STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DIARY OF THE SEASON - 2005

FEBRUARY

The website celebrates its 6th birthday!

Monday 28th - Indoor Nets begin.

MARCH

Website moves to a new home www.smrhcc.org

APRIL

Saturday 16th - the first match of the season for the 1st X1 against Carlton at Grange Loan is cancelled due to the weather.

Tuesday 19th - Outdoor Nets begin.

Sunday 24th - the season is up and running.  The 1st X1 lost by just 2 runs against the Edinburgh club at a very cold Inverleith.  Edinburgh batted first and made 216 with Rod Baillie 5 for 26 and Brad Atkinson 3 for 27.  In reply there were runs for Stephen Parker 54, Mark Burgess 38, Brad Atkinson 33 and Matthew Innes 23.

Saturday 30th - the opening of the League season.  1st X1 bowled out for 38 at Drumpellier after losing the toss. Drumpellier romp home in less than 9 overs by 10 wickets - nothing more to say.

The 2nd X1 with some new faces, lost to Marchmont by 19 runs at Inverleith.  Marchmont score 209 for 6 and in reply Steve Kerr proving all that indoor net practice gets results top scored with 43 and Stuart Foubister made 26.

The 3rd X1 played the furthest 'away' home game of all time against Largo at St Andrews University playing fields.  Relegated to the 2nd X1 pitch to avoid stray arrows from the Archery competition they found a very slow pitch and outfield.  However this did produce an exciting game of cricket with the 3rd X1 making 70 in 35 overs. Largo in reply took almost as long winning by 3 wickets thanks to a steady 8th wicket partnership of 22.  Debutant Revantha Rodriguez took the SMRH honours with 31, 3 for 15 and a spectacular run out.  Ernie Wilkins had 2 for 9.

The 4th X1 match didn't happen as St.Modans didn't have a pitch available and will be re-scheduled later in the season.

MAY

Saturday 7th - the 1st X1 gained a record, not one to be proud of -  a record low score of 31 versus West of Scotland at Hamilton Crescent. First point of the season though as West lost 2 wickets in reply.

The 2nd X1 had a good win by 4 wickets against Falkland at Inverleith.  Chasing 112, James Crispin 4 for 29, an explosive 27 from Stuart Farquharson in about 10 minutes and a very patient 31 not out by Stuart Foubister in 42 overs ensured victory.

The 3rd X1 lost by 7 wickets at Glenrothes.  Ally Pennie made 29 and Iain Banks 20 out of a low total of exactly 100 for SMRH.

The 4th X1 alas had to forfeit their game with Kismet due to lack of players.

Tuesday 10th - and in what was billed as a repeat of last year's Masterton final, unfortunately SMRH were unable to raise a suitable side and therefore forfeited the tie against Grange.

Saturday 14th - High flying Edinburgh Accies were grounded at Inverleith when they were quickly reduced from a goodly position of 110 for 3 to 155 all out, thanks to Rod Baillie 4 for 22 and Brad Atkinson 3 for 26.  In reply the 1st X1 put the previous two weeks behind them and got home with 4 wickets to spare, with Ranga Yasalal making his debut half century for the Club.

The 2nd X1 enjoyed a high scoring game with Largo at Eastfield Drive.  Largo batted first and made 210 for 6 with Matt Coyle 4 for 66.  In reply Matthew Innes with 86, Ally Knight 54 and Stewart Farquharson 38 were the main contributions in this 2 wicket win.

The 3rd X1 won a cliff hanger of a game against Heriots by 1 run.  In a total of 132, SMRH's top scorers were Andrew Keith 29 and Matthew Meacham 19.  Debutant Les Bond took 5 for 43 and Chris Gould 3 for 40 as Heriots at one time 100 for 8 almost made it.

