STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DARY OF THE SEASON - 2007

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 1st - a victory at last for the 3rd X1 in their re-arranged match against the Cask & Barrell at the Meadows.  David Gray took 4 for 15 and Iain Mackie 2 for 20 in helping to bowl out home team for 138.  Keiran O'Shaughnessy with his debut fifty, 57 not out, and Rich Bartsch with 28 helped greatly to secure the win points.

So as another summer (surely the poorest for cricket) comes to an end, the 1st X1 finish a respectable 6th in the SNCL2, the 2nd X1 thank Corstorphine 1st X1 for securing their National League status, and therefore retain a place in East League Division 3.  The 3rd X1 are well relegated to Division 7, which forces the 4th X1 into Division 8.  The 4th X1 at one time very in line for promotion but with 2 defaults and points deducted for rule violation their league challenged ended, somewhat disappointingly.   

AUGUST

Sunday 26th - the 2nd X1 were beaten by Corstorphine in their last fixture of the season at Inverleith leaving them in their 3rd bottom spot, with fingers crossed that Corstorphine 1st X1 would retain their National League status the following weekend, and therefore only 2 teams would be relegated from East Division 3. 

Corstorphine were all out for 205 with Les Clark 4 for 32, Rich Bartsch 2 for 40 and James Crispin 2 for 31.  The 2nd X1 replied with 106 with Rich Bartsch making 30.

Saturday 25th - and in last league game of the season for the 1st X1, a rather reluctant Prestwick were looking for a quick game and at 15 for 5, it seemed their wish was being granted.  However, some later resistance got them to 147 all out with Andy Gamble 4 for 36 and Matt Coyle 3 for 29.  A fast start from Vishal Shah with 54 and some steady support play from Andy Gamble with 35 not out ensured the points were quickly bagged in the 28th over.

A mixture of age and experienced formed the 2nd X1 for their match with Drummond Trinity at Inverleith Park.  The home team batted first and made 220 for 9 with Ramsay Muir and Robin Macqueen with 2 wickets each.  The 2nd X1 were all out for 89 in reply with Chas Butcher ,aking 30 not out.

The 3rd X1 were grateful for the Grays, David with 49 and James with 42, to help the score along to 157 for 8 against Fauldhouse at Eastfield Park.  However, the bowling was a bit light and Fauldhouse won relatively easily by 8 wickets.

Lack of numbers forced the 4th X1 to scratch their final match of the season with Drummond Trinity.

Saturday 18th - the rain continued again arriving early on Saturday morning and yes no games played.

Saturday 11th - the dreaded rain returned this week and no games were played.  The 3rd X1 match however has survived until a revised date of 1st September, as both they and Cask & Barrell failed to gain entry to the competing Fringe events on the Meadows, and will have to return later in the season when the tents are down.

Saturday 4th - the 1st X1 made their first visit to Stirling County's new home - New Williamfield, alas without success.  The 1st X1 were bowled out for 120 with Amir Jafri making 41 and Greg Bissett 24.  Stirling County got home with several overs to spare losing only 3 wickets in the process.

The 2nd X1 were up against a strong Penicuik 2nd X1 at Inverleith, who were eventually restricted to 205 for 9, with Ramsay Muir the best of the bowlers with 3 for 33.  The reply by the 2nd X1 batsman, was one of regular dismissals, until a spirited 8th wicket between Abby Mehta with 34 and Jack Jones 25 helped along the bonus points, but Penicuik were easy winners by 63 runs.

The 3rd X1 enjoyed a good competitive match with Edinburgh South at Inverleith.  Asked to bat first the 3rd X1 scored 155 for 8, with James Gray a splendid 67 and the even younger Tom Beattie a very stylish 26.  Edinburgh South's fast start gave them the momentum in the run chase, and although there wickets falling latterly, the visitors won by 2 wickets.

The 4th X1 match ended in a tie with the scores level on 153.  Rich Bartsch and Robert Styles took 3 wickets in the Dunfermline Wanderers innings.  And again both bowlers were the top run scorers with Rich Bartsch on 36 and Robert Styles 39.  At one point the match appeared lost, but batting at number ten, Kashif Imran scored a rapid 24 before being run out with the scores level.

JULY

Sunday 29th - the last of the long road trips took the 1st X1 to Dumfries, who batting first set a target of 217 for 7.  Mark Burgess took 2 for 41.  The reply was always well behind and the 1st X1 were all out for 143, with Vishal Shah and Jimmy Moran both scoring 20.

