoring game for the 3rd X1, Edinburgh Beige set a target of 237. This seemed unlikely at one point given they were 173 for 1 after 23 overs! However a good fight back after drinks with wickets falling regularly. Ally Pennie took 4 for 59 and Adam McHoul 3 for 44. However the 33 extras given away were to prove costly as the 3rd X1 got to within 26 runs of the Beige score. Andrew Keith, made his third successive 50 with a magnificent 95 being out in the penultimate over, and David Kerr a very good 43.
The 4th X1 were well beaten by Mitre at Inch Park. Mitre made 157 for 7 with Robin Macqueen and David Gray, (his first bowl in 10 years), 2 wickets each. The 4th X1 made only 60, but David Gray claimed the team's man of the match with 22 runs.
Saturday 14th August - the 1st X1 had a batting disaster - all out for 43 against Corstorphine. In some brief moments of excitement Corstorphine were not many for 4 before the Professional brought proceedings to a swift end with 2 sixes and 2 fours in one over.
The 2nd and 3rd X1 matches were cancelled due to very wet grounds.
In a relegation battle, Leith provided stiff resistance for the 4th X1. Batting first they made 103 for 9 with Robin Macqueen and Simon Kirkman taking 3 wickets each. Ernie Wilkins bowled 13 overs and took 2 for 3 (a personal best for runs conceded). After being 44 for 5, Patrick White continue his good season with 32 and Scott Anderson made 19 as the 4th X1 got home with 2 wickets to spare.
Sunday 15th August - in their only Sunday game of the season, the Trojans X1 lost by 3 wickets to Comrie in a low scoring game at Laggan Park. Robin Macqueen and Stuart Foubister both made 28 in the SMRH total of 93 all out. In bowling Robin Macqueen, Adam McHoul and Rod Baillie all took 2 wickets each.
Saturday 21st August - in Jon Kent's last appearance for the Club, the 1st X1 completed a double over Edinburgh Academicals this season. Batting first they made 147 for 8 with Ryan Sales 3 for 43. In reply a quick start from Mark Burgess with 35 set up the foundations for victory. Ryan Sales made 53* and Jon Kent signed-off with 30, as the 1sts ran out winners by 7 wickets.
The 2nd X1 provided a result for interesting discussion - they won by 26 runs against Penicuik with only 7 players! Batting the first the 7 men, of which two scored zero, made 144 with Paul Mitchell top scoring with 47. In reply James Crispin took 6 for 29 as Penicuik were bowled out for 118.
The 3rd X1 fielding probably their youngest team ever with 8 Colts against a Falkland 3rd X1 side strengthened as a result of their 2nd X1 game being called-off on Saturday morning. Falkland made 153, their late imports making the difference. Andrew Keith took 5 for 30 and Adam McHoul 3 for 22. In reply the 3rd X1 could only make 84 in the long grass, with Andrew Keith again top scorer with 34.
At a very soft and long grassed Gargunnock, the 4th lost to Stirling County 3rd X1 in another relegation battle. Robin Macquuen and Simon Kirkman had 3 wickets each and Ernie Wilkins 2 wickets in the Stirling total of 99. Having reached 40 without loss, the collapse set in and the 4th X1 finished on 76 for 9 with Simon Kirkman making 23.
Saturday 28th August - the 1st X1 despite being minus Jon Kent, won by 4 wickets away to Prestwick. Rod Baillie took 5 for 43 and Matt Coyle 3 for 41 as Prestwick were dismissed for 122. Ryan Sales with 33 and Victor Coltherd with 20 set up the victory. Yes we can win a game without a Professional!
The 2nd X1 had a comfortable 5 wicket win against Falkland at Inverleith. Falkland recovered from 75 for 6 to score 145 for 7. James Crispin had 3 for 45 and Andrew Davidson 2 for 39. In reply Stewart Farquharson was again quickly into his stride and made 50 in an opening stand of 69. Alistair Armstrong scored 36 as victory was achieved by 5 wickets.
The 3rd X1 fielding a much more mature team this week, beat Edinburgh Accies by 5 wickets. Batting first Edinburgh Accies unfortunately lost their opening batsman with a nasty head cut early on and there was only 1 major contribution in the batting of 47 in a total score of 87 for 8. Not a bad score considering the length of the outfield! Robin Macqueen took 3 for 15 and Dave Napier 2 for 15. Batting highlights came from Barry Kane with 23 as the 3rd X1 won in quick time by 5 wickets.
The 4th X1 match against Peebles was called off on Friday as the ground was unplayable.
Saturday 4th September - in glorious weather 'Sunshine on Leith', the 3rd X1 played Edinburgh Beige at Leith Links in a re-arranged league match. This match was almost a copy of the first game where Beige raced away to a quick start, eventually ending up on 236 for 8. Ric Bartch took 3 for 57 and Andrew Keith 2 for 34. In reply some powerful hitting from Ric Bartch in making 72 from 61 balls set up a possible victory. There were contributions all the way from Stuart Foubister 37, Colin Grahamslaw and Andrew Keith with 29, and Barry Kane with 28, but unfortunately the 3rd X1 ended up just 12 runs short of the Beige total, who are now promoted from this League along with Dunfermline.
And so ends season 2004!
Next events Golf Outing - Sunday 19th September, AGM - Thursday 21st October and Dinner - Friday 26th November.