The 4th X1 were up against a very much improved Stirling County 3rd X1, who rattled up 228 for 6 in their 45 overs. Umar Malik took 2 for 58 and David Gray 2 for 31.  In reply, the chase was never really on, but some vintage shots from Robin Macqueen, after a slow start, in his 64 not out got some respectability into the team score.

Some other facts of day - at Inverleith rugby stars Gordon Ross playing for Heriots 3rd X1 made 15 and Stewart Moffat playing for Edinburgh Acads 1st X1 made 9 proving there were no easy pickings at Inverleith this week!   In the 3rd X1 match we had a caught White followed by a caught Black and the 4th X1 were up against 2 cricket internationalists - Kari Anderson (Scotland's Ladies Captain) and Colin Manson who has played for Chile.

Sunday 15th - the 1st round of the Scottish Cup had the 1st X1 against the mighty Greenock at Glenpark.  When Scottish Saltire stars Craig Wright & Ian Stanger were back in the pavilion and Greenock 2 for 2 was their a chance of a shock?  Well if the catch had been taken when their pro was on 12 who knows - alas he went on to make 194* and Greenock a club record score against us of 316 for 7.  On a good pitch and excellent outfield a spirited 210 for 8 was made in reply with Victor Coltherd equalling his highest score for the 1st X1 of 69.

Saturday 21st - mixed weather all round and the 1st X1 had new opponents Renfrew at 107 for 4 when play was abandoned at Inverleith.

The 2nd X1 were more fortunate completing their match at 8.30 pm!!, losing to Glenrothes who completed their fourth successive victory of the season by 7 wickets.  The 2nd X1 scored 173 for 8 with Richard Bartsch 56 and Chas Butcher 27.

The 3rd X1 with only 8 men (where are you all?) could only make 40 against Boroughmuir at Double Hedges Road.  Obviously never enough and they lost by 6 wickets.

The 4th X1 playing at the Gyle against Peebles scored 131 for 8 with Ryan Davies 46 and Chris Pitt 31.  Rain then prevented much further play as the match was abandoned with Peebles 11 for 0.

Saturday 28th - both the 1st X1 and 2nd were cancelled due to the overnight rain on Friday.

The 3rd X1 scored a 6 wicket victory over Edinburgh Accies at Inverleith, who batted first and were all out for 147 - Chris Goold 3 for 29, Venu Addepalli 2 for 27 and Colin Grahamslaw 2 for 30.  In reply a rapid 95* partnership for the 5th wicket, equalling the 3rd X1 5th wicket club record, between Adam McHoul (50*) and Colin Grahamsalw (44*) got the 3rd X1 the winning points.

In a good contest at a latterly very windy Double Hedges Road, the 4th X1 gained an excellent victory against the Badgers of Kirk Brae.  Batting first a score 169 for 8 contained a number of useful contributions.  Ryan Davies scored 54 and Robin Macqueen 22 in a partnership of 68 for the 6th wicket and 5 others all with double figures helped the team to a very useful total.  Kirk Brae replied rapidly but after their earlier batsman departed, the 4th X1 fought back with wickets from Robin Macqueen 3, David Gray, Owen Small and Ryan Davies all 2 each to gain victory by 25 runs.

Monday 30th - the under 13 X1 beat Penicuik by 31 runs, with one of the highlights being a hat-trick, all bowled by Stewart Shaw.

JUNE

Saturday 4th - the weather forecast of heavy rain showers Saturday pm was spot as all 3 scheduled games were abandoned.

At Inverleith the 1st X1 were all out for 111 against Watsonians, who in reply got to 57 for 3.  The 2nd X1 abandoned very early at 28 for 2 versus Freuchie.

The 4th X1 had Musselburgh at 107 for 4 after 27 overs and 4 rain stops before enjoying a a very nice tea.  Robin Macqueen took 3 for 36 in 13 overs.  If the wet weather continues sawdust will of some assistance (hint!!) to go with much enthusiasm and a good ground at Lewisvale Park.