Saturday 28th - against near neighbours Edinburgh Accies at Inverleith, the 1st X1 were bowled out for a relatively low score of 134 with Greg Bissett and Tello Motsami both scoring 39.  Edinburgh Accies got off to a worst possible start losing a wicket off the first ball and were eventually bowled out for 91, some 43 runs short.  Amir Jafri, yes the overseas amateur is here at last, took 3 for 19 and Tello Motsami 3 for 20

A record low score for the 2nd X1, all out for 22 at Dunnikier Park.  Not the strongest side ever fielded, nor the oldest, but one which did help the bowlers a bit.  Not much more to say really, Dunnikier batted with ease to win by 10 wickets in about 5 overs.

Peebles County who are chasing hard on the heels of the undefeated Carlton in Division 5, won comfortable winners against the 3rd X1 at Inverleith.  Batting first Peebles made 230 for 4 with James Gray taking 2 wickets.  The SMRH reply was 124 for 9 with David Gray 33 and Barry Kane 19 the top scorers.

The 4th X1 won a low scoring match against Musselburgh at Pinkie.  SMRH's total of 94 were in debt to Rich Bartsch fine batting with 52.  Musselburgh were then bowled out for 73.

Saturday 21st - the 1st X1 took the long journey North to Stoneywood-Dyce and bowled them out for 154.  Rain then held up proceedings, but after a short resumption when the 1st X1 got to 24 for 0, the rain set in again for the day and the match was abandoned as a no result.

The 2nd X1 started out hoping for a much better performance in the return fixture with Haddington.  Having only 7 players at the ground in the first and 17 runs in total, it wasn't a difficult target to beat.  Much better news this time as the 2nd X1 reached 83 for 1 with Andrew Brock on 29 not out and Malcolm McCall out for 27, when rain ended proceedings.

The 3rd X1 match was abandoned in heavy rain with the 3rd X1 making steady progress against the useful Morton team.  David Kerr was 36 not out in a score of 125 for 7.

The 4th X1's match was also abandoned at Beeslack School, a new ground for the Club at Penicuik.

Saturday 14th - amazing, its dry this week and the 1st X1 win the derby match against RH Corstorphine at Inverleith by 4 wickets.  Corstorphine were bowled out for 126 with 3 wickets each for Andy Gamble and Vishal Shah with Matt Coyle taking 2 wickets.  In chasing the Corstorphine total, Vishal Shaw top scored with 45 against his former Club.

The 2nd X1 making a return to the Tryst for the first time in many seasons, bowled out the hosts Stenhousemuir for 56 with Colin Brown 3 for 11 and Malcolm McCall wrapping the innings up with 3 for 0.  The reply was hard work, but the 2nd X1 got home by 5 wickets

The 3rd X1's match was their most competitive match so far against the visitors Stirling County at Inverleith.  Stirling made 138 for 8 in their innings with Andrew Keith the best bowler with 3 for 23.  SMRH were all out for 125 with Andrew Keith top scorer with 29 and Barry Kane 25.

The 4th X1 were too strong for Murrayfield DAFS at Roseburn Park.  Robin Macqueen with 3 for 3, and Robert Styles, Kashif Imran and Rich Bartsch all 2 wickets each, bowled out Murrayfield DAFS for 55.  SMRH won by 4 wickets with Rich Bartsch making 22.

Saturday 7th - yes, no guesses this week, it's raining again!   However, the 4th X1 managed to get their game played on the artificial wicket at Inverleith.  Livingston were restricted to 100 for 9 with Robert Styles and Mike Heslop took 3 wickets each.  The 4th won by 6 wickets with Stewart Farquharson the best batsman with 28.

Sunday 1st - A familiar picture at Inverleith as the miserable weather over the weekend continued and no play was possible for the 1st X1 against Falkland.

JUNE

Saturday 30th - a brief few dry hours allowed some cricket this week.  The 1st X1 got to 72 for 2 with Jimmy Moran well set on 30 not out against Glasgow Accies at Inverleith.  However, rain ended cricket for the day after 24 overs.

The 2nd X1 had Dunfermline Carnegie at 80 for 6 at Pitreavie, before rain stopped play.  Th3 4th X1 had West Lothain 48 for 4 at The Gyle when rain halted their match.

However, the 3rd X1 were bowled away by a very strong Carlton 3rd X1 - all out 30.  At least their was 1 bowling gained, as Carlton wquickly won by 9 wickets.

