STEWARTS MELVILLE ROYAL HIGH CRICKET CLUB DIARY OF THE SEASON - 2009

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 27th - Golf Outing time again for the annual playing of the Gully Tankard.

The results of the Stableford Competition held at Prestonfield were as follows -

1st - Craig Goold - 38pts (Better Inward Half)

2nd - Matt Coyle - 38pts

3rd - David Napier - 37 pts

Other scores included :

Stuart Foubister - 35pts (prize for leading Prestonfield 'host' member)

Jimmy Moran - 35pts

Nearest Pin 9th - Matt Coyle

Nearest Pin 13th - Jimmy Moran

Saturday 5th - Briefly time for reflection - the 1st X1 finished 9th in National League 2, with Prestwick relegated and are replaced by Kelburne in 2010, who won the play-off against Edinburgh Accies.

The 2nd X1 and 3rd X1 finished also in 9th place in East Division 4 and 7 respectively, and were both relegated.  There was a brief moment when they both could have been saved from the drop had Edinburgh Accies won the National League play-off - alas not to be.

AUGUST

Saturday 29th - the last day of the season.  The 1st X1 made the lengthy trip to Prestwick to find the match cancelled against the already relegated home team.

The 2nd X1 fielded one of their strongest teams of the season, in what was a must win game to have any hope of avoiding relegation to East Division 5.  Kirk Brae were bowled out for 151 at Inverleith with Andy Gamble 4 for 21 on an all too infrequent appearance during the summer, Adam McHoul 2 for 25 and Chas Butcher on his first appearance of the summer took 2 for 31.  The batting fell 23 runs short of victory, with Chris Bissett making 30.

The 3rd X1 match against West Lothian was cancelled due to the weather.

Saturday 22nd - Weirs were the visitors to Inverleith for the 1st X1's last home game of the season.  The 1st X1 were bowled out for a disappointing 153, after a very good start.  Mark Burgess led the way with an excellent 59, and a steady 25 from Rich Hannam followed, but too many low scores were recorded.  The bowlers were on form however with Robin Crouche taking 4 for 26 and Vishal Shah 3 for 24 as Weirs were bowled out for 90.

The 2nd X1 could only muster 8 men for Haddington - something now of a habit of failing to get a full eleven for this away trip.  There was no contest with the 2nd X1 out for 63 and Haddington winning by 10 wickets.

The 3rd X1 enjoyed a much better contest with RH Corstorphine, than the previous encounter earlier in the season.  This match went to the last over with Corstorphine winning by 1 wicket.  Earlier Logan Clarke top scored with 43 not out and Rich Bartsch made 33 in a total of 164 for 4.  Andrew Keith on a rare appearance took for 4 for 43, and Rich Bartsch and Logan Clarke 2 wickets each.

Saturday 15th - a wet day all games cancelled.

Thursday 13th - in the Trojans only fixture of the season against Scottish Widows, the visitors again proved too strong.  The Trojans made 105 for 8 in their 20 overs, with Jonathan Thomson top scoring with 23.  The visitors won by 7 wickets.

Saturday 8th - the 1st X1 were easily beaten by the league leaders Falkland by 8 wickets at Inverleith.  Batting first the 1st X1 were bowled out for 75 with Rich Hannam remaining unbeaten with 22 not out at the end of the innings.

The 2nd X1 unfortunately had to scratch their game with Townhill as they couldn't get enough players to travel to just past Dunfermline - this is probably the first time the Club have scratched from a game at this level.

The 3rd X1 also scratched their league fixture with Edinburgh, although enough were available to play a friendly at Inverleith.  James & David Gray rook 3 and 2 wickets respectively in the Edinburgh total of 182 for 9.  The match was later abandoned for rain with the 3rd X1 on 80 for 1 - Rich Bartsch 51 not out.

Saturday 1st - Corstorphine were the visitors at Inverleith for the 1st X1 fixture.  The visitors were restricted to 158 for 9, with Vishal Shah taking 5 wickets (something of a rarity these days) for 42 runs.  The batting in reply was disappointing, all out 78.

The 2nd X1 match away to this year's 100th birthday boys Dunfermline Carnegie at Pitreavie was cancelled due to the weather.

