STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DIARY OF THE SEASON - 2006

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 2nd - a very wet morning washed all out all hope of cricket for the 1st X1 in their last match of the season against Edinburgh at Academy Park.  Unfortunately, the 2nd X1's spirited rally at the end of the season was in all in vain as Falkland 2nd X1 managed to play and win their match, against West Lothian at Boghall which relegated the 2nd X1 to Division 3.   Whilst all within the rules, being able to play matches beyond the end of the last Saturday of the season, when relegation and promotion issues are at stake, perhaps suggests a change in League rules should be proposed.

The 1st X1 finished a very creditable 4th in National League 2.  However, the 3rd and 4th X1's were also relegated to East League Division 6 and 7 respectively.

AUGUST

Saturday 26th - the 1st X1 ended their home season in fine style with a comprehensive 9 wicket win against Stoneywood Dyce.  Bowling first, the 1st X1 dismissed Stoneywood Dyce for 147 with Luke Morrisey 3 for 29 and Matt Coyle 3 for 41.  Both Luke Morrisey & Matt Inness where quickly into their stride ending up with 66 and 65 not out respectively with victory achieved by 9 wickets.

The 2nd X1 made it 3 wins in a row in a bid to avoid relegation.  Boroughmuir were beaten for the second time this season.  They were bowled out for 193 with Ross Mackay taking 3 for 39.  SMRH paced their reply very well to win by 5 wickets in the last over.  Victor Coltherd in the week of his 40th birthday celebrations, batted throughout to end up 73 not out and Andrew Coggins with 50, his 5th half century of the summer set the foundations for this all important win.

The 3rd X1's 'must win game' against Marchmont ended in disappointment at Inverleith.  Marchmont were grateful to an unbroken last wicket stand of 28 to help them to 126 for 9 in their 45 overs.  Owen Small carrying on his good bowling of the previous week taking 5 for 13 in 9 overs.  The reply however was always behind with wickets falling regularly.  Later contributions from Abraham Van Aswegan (21 not out) and Owen Small (20) at least ensured a couple of batting points.  This was probably the poorest batting performance of the season on the back of the best bowling performance.  Relegation to Division 6 it is almost certainly the result.

The 4th X1 beat Edinburgh South by 2 wickets at Inch Park.  The match ended in some dramatic fashion when with 2 runs to win, the Edinburgh South bowler then took a hat trick and it was somewhat a relief for the 4th X1 to eventually win this subsequently closer contest.

Saturday 19th - The Inverleith wicket was too wet after Friday night's rain to allow the 1st X1 any play against bottom of the table St Boswells.

Largo survived the overnight rain as the 2nd X1 through themselves a lifeline to avoid relegation by beating promotion chasers Largo by 54 runs at East Drive.  Batting first the 2nd X1 made 206 for 9 with James Park making 69 and Andrew Coggins making 59 in a very good stand after the early loss of both openers.  Largo were bowled out for 154 with Paul Mitchell ending his Scottish career as he soon heads home to Australia, taking 2 for 29.  James Crispin also 2 wickets.

The 3rd X1's win against Glenrothes also produced a lifeline for them.  Glenrothes were restricted to 141 for 8 with Owen Small 3 for 17 and Ryan Davies 2 for 28.  In reply, Simon Kirkman provided a fast start and survived an early chance to make 54.  Jim Foster and Andrew Keith both followed up with 26 and Ryan Davies quickly finished the match with two sixes and a four to win by 5 wickets.

The 4th X1 match against Stirling County is due to be re-arranged later due to the non availability of pitches. 

Sunday 13th - there was some disappointment on the last of the double header weekends with the 1st X1 putting up one of their poorest performances of the season against Edinburgh Accies at Inverleith.  Edinburgh Accies were all out for 234 with Ross Mackay, Jonathan Bowes, Mark Burgess and Luke Morrisey all taking 2 wickets.  The reply alas was only 90, with Jimmy Moran making 30 of them.