Sunday 5th - heavy rain prevents any play in the 1st X1 Scottish Cup Plate tie versus Ayr and the 3rd X1 league match versus Marchmont, both of which were scheduled for Inverleith.

Saturday 11th - a famous Saturday when all 4 elevens win on the same day for the first time since 16th May 1998.

The 1st X1 beat Corstorphine at Inverleith.  Set 179 to win, the 1st X1 got home by 3 wickets thanks to a stand of 109 for the 4th wicket between Ranga Yasalal (82) and Ryan Sales (35).

The 2nd X1 beat Clackmannan County by 61 runs at Doune.  Ally Knight scored 33 and took 5 for 32, Stuart Foubister made 35 and Steve Kerr 32 in a total of 201 for 8.  Richard Bartsch was also among the wickets with 4 for 15.

The 3rd X1 beat Drummond Trinity at Bangholm.  Andrew McHoul did the rare double of  5 for 30 and 56 not out in 6 wicket victory.

The 4th X1 beat Mitre, who at this point in the season had a 100% record, by 33 runs.  Debutant Mark Naismith made an impressive start with 41 not out and 3 for 38.  Robin Macqueen scored 31 and took 1 for 14 in 13 overs.  Lawrance Reilly away from the umpiring duties this week made 31 and Chris Low took 3 for 23.

Sunday 12th - again the weather intervened in the re-arranged Scottish Cup Plate tie with Ayr.  No play was possible and therefore a bowl out was required, which the 1st X1 won 3-1 and are now away to Arbroath in the 2nd round.

Saturday 18th - a glorious day for the weather but not for the results.  Only the 2nd X1 won against Leith Franklin Beige by wickets.  John Brock made 51 not out in the 6 wicket victory chasing a target of 174 to win.  Earlier Alistair Pennie had taken 3 wickets for 54 runs in the Leith innings of 173 for 6.

A weakened 1st X1 were bowled out for 91 by Weirs at Albert Park with Rod Baillie making 27.  This wasn't enough as Weirs won relatively easily by 5 wickets.

The 3rd X1 lost to Dalgety Bay, their number 9 batsman hitting a hundred!!   Matthew Meacham took 5 for 20, but this was a heavy defeat by 129 runs.  Simon Kirkman made 27 and Andrew Keith 26 in the 3rd X1 innings.

The 4th X1 lost to Morton in the Meadows by 71 runs  Ryan Davies took 5 for 41 and Mark Naismith 4 for 22 in the Morton total of 136 - a good score for the Meadows today.  Robin Macqueen was the best batsman with 23 in the 4th X1 total of 65.

Sunday 19th - and in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup Plate the 1st X1 lost by 169 runs to Arbroath at Lochlands Park.

Saturday 25th - the 1st X1 are beaten by 5 runs in an exciting finish in their match against Penicuik at Kirkhill.  Penicuik were all out for 205 with Ranga Yasalal taking 6 for 28.  In reply Ally Armstrong scored 43 and in a partnership for the 9th wicket of 51 between Jonathan Bowes and Richard Bartsch almost achieved what was latterly an unlikely victory.  Richard Bartsch made 30.

The 2nd X1 had equally a tense finish in their match with Haddington at Inverleith.  An illness stricken Steve Kerr made the winning hit with 9 wickets down.  Earlier Ross Logan had made 38.

The 3rd X1 almost in disguise as the 4th X1 lost to Falkland.  Ernie Wilkins took 5 for 19 in 13 overs in Falkland's total of 144.  In reply Chris Pitt made a very good 50, but only Tom Kinghorn with 14 offered much help to the team score as the 3rd X1 were bowled out for 95.

With non availabilities numbering well over 20, the 4th X1 unfortunately had to cancel their game with Old Contemptibles.

JULY

Saturday 2nd - the 1st X1 lose by 30 runs against Drumpellier at Inverleith.  Drumpellier batting first made 207 for 7, and after a slow start the 1st X1 were in the hunt with Victor Coltherd, who made 54, and Ranga Yarasal at the wicket.  Unfortunately both fell within a couple of overs of each other and a target of around 6 runs an over was just too much for the later order batsman to get.