Saturday 23rd - winter was still in place in the East of Scotland, and the 1st X1 took some advantage of others not playing to win on Duckworth/Lewis against Prestwick on the drier West coast.  Prestwick were asked to bat and made a useful 188 for 9 with Matt Coyle taking 3 for 43 and Tello Motsamai 2 for 23.  Vishal Shah gave his customary fast start with 37, but with 3 wickets then falling quickly, it was then over to James Park 40 not out and Tello Motsamai 21 not out to get the runs and scoring rate moving, which was good news as rain then abandoned the match.  The 1st X1 were declared winners by 18 runs on the D/L method of scoring.

Tuesday 19th - the Quarter Final of the Masterton Trophy was eventually completed at the 3rd time of asking.  However, no such repeat of the 1st X1 batting performance from the previous abandoned match, this time only being able to make 87 for 9 in their 20 overs.  Greg Bissett making 45 of them.  Carlton won by 5 wickets with Andy Gamble taking 2 for 16.

Sunday 17th - in the re-arranged Scottish Cup 1st round tie, the 1st X1 were always struggling against the slower Watsonians bowlers and were all out 114 with Jimmy Moran top score of 23.  Watsonians were at 26 for 2, with both wickets being taken by Tello Motsamai, were the rain came.  After a lot of mopping up by Watsonians in the hope of getting a re-start under way, the umpires then took the decision conditions were not fit for play and under the rules of the competition dictated a bowl out must take place.  After a few anxious moments Watsonians won the bowl out 3-2.

At Inverleith, no such problems with rain interruptions, the game finished by 4.30pm!  The 2nd X1 batted first against bottom of the table Townhill and were soon in trouble as wickets fell at regular intervals.  Four batsman made double figures, with Kieran O'Shaughnessy the best with 13.  It didn't look a winning total, but Abby Mehta took his first 5 wicket haul for the Club - 5 for 8, Andrew Coggins had 3 for 9 and James Crispin 2 for 16 and Townhill, although aided by 10 extras were bowled out for 49 and an unlikely win for the 2nd X1 by 11 runs.

Saturday 16th - winter had arrived on the East coast of Scotland and only the 1st X1 were in action at Albert Park in Glasgow against Weirs.  With the original cut wicket unplayable, a new one was quickly prepared and Weirs opted to bat on winning he toss.  The Weirs top order all made contributed useful runs but they were all out in the 40th for 102 with Mark Burgess 4 for 9, Vishal Shah 3 for 31 and Tello Motsamai 2 for 14.  The target looked obtainable on paper, but at 43 for 5, less so.  Jimmy Moran stood firm with 34 but when he was run out with the score on 75, it was going to be a question of holding one's nerve.  Then at 99 for 6 all looked well, however panic and two run outs, the 1st X1 were all out 2 runs short of victory.

Tuesday 12th - the Masterton Trophy tie was again impacted by the weather, this time just after half time when rain abandoned play.  Another attempt will now take place next Tuesday, 19th June

Sunday 10th - in a very tense match, the 1st X1 got home by 1 wicket against the strong going Dunfermline side.  The 1st X1 bowled out Dunfermline for 130 in 41 overs with Andy Gamble 3 for 30 and Mark Burgess 3 for 15.  The reply was going well at 81 for 1 but with Vishal Shah then out for 50, the wickets fell at regular intervals, James Park with a useful 26 helped things along, but it was left to Pete Mitchell to score the winning run with Matt Coyle at the other end.

Saturday 9th - Stirling County were bowled out for 204 in the last ball of their 50 overs with Andy Gamble 4 for 36 and Robin Crouch 2 for 48, but the 1st X1 fell 53 runs short in the chase with Andy Gamble making 49 and Tello Motsamai 25.

The 3rd X1 scored 81 against Cask & Barrell at Inverleith with Andrew Coggins making 44 of them, but unfortunately they only had 9 men and not enough runs.  Owen Small took the 4 wickets which fell for 26 runs, with Cask & Barrell winning by 6 wickets.

The 4th X1 lost narrowly to Edinburgh at Roseburn Park.

Thursday 7th - the Quarter-Final match against Carlton was postponed due to rain, and is now re-scheduled for Grange Loan next Tuesday as Inverleith is unavailable.

Saturday 2nd - the 1st X1 had a disappointing day, bowled out for 91 in 40 overs at Inverleith against Dumfries, who took only 24.5 overs to get the runs.  James Park made 24 and Tello Motsamai took 2 for 29.

A weakened 2nd X1 were at Penicuik and not helped by Colin Brown having to return home at the last minute reducing the side to 10 players.  Steve Kerr rolled the years back with 90 and in a good opening partnership with Ric Bartsch who made 43, a good total looked on.  However, only Robert Styles made a further useful contribution of 20, and the ream were bowled out for 183.  Penicuik got home by 5 wickets, Simon Leckie took 2 for 27 and there was 1 wicket a piece for Andrew Fenn, Ric Bartsch and Robert Styles.