Saturday 12th - the 1st X1 sent Perthshire into further relegation problems with a win by 5 wickets at Inverleith.  Matt Coyle took 3 wickets and Luke Morrisey & Jonanthan Bowes 2 wickets each to bowl out Perthshire for 174.  Greg Bissett maintained his good form making 47, Jimmy Moran with 36 and Luke Morrisey with 31, where the main scorers in the run chase.

In a vital relegation battle, the 2nd X1 got the better of Haddington by 5 wickets.  Chas Butcher took 4 for 31 and James Crispin 2 for 37 in the Haddington's innings of 149 for 7.  For the 2nd X1 Victor Coltherd made 47, Stuart Foubister 29, James Park 24 and Struan Samson 22 not out in what is his last game as he soon heads to California to work.

Kirk Brae made short work of the 3rd X1's total of 166 all out at Double Hedges.  David Gray made a patient 45, Simon Kirkman a quick 21 and Andrew Keith 20.  However, the Kirk Brae strike force were well home by 8 wickets in just 30 overs.

The 4th X1 were well beaten by Old Contemptibles at Inverleith.

Sunday 6th - and another narrow defeat for the 2nd X1 against Carlton at Inverleith.  Carlton made 211 for 5 in their 50 overs, with Malcolm MacColl captaining the side for the first time, in the absence of the regular Captain and Vice-Captain, taking 2 for 38.  The 2nd X1's reply fell 18 runs short with Rich Bartsch scoring 53 before an unfortunate run out, John Brock 40 and Jamie Mackintosh returning after a few weeks absence with 31. 

Saturday 5th - in the derby match against Corstorphine, the 1st X1 were in trouble at 50 for 5, but Captain Mark Burgess, who at times hides too low in the batting order, hit a splendid 91 to set up a target of 187.  In reply a steady procession of wickets sent Corstorphine tumbling to 68 for 9 before some spirited hitting at the tail end got their total up to 109.  Jonathan Bowes took 4 for 20 and Ryan Sales and Luke Morrisey two wickets each.

In the key relegation match against Heriots the 3rd X1 failed to post a decent score when batting first.  From 20 for 4, they recovered to 126 thanks to useful contributions from David Napier 24, James Gray 20 and Ryan Davies 18.  Heriots got off to a fast start and always looked in control as they won by 5 wickets with many overs to spare.  Andrew Keith took 2 for 31.

With only 8 men the 4th X1 were always going to struggle against Broomhall the league leaders at Limekilns.  Winning the toss was a good move to bat first and were all out for 55 with Nobby Styles scoring 34 of them.  Rich Bartsch took 2 of the wickets as Broomhall won by 7 wickets

JULY

Saturday 29th - the 1st X1 started their 6 match home run with an eventual easy win against St Modans.  Luke Morrisey scored his first hundred for the Club, 102 with contributions from Jimmy Moran 33 and Matt Innes 24 in a total of 251 for 9.  Rain showers intervened at tea and in some gloomy conditions after the re-start, the Duckworth Lewis scoring method looked a possibility to achieve a result.  Up with the run rate around the half way point, a good catch by Luke Morrisey removed the St Modans professional Liyanage for 60 and Jonathan Bowes against his old Club then took 6 for 51 as St Modans collapsed to 157 all out.

The 2nd X1 suffered a very heavy defeat at the hands of West Lothian, who's opener scored 150 not out chasing a target of 258 for 7.  Pete Mitchell made 72, Andrew Coggins 59 not out and Andrew Davidson 38 were the top scorers.  Alas only 2 wickets fell as West Lothian won at a canter.

With the toss and bat....not the correct option this week at Leith Links for the 3rd X1, who could only make 63.  Leith Franklin Beige didn't have much trouble in in getting home by 9 wickets

Down at Whitestone Park, Peebles the 4th X1 were well beaten by 126 runs.  In the Peebles total of 229 for 7, Duncan Hillen took 3 for 18 and Michael Campbell scored 52 in the 4th X1's total of 103 all out.