The 3rd X1 achieved an easy victory against Largo 3rd X1 at Inverleith, who were bowled out for 48 - although they took a lot of overs.  Eddie Jones took 3 for 15 and James Park and Rich Bartsch took 2 wickets each.  The run chase was relatively quick in this 8 wicket victory.

JULY

Saturday 25th - a very good result for the 1st X1, easing relegation worries away to Freuchie.  The home team were bowled out for 109, with Vishal Shah 3 for 16 and 2 wickets each for Matt Coyle, Andrew Brock and Robin Crouche.  Both Andrew Davidson and Vishal Shah got into the 20s, as the 1st X1 posted a 6 wicket victory.

The 2nd X1 followed up, the 1st X1 success versus a Fife team, with a handsome 10 wicket win against Broomhall at Inverleith.  Chris McGuire with 3 for 22 and James Crispin 3 for 31 were the pick of the bowlers in the Broomhall total of 84.  Jamie Duguid 42 not out and Victor Coltherd 34 not out got the runs for the 2nd X1.

The Hallhill Healthy Living Centre at Dunbar was certainly very healthy in the runs, in the first appearance at this ground of a SMRH side.  Logan Clarke smashed 137 not out, and Andrew Macqueen on comeback made 36 and Eddie Jones made 27 in a total of 238 for 9.  The home team were up for the chase and got home by 4 wickets with a few overs to spare.

Saturday 18th - perhaps to the surprise of many the 1st X1 match went ahead against West Lothian after some very heavy rain overnight on Friday evening.  The visitors made 200 for 5 after 48 overs - match reduced due to a slightly delayed start.  There were a number of non availabilities this weekend, and as a result the weakened batting line up could only make 114 in reply.  Again Rich Hannam with 27 provided resistance helped by skipper Matt Coyle with 18 in the lower order.

The 2nd X1 played were up against Clackmannan County at the Arns with the match being played on the artificial wicket and reduced to 40 overs due to the weather.  The home team made 208 for 6 with 2 wickets for Craig Goold and Alan Massie on debut, but a lack of a 5th bowler and a 11th fielder didn't help the cause.  The batting reply was somewhat disappointing - Vic Coltherd the top scorer with 23.

The 3rd X1 were playing the corresponding fixture against Clackmannan at Inverleith where the visitors made 172 for 9. Ed Jones had 3 for 38 and Logan Clarke and Ashish Vakil 2 wickets each.  A poor start to the batting at 13 for 3, but with Dave Napier a career best 46 not out and Logan Clarke 30, gave some hope but wickets fell quickly again towards the end with the 3rd X1 32 runs short of victory.

Sunday 12th - the second road trip of the weekend took the 1st X1 to Broughty Ferry to play Forfarshire in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup.  A delayed start, match reduced to 32 overs a side due to rain, then the 1st X1 were 0 for after 3 balls and 2 for 4 in the 3rd over.  Some resistance from Rich Hannam helped get the score to 76 all out which Forfarshire passed easily to win by 7 wickets.

Saturday 11th - a lot of travelling for the 1st X1 this weekend beginning with Dunfries today.  The home team batted first and made 241 for 6 with Vishal Shah the best of the bowlers with 2 for 32.  In reply SMRH were all out for 150 with Jonny Brock top scorer with 25.

The 2nd X1 achieved a much needed victory, winning by 2 wickets against Watsonians at Inverleith.  Set 214 to win, it was the youth of day in Jamie Duguid 68 and Ross Samson with 41, leading the run chase against the city rivals.

The 3rd X1 were at Fauldhouse where they made 149 for 9 - James Gray 53 not out.  Ashish Vakil took 2 for 28 but Fauldhouse played a steady reply to win by 5 wickets.

Saturday 4th - and a very convincing win for the 1st X1 against Renfrew at Inverleith.  In 1st X1 total of 232 for 6, Andrew Davidson made 49, Pete Dunbar 40, Andrew Brock 38 and Jimmy Moran 37 not out.  Renfrew in reply were all out for 68 with Robin Crouche 3 for 7 and Andrew Brock 3 for 14.

The 2nd X1 just fell short of the Dunfermline total by 4 runs at McKane Park.  James Crispin & Craig Goold took 3 wickets each in the Dunfermline innings and in the run chase Stephen Ditchfield stood out with a fine knock of 68 and Steve Kerr agonisingly out late on for a fighting 32.