The 3rd X1 hardly kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, not that there was a crowd, as their batting just kept ahead of the overs, in being bowled out for 31 in 29 overs against an improved Edinburgh South team at Inch Park.  1 wicket was taken by Robin Macqueen in reply in the 10 overs Edinburgh South needed to get the runs.

The 4th X1 unfortunately had to scratch their match with Dunfermline Wanderers due to lack of players available.

MAY

Saturday 26th - the 1st X1 won the local derby against Edinburgh Accies at Raeburn Place, although they were required to work harder than might have been.  Accies were at one time 33 for 6, then 57 for 7, but helped along with no fewer than 31 wides, Accies were eventually all out for 133.  Tello Motsamai 3 for 12 and Andy Gamble 3 for 32 were the pick of the bowlers.

The 2nd X1 at last got on their winning ways, bowling out Dunnikier for 180.  Seb Rae took 4 for 22 and Craig Goold 2 for 12.  The batsman were in a rush winning by 9 wickets in 30 overs, with Richard Hannam 85*, Andrew Brock 49* and Malcolm McCall 31.

The 3rd X1 competed well at Peebles.  Fielding first, the 3rd X1 were 2 fielders short for 14 overs, due to being caught in the traffic during the local Penicuik Gala parade.  Peebles closed their innings on 192 for 6 with Zain Asif 2 for 26 and James Gray 2 for 45.  The batting response was lead by David Gray with 56 and Jim Foster 20, but the final total was always just too far away.

The 4th X1 made in 3 wins out of 3 against Musselburgh at Roseburn Park - this was a home game!  Musselburgh were bowled out for 101 with Logan Clark 4 for 24 and Michael Campbell 4 for 25.  Victory was achieved by 2 wickets with Les Clark 23 and Rich Bartsch 21 the top scorers.

Thursday 24th - a second victory of the season over RH Corstorphine at Barnton was achieved in the second round of the Masterton Trophy.  Batting first, the 1st X1 scored 177 for 5 with runs for Jimmy Moran 40, Greg Bissett 37* and James Park 37.  In response RH Corstorphine were all out for 118 with 2 wickets each for Vishal Shah, Robin Crouch and Mark Burgess.

Tuesday 22nd - in a midweek friendly match against Scottish Widows, the Trojans X1 won by 4 wickets with 2 balls to spare.

Sunday 20th - the SNCL 2nd division league leaders Stoneywood-Dyce were bowled out for 109 at Inverleith in a match reduced to 41 overs due to weather conditions.  Tello Motsamai took 3 for 16, Andrew Brock 3 for 31 and Vishal Shah 2 for 25.  The 1st X1 were well of course for victory at 66 for 3, but alas a batting collapse and all out for 92, just 17 runs short.  James Park top scored with 27.

Saturday 19th - local derby time for the 1st X1 in their match against Corstorphine at Barnton.  The home team made 205 for 5 in their 48 overs - delayed start due to overnight rain.  The 1st X1 batsmen all performed well in the run chase.  Jimmy Moran top scored with 64* and Tello Motsamai made 45 in the 6 wicket victory.

Not such a good day for the 2nd X1, who arrived with only 7 players due to a car breakdown on route.  Batting first on a bowler helpful wicket , the 7 players could only muster 17 between them.  Haddington knocked off the runs for 1 wicket down.

The 3rd X1 were in action at the Meadows and they too lost by 9 wickets.  Batting first they were all out for 59.

The 4th X1 made it 3 wins out of 3 by defeating Penicuik at Inverleith

Sunday 13th - the first round Scottish Cup tie against Watsonians at Myreside was postponed without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain.  It will be re-scheduled for Sunday 17th June.

Saturday 12th - in one of the few matches to be played in Edinburgh due to the poor weather, there was disappointment at Academy Park for the 1st X1 against near neighbours Edinburgh CC.  Edinburgh were bowled out for 167 with Tello Motsamai 3 for 25 and Mark Burgess 2 for 8.  In reply, early wickets for Edinburgh as the 1st X1 top order were in trouble.  However, when almost all seemed lost Vishal Shah rallied the lower half of the batting with the fine 62*, supported by Mark Burgess and Pete Mitchell who both made 18.  The match went to the last ball with the 1st X1 requiring 4 to win - but alas only 2 could be achieved.