The 2nd X1 match against Marchmont was postponed following the death of their much respected President Roger Sardesi, and will be re-scheduled for later in the season.

The 3rd X1 halted Largo's 100% record at East Drive.  Batting first Stuart Foubister made 72 not out in a total of 161.  The Largo innings was restricted to 96 thanks to Ally Pennie's 4 for 32 and Paul Mitchell, back from a broken arm, with 3 for 12.

The 4th X1 received a walk-over against a struggling St Modans 2nd X1.

Saturday 9th - against a strong West of Scotland side, the 1st X1 were always up against up after they made 231 for 9 in their 50 overs.  Unfortunately there was a regular fall of wickets in the 1st X1 innings who were all out for 129 with Greg Bissett top scoring with 30.

The 2nd X1 carried on their winning ways with victory against Falkland.  Ross Mackay with 4 for 45, James Crispin with 3 for 27 and Malcolm MacColl 3 for 28 restricted Falkland to 143.  After some early wickets, Steve Kerr rolled back the years to score 58 with son David also helping the run chase with 18.  Patrick White a late promotion to the side made 21 not out.

The 3rd X1 were in record chasing mood against Glenrothes 2nd X1 at Inverleith.  Matt Innes made a 152 including 8 sixes out of a total of 262 for 7.  This was 1 short of the individual batting record for the 3rd X1.  James Park made 41, and he and Matthew Innes shared a partnership of 143 for the 5th wicket (a 3rd X1 club record).  All credit to Glenrothes who batted sensibly to score 164 for 7 in reply.  Ally Pennie with 3 for 38 had the best bowling figures.

The 4th X1 lost by just 4 wickets to the high performing Kismet at Pitreavie.  A low score of 84 with Chris Pitt on 31 and Simon Kirkman on 21, was not just enough to worry Kismet in the run chase.  Robin Macqueen took 3 for 22.

Saturday 16th - unfortunately the 1st X1 suffered yet another defeat by 5 runs, this time to Edinburgh Acads at Raeburn Place.  At 62 for 7 Acads were in deep trouble but a big 8th wicket stand and the tail wagging they got to 203 all out.  In reply Ryan Sales was controversially given out on 49 and Mark Burgess made 47, but alas the last 3 batsman failed to score and the side fell short of victory on 198.

Largo brought the recent 2nd X1 winning run to an end at Inverleith, winning comfortably by 7 wickets.  Stewart Farquharson again took a liking to the Largo bowling, batting with the aid of a runner for most of his innings, just fell 2 short of a well deserved hundred.

Heriots 3rd X1 'pro' Gordon Ross was very much the man of the match at Goldenacre. His 4 wickets and a quick fire 71* ensured a home victory by 7 wickets.  A 9th wicket partnership of 41 between Les Bond and Scott Anderson ensured some batting points after the 3rd X1 were 43 for 7.  Keirnan O'Shaughnessy made a sparking 30 in only 13 deliveries.

The 4th X1 achieved respectability with 143 for 8 against Stirling County 3rd X1 at Inverleith.  4 players all got into the 20s - Chiss Pitt, Simon Kirman, Jim Foster and Owen Small.  However, Stirling got home by 7 wickets.

Saturday 23rd - the 1st X1 played Renfrew in their first ever home National League game at George V Field, but alas it was the home side who ran out easy winners by 116 runs.  Ranga Yarasal scored 84 and took 4 for 42 and Rod Baillie made in the 1st X1 innings, but other than that there were few other club highlights.

Top of the table Glenrothes amassed a very healthy 284 for 7 with James Crispin taking 3 for 72.  In reply the 2nd X1 could only make 122 with Matthew Innes top scoring with 44.