Saturday 22nd - the 1st X1 travelled to Dumfries for the 3rd time this season hoping to repeat their earlier season Scottish Cup triumph.  Although scoring 268 for 7, this looked to be some 40 to 50 runs short of the target, and so it proved as Dumfries won by 6 wickets with 9 overs to spare.  Matt Innes scored 127, his second century of the season and Greg Bissett continued his good form with 39 runs in the in the 1st X1 total.

The 2nd X1 were somewhat disappointed with their performance in the important league game against Leith Franklin Beige at Inverleith.  Set 241 for victory, the 2nd X1 fell 15 runs short in spite of a good start.  Vic Coltherd was out for 33, but Andrew Davidson went on to make a splendid 109 and Andrew Coggins later made 36.  Earlier Andrew Coggins took 5 wickets for the first time, 5 for 37, and Malcolm MacColl took 2 for 53.  Thanks also to Emma MacColl for the tea time ices during the sweltering heat.

The 3rd X1 made it two wins in a row with victory against Falkland at the School Playing Fields.  Falkland were dismissed for 151 with David Napier taking his first 5 wicket haul, 5 for 21, David Kerr 3 for 50 and Ryan Davies 2 for 41. The 3rd X1, with 4 Club Presidents in its side, saw the present Stuart Foubister scoring 30 and a past Steve Kerr scoring 53, completing a splendid day for the Kerr household which also included 3 catches between them.

The 4th X1 lost by 42 runs against Carlton at Inverleith.  Carlton made 187 for 6 in their 45 overs, but the 4th X1 were all out for 145 in reply.  Jamie Gordon top scored with 33, to go with his 3 wickets for 3 runs.  Keiran O'Shaunessy scored 24 and Ritch Bartsch 20.

Sunday 16th - the was only going to one winner at Falkland in the second game of the weekend for the 1st X1.  The Falkland pro and overseas amateur again piled on the runs as Falkland batting first scored a massive 351 for 9.  Luke Morrisey took 4 for 43.  Greg Bissett scored 57 and Matt Innes 42 in the 1st X1 reply of 199.

Saturday 15th - the 1st X1 scored an important victory against Weirs at Albert Park.  In their innings of 285 for 5, Matt Innes scored 116, Greg Bissett 40 and Ryan Sales 32 not out.  In reply Weirs were bowled out for 140 thanks to an impressive 5 for 18 by Andrew Brock and Luke Morrisey and Mark Burgess taking two wickets each.

Grange beat the 2nd X1 by 5 wickets at Inverleith.  SMRH made 224 for 9 with Victor Coltherd making 69 and Pete Headdon a career best 34.  Paul Mitchell was the best bowler with 3 for 27 in the Grange reply of 226 for 5.

What a difference 11 men make - the 3rd X1 almost in the unusual position of having a full team won this relegation clash with Dalgety Bay at the Sports Centre.  Dalgety Bay were dismissed for 195, Ric Clark at late introduction to the bowling attack, ended up with 3 for 2, Ryan Davies 3 for 17, James Gray 2 for 30 and Andrew Keith 2 for 32.  The 3rd X1 won by 6 wickets with 3 overs to spare. Andrew Keith returning to his best form with 76 and Jim Foster again batting through the innings with 73 not out.

League leaders Musselburgh were too strong for the 4th X1 at Inverleith and got their revenge for an earlier season defeat.  Robin Macqueen made 28 and Rich Bartsch 27 in the 4th X1's total of 135, which was easily chased by Musselburgh who romped home by 9 wickets.

Saturday 8th - the 1st X1's match at Freuchie was abandoned as a no result due to rain.  The 1st X1 had set a target of 249 for 7 with Ryan Sales 75 and Luke Morrisey 73 the top scorers.  Freuchie were in a useful position at 128 for 3 when the rain came.