Runs galore in the 3rd X1 against Dalgety Bay at Inverleith.  The visitors set up a total of 268 for 4 with Murray Forbes on 142 not out.  However a superb run chase with Robert Marrs on 71 not out, Mike Stalley 63 and Logan Clarke and Mihir Modi both with 30 runs each, helped set up an unlikely victory by 4 wickets.

JUNE

Saturday 28th - the 1st X1 got that much needed victory against fellow strugglers Prestwick at Inverleith, who were bowled out for 121.  Rich Hannam with 3 for 17, and Matt Coyle and Robin Crouch with 2 wickets each.  The 1st X1 won by 5 wickets with Andrew Brock 44 and Andrew Davidson 28 the top scorers.

The 2nd X1 lost to Kirk Brae by 81 runs in a match reduced to 30 overs a side at Double Hedges.  James Crispin took 2 for 32 in the Kirk Brae total of 175 for 3.  Vic Coltherd was the best batsman with 30 as the 2nd X1 could only make 94 in reply.

The 3rdX1 thought better of the weather and their match was cancelled against West Lothian.

Sunday 21st - and Scottish Cup 1st round against near neighbours Edinburgh Accies, who now play in East Division 1, at Newfield.  Runs at last!  An opening stand of 170 between Pete Dunbar (98) and Greg Bissett (52) set the tone for a big score and paved the way for Jimmy Moran to play himself back into form with a blistering 79 in the last 10 overs.   It always looked a winning score, although Andrew Cosh for the Accies scored 103 in their total of 220 all out.  There were 2 wickets each for Vishal Shah, Rich Hannam, Matt Coyle and Adam McHoul.

Saturday 20th - and the first of some very important games for the 1st X1 as they fight for league survival begins.  Weirs at Albert Park proved too strong winning by 105 runs.  Andrew Brock took 4 for 48 and Rich Hannam 2 for 42 in the Weirs total of 243 for 8.  Again, the batting was disappointing this time all out for 138, with Vishal Shah, Pete Dunbar and Andrew Davidson all getting over 20.

The 2nd X1 were up against Haddington at Inverleith, and visitors batting first were bowled out for 191.  There were many bowlers, but it was the late introduction of Mark Burgess, relieved from wicket keeping duties, as the 7th bowler who then took 5 for 32.  Colin Brown bowling at somewhat slower pace than normal took 2 for 20 late on as well.  The batting reply was disappointing - Mark Burgess made 39 but there were no other major contributions in the final total of 126 all out.

RH Corstorphine 3rd X1 were much too strong for the 3rd X1 at Banghom.  They made 281 for 7, with batsman S Hoffman making 181 of them.  The reply unfortunately was a lowly 60.

Saturday 13th - a very disappointing batting display by the 1st X1 against Edinburgh at Inverleith.  At one point 5 for 4, then 32 for 7, got to 100 all out thanks to some later resistance from Sam Nelson 36 and Matt Coyle 18.  Never a defendable target as Edinburgh raced to victory by 6 wickets.

The 2nd X1 set a target of 187 for 5 against Edinburgh University Staff at Peffermill, with Rich Hannam out for 96, Stephen Parker 33 and Steve Kerr 25.  However, the lack of full 11 fielders and the large outfield allowed the home team to accumulate the reply well, winning in the 39th over in a match reduced to 40 overs due some heavy rain showers.

The 3rd X1 set a massive target of 305 for 5 against Marchmont 2nd X1 at Inverleith.  Michael Stalley contributed a superb108 not out, Rich Bartsch 80 and Ed Jones 40.  Marchmont contributed a spirited reply of 175, with man of the match Michael Stalley taking 3 for 24.

Saturday 6th - the 1st X1 gave a useful bowling & fielding performance to restrict the league leaders Falkland to 213 for 8 50 overs at Scroggie Park, with Chris McGuire and Andrew Brock 2 wickets each.  In reply a middle order collapse effectively killed the run chase, although some spirited late order batting from Jonny Brock with a well made 32 and some good hitting from Mark Burgess with 26 got the total in reply to 155.