The 3rd X1 bowled out Boroughmuir for 141 with Andrew Brock 3 for 35, Ernie Wilkins 2 for 21 and Iain Duguid, in his first appearance since 1977!!, took 2 for 14.  However, in reply only Andrew Keith offered any fight with 28 and a lack of a straight bat resulted in 8 players being bowled in a total of 60.

An injury hit 4th X1 struggled along to 81 all out at Whitestone Park against Peebles.  Simon Kirkman was the top scorer with 20.  However, Peebles quickly ended the match in their 13th over, with all wickets in hand.

Saturday 30th - the 1st X1 again suffered a heavy defeat, this time by Prestwick at the Henry Thow Oval.  With Ranga Yarasal out injured, the bowling was somewhat short - Paul Mitchell was best with 3 for 72 as Prestwick amassed 296 for 5.  The 1st X1 were all out for 181 with Victor Coltherd continuing his good season making 49.

The 2nd X1 game ended in sensational fashion with the match tied of the last ball with the scores on 226 each.  Malcolm MacColl who at the start of the last over took a good catch to dismiss the high scoring Grange batsman, threw the stumps down on the last ball as a run was attempted to win the match.  Earlier in the match Steve Kerr was taken to hospital with a nasty facial injury.

The 3rd X1 match was called off at Raeburn Place against Edinburgh Accies due to the heavy rain overnight on Friday and Saturday morning.

The 4th X1 completed a remarkable double success over Kirk Brae.  A steady opening partnership of 54 between Alan Veitch and Simon Kirkman set up a solid base as the team totalled 161 for 5.  Simon Kirkman out for 49 and Lawrance Reilly making a good 32.  Robin Macqueen then removed the Kirk Brae big three, although Dave Sangster survived several missed chances before being out for 39.  Robin Macqueen ended up with 4 for 46, Simon Kirkman 3 for 18 and Mark Naismith who bowled a lively 13 overs took 2 for 35.

AUGUST

Saturday 6th - with our professional Ranga Yarasal now heading home due to injury, a weakened 1st X1 lost to Watsonians by 131 runs. Watsonians made 245 for 7 with Rod Ballie taking 3 for 60.

The 2nd X1 were well beaten at Freuchie by 8 wickets.  Chas Butcher made 26 and Les Bond 25 in the low total of 117 for the 2nd X1.

The 3rd X1 bowled out the useful Boroughmuir side for 153 with Ernie Wikins 3 for 18.  Alas only Andrew Keith provided any resistance as the 3rd X1 could only make 108.

The 4th X1 made 142 for 7 against Musselburgh, helped by Brian Cox with a more than useful 37 not out including 5 consecutive fours of the last over.  Robin Macqueen made 29.  However, recent arrival from Queensland Tucker made quick time against the 4th X1 bowling attack and Musselburgh won very easily by 9 wickets in only 17 overs.

Saturday 13th - the 1st X1 scored a fine victory against fellow strugglers Corstorphine at East Barton Avenue.  Ally Armstrong top scored with 39 out of a team total of 177.  Corstorphine were bowled out for 124 with Brad Atkinson 3 for 9 and Ross Mackay 3 for 39.

The 2nd X1 beat Clackmannan by 8 wickets.  Ally Knight took 3 for 8 and Paul Mitchell 3 for 24 as Clackmannan were bowled out for 109.  Stewart Farquharson top scored with 42 in the run chase.

The 3rd X1 lost to Drummond Trinity by 15 runs.  Colin Grahamslaw top scored with 53 in the 3rd X1 innings after Ernie Wilkins had the best bowling figures of 3 for 19.

In the relegation battle at Inch Park against Mitre, the 4th X1 were beaten by 4 wickets.  Put into bat first after a delayed start due to heavy rain an hour before the start, the 4th X1 put on 64 for the 1st wicket with Alan Veitch 28 and Patrick White 23.  Ryan Davies then made 27.  In reply Chris Laurance produced a very lively opening spell and eventually ended with 3 for 51.  However a patient 60 not out from paul Melon saw Mitre home.