The 2nd X1 didn't repeat their earlier season triumph of defeating Freuchie at Inverleith.  They were bowled out for 144 with Paul Mitchell 32 and Struan Samson 31 top scoring.  Freuchie won by 4 wickets with Malcolm MacColl taking 3 for 34 and Murray Muir 2 for 29.

The 3rd X1 were well beaten by the useful Kismet side at the new venue of Duloch Park in Dunfermline.  Kismet made 250 for 6 in their 45 overs and in reply the 3rd X1 were bowled out for 87, latterly in some miserable conditions.  Jim Foster stood firm for a while making 39 runs.

The 4th X1 beat the league bottom side Drummond Trinity by 6 wickets at Inverleith.  Robin Macqueen and Duncan Hillen both took 3 wickets as Drummond Trinity were all out for 119.  Captain Rich Bartsch scored 60 and Nobby Styles 20 to secure victory by 6 wickets.

Sunday 2nd - the two games at Inverleith were both abandoned by a thunderstorm in mid-afternoon.  The 1st X1 got to 79 for 2 against Edinburgh and Kismet were 58 for 1 against the 3rd X1 when play stopped for the day.

Saturday 1st - the 1st X1 lost by 32 runs in their long away trip to Stoneywood-Dyce who set a challenging total of 238 to win.  Matt Innes top scored with 77 in the 1st X1 total of 206 for 9.  Jimmy Moran made 27, James Park made 26 and Luke Morrisey, Matt Coyle, Jonathan Bowes and Adam McHoul all took 2 wickets each.

The 2nd X1's missing 11th man might have made the difference in the key match against Falkland at Inverleith.  Falkland got to 244 for 9 with Andrew Davidson taking 5 for 52, Jim Crispin 2 for 46 and Andrew Coggins 2 for 48.  The 2nd X1's response was 220 all out, Andrew Coggins top scoring with 68 and Andrew Davidson 62, becoming only the fourth 2nd X1 player to score 50 runs and take 5 wickets in a match.

The 3rd X1's match was a very brief affair.  The 8 man team made only 36 with Fiswan Siddique making 21 of them.  Edinburgh Accies took just 4.1 overs to complete the match with victory by 10 wickets.

The 4th X1 achieved a very good victory by 2 wckets over Morton amongst the sun bathers at the Meadows.

JUNE

Saturday 24th -  in the important league clash with St Boswells, the 1st X1 batting struck for topping 301 for 7 in their 50 overs.  Ryan Sales made 77 and later took 3 for 35, Jimmy Moran made 50, Greg Bissett 48 and Mark Burgess 36 not out.  St Boswells reply was all out 164 with Luke Morrisey taking 3 for 29.

The 2nd X1 gained their second victory of the season with a fine performance against Boroughmuir.  Batting first they made 248 with runs for Andrew Davidson 57, Paul Mitchell 48, Victor Coltherd 46 and Pete Mitchell 36.  Boroughmuir's reply was all 227 with Ross Mackay back to fitness with 5 for 55.

The 3rd X1 scored a lowly 80 against Marchmont at Cavalry Park with David Napier 25 and Alan Veitch 20.  An early wicket didn't worry Marchmont as Steve Clayton raced to 43 as Marchmont won by 7 wickets.

The 4th X1 also scored a low total - only 55 against Edinburgh South at Inch Park, who won comfortably by 5 wickets.

Saturday 17th - it was a disappointing performance by the 1st X1 in the derby match with Edinburgh Accies at Raeburn Place.  Too many dropped catches allowed Edinburgh Accies to score 246 for 8 with Matt Coyle taking 4 for 46.  The 1st X1 were all out 178 with Ryan sales top scoring with 47.

The 2nd X1 visitors Largo made 244 for 7 at Inverleith with Chas Butcher, James Crispin and Craig Gould all with 2 wickets each,  The 2nd X1 reply was 198 with Jim Park 61, Chas Butcher 25 and Victor Coltherd 20 being the top run scorers.