All other matches were rained-off. 

Wednesday 9th - the 1st X1 received a walk-over in the first round of the Masterton Trophy against Drummond Trinity who were unable to raise a side.

Sunday 6th - the 3rd X1 were up against Old Contemptibles at Inverleith in a match re-scheduled from Saturday.  Batting first the 3rd X1 were all out for 196 with Owen Small and Abraham van Aswegen both scoring 38 and Dave Napier with 37 were the pick of the batting.  Unfortunately wickets were very hard to come by as the Old Contemptibles passed the 3rd X1 score with only 2 wickets down.  Ric Clark has now stood down as the 3rd X1 on-field captain handing over the leadership to Owen Small and Dave Napier

Saturday 5th - the 1st X1 put on a very poor batting performance at Scroggie Park against Falkland.  All out for 83 in the 29th over, with Jimmy Moran top scoring with 32.  Only 1 wicket was taken in the Falkland innings as they won easily by 9 wickets in the 21st over.

The opening game of the season for 2nd X1 resulted in a heavy defeat by Westquarter at Inverleith.  The visitors were all out for 198, Andy Fenn 4 for 25 and James Crispin 2 for 39 were the main wicket takers.  The reply was a disappointing 91 with Craig Smith on debut making 15.

The 4th X1 beat Livingston by 2 wickets at Murieston.

APRIL

Saturday 28th - in the opening league fixture of the season the 1st X1 got off to a winning start against newly promoted Glasgow Accies at New Anniesland.  Accies with former SMRH players Andrew Dodson and Eddie Hunter in their ranks were all out for 106 - Andy Gamble 3 for 15 and Vishal Shah 3 for 26.   President Victor Coltherd lead the run chase top scoring with 30 and our new professional Tello Motsamai scoring 23 not out on debut.

In a rare Carlton 3rd X1 fixture at Grange Loan, the home team were all out for 170 on the last ball of their innings.  Debutant Richard Hannam took 3 for 27 and Dave Napier 3 for 29.  The SMRH's reply with only 10 men was 45 in 19 overs.

The 4th X1 won their opening match in Division 7 against West Lothian at Inverleith by 5 wickets.  West Lothian were all out for 105 with Michael Campbell 3 for 30.  Jamie Gordon set the batting standards with a match winning 65*, with Richard Bartsch supporting with 19..

The 2nd X1's match against Dunfermline Carnegie was postponed at their request, due to a Dunfermline player's wedding.

Saturday 21st - the 1st X1 played their second pre-season friendly against Heriots at Inverleith.  Heriots batting proved too strong scoring 251 for 8 with new faces this season Andy Gamble and Vishal Shah both taking 2 wickets each.  SMRH's reply was 88 all out with another new face, more known for his bowling, Robin Crouch top scoring with 26 not out.

The majority of the 4th X1, took on an even stronger Kismet side at Inverleith in the season's opening friendly match.  Kismet made a massive 315 for 5 and in reply SMRH were all out 87 with K Imran top scorer on 28.

Saturday 14th - as has there ever been a warmer day to start the cricket season?  The 1st X1 took on Carlton in a friendly fixture at Grange Loan in glorious warm weather.  The premiership side scored 256 for 7 from their 40 overs.  In reply SMRH were 59 for 8, but then there was a cricketing record with a 9th wicket stand of 96 between Jimmy Moran who made a fine 86 and Ross Mackay with 24.  This beat the previous record of 86 set 4 years ago in the corresponding fixture.  It also beat the Royal High record which had stood for nearly 98 years.

MARCH

In the 2nd series of matches against Boroughmuir and Musselburgh, the results were reversed.

SMRH scored 127 for 0 in their 8 overs, Andrew Davidson 30*, Jimmy Moran 29* and Andrew Brock 25*.  Boroughmuir replied with 60 for 5 with Matt Coyle taking 2 for 14.

In the crunch match with Musselburgh, SMRH failed to chase down the 78 runs required for victory, falling 3 runs short.  Andrew Davidson again top scoring with 37*, but the loss of early wickets was the problem.  Musselburgh therefore qualified for the semi-finals.

FEBRUARY

In the Club's first venture into the Indoor Sixes at the National Cricket Centre, SMRH overhauled the Musselburgh score of 119 for 5 thanks to Andrew Davidson with 27* and James Park 25*.

In the 2nd match of the evening, SMRH came unstuck against Boroughmuir by only making 61 for 5, with Andrew Davidson again scoring 27.  Boroughmuir passed the SMRH total relatively easily.

The same fixtures are repeated in the next round of games in early March.