Saturday 13th - in the annual Sunday outing to Comrie the Trojans X1 lost by 49 runs.  Although the Comrie score of 125 looked beatable, a strong Comrie bowling attack on a helpful pitch took care of the Trojans batting - all out 71.

Saturday 20th - the 1st X1 displayed a poor batting performance against Weirs - all out 113 and lost by 6 wickets.  The batting started brightly with 40 for the 1st wicket Greg Bissett 23 and Mathew Innes 19, but wickets fell at regular intervals after that.  Ross Mackay took 2 early wickets and Weirs were 30 for 3 at one stage, but they then quickly scored runs to win easily..

The 2nd X1 lost at Leith Links to the Leith Franklin Accies Beige combine by 26 runs.  Batting first Leith were all out 170. Abby Metha took 4 wickets and Charlie Butcher 3 wickets.  In reply the 2nd X1 scored 144 with 3 26's from Paul Mitchell, Andrew Davidson and Keirnan O'Shaughnessy. 

The 3rd X1 got revenge against Dalgety Bay and this time it was Colin Grahamslaw with a century - 107 out of a total score of 190 for 6.  Colin then completed 'man of the match' with 4 wickets for 45 and he also had a catch.  Matthew Meacham had 3 wickets and Dave Napier 2 wickets to go with his 19 runs and Ernie Wilkins, who although only had 1 wicket, only allowed Dalgety Bay batsman 5 scoring shots.

The 4th X1 were on the receiving end of a record score as Morton raced along to 316 for 8 in 45 overs.  Ryan Davies took 5 for 42.  After another steady opening partnership between Alan Veitch And Lawrance Reilly some respectability was gained and an 8 point haul from a very long day.  One statistical highlight was noted - 6 catches taken by SMRH colts players and 5 of them by under 13's -  a likely record?

Saturday 27th - and the last games of the season.  The 1st X1 batted first making 199 for 3 wickets, Ally Armstrong 69 and Stephen Parker 53 not out.  However, Penicuik were always looking likely winners taking just over 40 overs to win by 6 wickets.

Haddington scored 266 for 5 against the 2nd X1 at Neilson Park.  No repeat however, of the very close game first time around at Inverleith as the 2nd X1 could only manage 102 with Stewart Farquharson 29 and Richard Bartsch 24.

The 3rd X1 just failed by 4 runs to beat Falkland at Inverleith.  Falkland posted a score of 199 for 5 with Colin Grahamslaw 2 for 38.  An opening partnership of 146, Colin Grahamslaw now in sparkling form with 74 (two 50's and a century in last 3 weeks) and Matt Meacham with 56.  However both batsman were dismissed on the same score and the remaining batsman couldn't quite stay in long enough to get the winning points.  Has the performances of Colin Grahamslaw during August being overlooked as East player of the month for August - runs and wickets?

The 4th X1 lost an important toss at Inverleith Park against Old Contemptibles on a slow damp-ish wicket.  Good to see the outfield cut, but alas the mower which cuts the wicket seemed to have gone awol for a couple of weeks.  The 4th X1 made 134 for 6, a good recovery after a slow start.  David Gray top scored with 31 and Robin Macqueen 24 not out.  A useful start from the home side set up their victory by 4 wickets and Ryan Davies and David Gray both took 2 wickets each.

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 18th - and Annual Golf Outing time again for the Gully Tankard, this time at the recently developed Pumpherston Golf Club.

Results of the Stableford Competition were as follows -

1st (Gully Tankard)	Paul Mitchell	39 pts
2nd	Tom Kinghorn	38 pts
3rd	Malcolm MacColl	33 pts (bih)
4th	Alan Veitch	33 pts
5th	Mark Coyle	31 pts
Nearest the Pin (4th hole)	Alan Veitch
Nearest the Pin (13th hole)	Bert Barclay