The 3rd X1 with 8 men against Glenrothes made 129 batting first.  David Napier made a very good 37, Ryan Davies 29 and Andrew Keith 24.  However with all the large gaps in the field Glenrothes openers enjoyed the luxury to win by 10 wickets.

The 4th X1 lost narrowly by 2 wickets to Stirling County at Stirling.

Sunday 11th - the 1st X1 almost pulled off a shock result in the 2nd of the Scottish Cup against Aberdeenshire at Inverleith.  However, a modest total of 128 with Luke Morrisey scoring 30 wasn't quite enough, as Aberdeenshire got home by 2 wickets.  But for a dropped catch at a vital moment, things might have been different.  Jonathan Bowes took 3 wickets for 45 runs.

Saturday 10th - the 1st X1 gained a good victory against the front running Perthshire at Inverleith.  The 1st X1 set a target of 187 for 9, with contributions from a number of players - Brian Townsend 57, Stephen Parker 29 and Ryan Sales 23 being the best.  Perthsire were all out 28 runs short with Mark Burgess achieving his best bowling figures of 4 for 35 and Luke Morrisey with 3 for 27.

The 2nd X1 struggled against Haddington at Neilson Park where the evergreen John Hiley made 92 not out out of a total of 223 for 7.  James Crispin took 2 wickets.  In reply, Andrew Coggins top scored with 35 and Stuart Foubister, Victor Coltherd and Malcolm MacColl all made 20 plus, but the side were all out 151.  Stewart Farquharson retired hurt early on and is likely to now miss some games.

The 3rd X1's match against Kirk Brae, who look much stronger this year, was almost over as a contest after the 1st hour with the Kirk Brae batting in full control.  Some spirited efforts by the 3rd X1 in taking 9 wickets however at least provide some reward for a long afternoon in the sun.  Kirk Brae's innings eventually closing at 283 for 9.  Strangely Kirk Brae set very defensive fields from the very first ball and appear content to protect their massive total.  Openers David Gray and Jim Foster put on over 100 for the first wicket before David Gray retired to host the school leavers ball.  With a solid start, the 3rd X1 were able to pace the rest of their innings to collect 6 batting points with Jim Foster batting right through with 71 not out.  A strange sort of scorecard, Kirk Brae only took 1 wicket as they won easily by 105 runs at the end of a very long day just short of 8.00pm.

The 4th X1, who number's were reduced late in the day due to call-offs higher up the Club, suffered in the field at a very warm Roseburn Park against Old Contemptibles who made 202 for 8 in their innings.  The 4th X1's reply was brief - all out 44 in 14 overs.  At least they got to the pub nice and early!

Tuesday 6th - Batting first, Carlton's 167 for 3 was always going to be hard to chase in the Masterton Trophy Quarter Final match at Inverleith.  However, 50's from both Greg Bissett and Ryan Sales ensured respectability for the 1st X1 as they fell 37 runs short of the Carlton total.

Saturday 3rd - the 1st X1 claimed a very good victory against Corstorphine at Barnton.   They made 237 for 7 with Luke Morrisey 45, Matt Innes 46, Ryan Sales 34 and Brian Townsend 34.  Corstorphine always struggled in their reply, although a good stand for the 9th wicket ensured they picked up some batting bonus points as they were all out for 153.  Mark Burgess, Matt Coyle and Ryan Sales all took 2 wickets each.

The 2nd X1 were well beaten by Carlton at Grange Loan.  Colin Brown took 3 for 50 in Carlton's total of 265.  Victor Coltherd returned to batting form with 44 runs out of an SMRH reply of 132.

The 3rd X1 scored 156 for 5 in their 45 overs against Heriots at Goldenacre.  Jim Foster made a patient 44 and some positive hitting from Ryan Davies (28) and Chris Gosling (24) were the other main contributors.  Heriots reply was somewhat rapid.  Early breakthroughs brought Gordon Ross to the wicket, and whilst there were shouts of 'phone Frank', it was all too late, as he repeated his innings from last season effortlessly scoring 63 this time. Some wickets then fell, but with some 20 overs in hand Heriots won by 4 wickets.

The 4th X1 lost to league leaders Broomhall in the first ever fixture between the Clubs at Inverleith.  Broomhall were bowled out for 188, although at one time this looked a lot less, but were grateful to a very fast fifty from their number nine batsman Mohammed Ali.  Robin Macqueen and Dave Hillen both took 3 wickets.  The 4th X1's reply was 124 for 8, with the team's first 50 of the season being scored by Robert 'Nobby' Styles.

MAY

Sunday 28th - in what was becoming a mini test series against Dumfries, the 1st X1 won their replayed Scottish Cup tie against them at Nunholm with Luke Morrisey scoring a half century as SMRH over hauled Dumfries's total of 205.  SMRH will now play Aberdeenshire in the next round on Sunday 11th June at Inverleith.

Saturday 27th - the 1st X1's eagerly anticipated match against St Modans was cancelled due to a wet pitch at Bluebellwood Park.  The 2nd X1 match at nearby Boghall, Linlithgow was a brief affair with the 2nd X1 bowled out just 64. Stewart Farquharson top scored with 23.  Andrew Coggins took 2 wickets as West Lothian eased home by 6 wickets.

The 3rd X1 after a bright start lost some momentum against Leith Franklin Beige, when Andrew Keith had to retire hurt for a period when hit a powerful drive by fellow opener Colin Grahamslaw!    A total of 118 was disappointing after Colin Grahamslaw's 35 and Andrew Keith's eventual 17 on his 30th birthday.  In reply Leith Franklin Beige took quick control against a variety of deliveries at a very windy Leith Links, winning easily by 8 wickets.

The 4th X1 were chasing a total of 221 for 4 set by Peebles at Inverleith.  A respectable reply of 163 all out was achieved with Michael Campbell 39 and Robin Macqueen 38.

Tuesday 23rd - in the 2nd round of the Masterton Trophy against Edinburgh at Inverleith, the 1st X1 were set 97 to win and at one point were 27 for 4.  However, Masterton specialist Mark Burgess with 36 not out and James Park 27 not out got the side home comfortably in the end.  They now play either Corstorphine or Carlton in the quarter final.

Sunday 21st - in a match reduced to 35 overs due to a late start due to rain at Grange Loan, the 4th X1 batting first made 151 for 6. Rich Bartsch  36, Robin Macqueen 30 not out, David Steward 25 not out and Michael Campbell 24 all contributed well.  Carlton were well in control as they won by 7 wickets in reply.

Saturday 20th - only the 1st X1 played on a wet Saturday at Inverleith.  Dumfries having travelled through damp weather, the match started in dry-ish conditions and 1st X1 made 160 all out with Brian Townsend's long awaited comeback after 4 seasons absence making 38.  In reply Dumfries at one time 100 for 7 but thanks to a spirited knock by their number 8 batsman Rennie with 47 not out, Dumfries got home by 2 wickets.

Both the 2nd & 3rd X1 matches were cancelled.

Tuesday 16th - in the 1st round of the Masterton Trophy, the 1stX1 were up against East League Division 6 representatives Old Contemptibles at Inverleith.  They were all out for 101 and SMRH won by 8 wickets.

Sunday 14th  - two matches were played today.  The 1st X1 got the only preliminary tie in the Scottish Cup against Dumfries at Nunholm.  Dumfries batted first and were all out 246.  Alas, it rained at tea and they will have to replay in 2 weeks time.

The 2nd X1 were in action at Raeburn Place against Grange who made 182 for 8 with Malcolm MacColl, Rod Ballie and Jamie McIntosh all with 2 wickets each.  Mention should also be made of Charlie Butcher's bowling analysis of 10 overs, 4 maidens for only 14 runs.

So close in reply, but unfortunately the 2nd X1 were all out 2 runs short of victory.  Malcolm MacColl made 53.  Extras also featured well with 44.

Saturday 13th - Falkland hit a massive 327 for 4 against the 1st X1 and a very tame reply was offered by SMRH, as they were all out 72, with Jimmy Moran making 31.  Losing 3 wickets in the 1st over didn't help!

The 2nd X1 were too strong for Freuchie who were bowled out for 166, with Chas Butcher 3 for 15.  In reply Andrew Coggins with 81 and Grant Jones with 64 made short work of the Freuchie total, as the 2nd won easily by 7 wickets.

Loads of runs in the 3rd X1 match against Dalgety Bay.  The 3rd X1 scored what looked like a run away score of 295 for 2 thanks to Stephen Parker's 174 not out (home from University for the weekend) and Jim Foster almost scoring his age with 57.  This featured a stand of 165 for the 2nd wicket, not a Club 3rd X1 record stand, but Stephen Parker's score was the highest ever by a batsman in the 3rd X1.  Dalgety Bay got within 20 runs and lost only 4 wickets.  Not a day for the bowlers.  A total run feast 570 runs in the match is a probable record - the club statistician is on the case!

A very good result for the 4th X1 beaten Musselburgh at Lewisvale Park.  Colin Grahamslaw made his usual bright contribution with 47 in the SMRH total of 138.  Musselburgh were bowled out for 97 with Robin Macqueen 4 for 20.

Saturday 6th - Weirs were bowled out for 169 by the 1st X1 at Inverleith.  Jonathan Bowes with 3 for 27 and Matt Coyle 3 for 40 were the main wicket takers.  After tea a somewhat dejected Weirs took the field late with just 7 players and although they eventually regrouped to the full eleven, SMRH batsman were then on top.  Luke Morrisey, the pro at last got going making 75, although he was dismissed LBW for the 3rd time in 3 innings.  Matt Innes made 54 not out and Jimmy Moran 27.

The 2nd X1 had a comfortable win by 7 wickets over Freuchie at Inverleith.  SMRH bowled out Freuchie for 166, with Chas Butcher 3 for 15.  In reply, Andrew Coggins made 81 and Grant Jones made 64, as the 2nd X1 eased home.

The 4th X1 beat the relegated Drummond Trinity from last season by 40 runs at Inverleith Park.  SMRH were all out 193 - Duncan Hillen made 41 not out and later took 2 wickets for 21 and Colin Grahamslaw with 40 were the main contributors.

The 3rd X1 match against Kismet was postponed to later in the season, due to lack of an available pitch.

APRIL

Saturday 29th - the 1st X1 made a reasonable showing against one of the League favourites Freuchie at Inverleith.  Batting first they were all out for 197 but the innings lost its way a bit in the 2nd half when a score of well over 200 look possible.  Jimmy Moran made a fine 78 and Matt Innes our overseas amateur 34.  In reply Freuchie batsman took control early on and won with a bit to spare by 6 wickets.

The 2nd X1 lost to Falkland at Scroggie Park by 25 runs.  Malcolm MacColl was the best performer making a patient 40 in the SMRH innings.

The 3rd X1 scored a massive 203 run victory over what looked like a very under strength Edinburgh Accies.  David Gray made 75 not out, Rod Baillie 60 and Chris Pitt 25 in a total of 226 for 5.  Accies reply was just 23.  Rod Baillie making something of a comeback, saw his first ball go for 4, then took his 8 wickets for no runs.

The 4th X1 match against Morton at Inverleith was almost an exact copy score-wise from the match played last August.  Morton made a massive 319 for 7 and SMRH were all out for 136.

Saturday 22nd - and yes the season has started for some.  The 1st X1 played a friendly against Carlton at Grange Loan.  Carlton made 193 for 7 with Ross Mackay taking 3 for 41 off 6 overs.  John Bowes had the most economical bowling analysis of 1 for 14 off 8 overs.  The batting was not good - all out 61 with Matt Innes on 33.  Only 5 batsman registered a score!