There are some photos of the Falkland innings, 1st X1 bowling/fielding here - http://www.cricketscotland.com/image/tid/36523

The 2nd X1 were too strong for Townhill at Inverleith where the experience of Victor Coltherd with 62 and Colin Brown on 49 not out eased the team home by 8 wickets, having restricted Townhill to 143 for 9.  Rich Hannam took 3 for 33 and both James Crispin and Abby Mehta took 2 for 17.

The 3rd X1 enjoyed a high scoring match with Edinburgh at Campbell Park.  Edinburgh were all out for 213 with Logan Clarke taking 4 for 18 and Ashish Vakil 4 for 50.  In the run chase Logan Clarke again on form with 57, and all of Mihir Modi, Rich Bartsch and Ashish Vakil making 22, but alas the 3rd X1 were 21 runs short, but got loads of points.

Thursday 4th - in the 2nd round of the Masterton Trophy, the 1st X1 made 99 for 8 in their 20 overs, with Sam Nelson top scoring with 23.  However, the strong Carlton team were comfortable winners by 8 wickets, with Robin Crouche taking both of the wickets.

MAY

Saturday 30th - a disappointing batting performance from the 1st X1 as they were bowled out for 107 against RH Corstorphine at Barnton.  The home team won by 5 wickets with Vishal Shah taking 2 for 16.  A few more runs might have made all the difference.

The 2nd X1 faced up to this year's centenary club Dunfermline Carnegie at Inverleith.  Restricting the opposition to 153 for 6, opened the way for Rich Hannam with 53 not out and Vic Coltherd with 33 to see the team home by 4 wickets.

The 3rd X1 were at Station Park, St Andrews for their match against Largo.  Rich Bartsch (70) and David Gray (46) got the side of to a flyer, but some unfortunate run outs meant the final score of 160 was less then expected at one point.  Largo won by 4 wickets with Rich Bartsch taking 2 for 37.

Tuesday 26th - in the 1st round of the Masterton Trophy, the 1st X1 played Stenhousemuir at the Tryst for the second season running.  Revenge this time round in a match reduced to 15 overs a side.  Batting first Greg Bissett top scored with 44 not out in a total of 96 for 5.  Stenhousemuir finished 23 runs short losing 4 wickets in the process, with 1 wicket each for Vishal Shah, Andrew Brock, Nick Barron and Rich Hannam.

Saturday 23rd - Against the 1st X1, Freuchie amassed 277 for 8, with Sam Nelson achieving the best bowling figures of 3 for 58.  The reply was a only 115 all out with Greg Bissett top scorer with 38 not out.

The 2nd X1 made a first ever visit to Broomhall at the Cairns, Charlestown.  Batting first SMRH were all out 164 with Colin Brown 33 not out, Chris McGuire 31 and Steve Kerr 28 the top scorers.  Broomhall won by 4 wickets, with James Crispin returning bowling figures of 2 for 33.

The 3rd X1 bowled out new opponents Dunbar for 150 at Inverleith, with Jack Foley 3 for 34, Ashish Vakil 2 for 13 and Rob Styles 2 for 26.  Early on SMRH were 7 for 3, but with Logan Clarke making 67 and James Gray 35, the 3rd X1 got home by 3 wickets for their first win of the season.

Saturday 16th - the 1st X1 got their first league win of the season at Boghall against West Lothian.  Batting first the 1st X1 were all out for 164, thanks to a splendid knock of 85 from Andrew Davidson.  West Lothian were then bowled out for 137, thanks mainly to their tail enders batting with the pro.  At one time they were 60 for 8.  Vishal Shah took 4 for 11.

A weak 2nd X1 were no match for Clackmannan County who made 260 for 6 at Inverleith at the end of 45 overs.  SMRH all out 53!

With many 3rd X1 players in the 2nd X1, the 3rd X1 had to scratch against Clackmannan County 2nd X1.

Saturday 9th - a very wet Saturday, although somewhat surprisingly the 1st X1 made a start at 1.40pm with a 45 over game.  Dumfries were asked to bat first, but play was abandoned after the 3rd over with the score at 13 for 0.

The 2nd and 3rd X1s were cancelled due to the rain.

Saturday 2nd - and the League season begins.  First rain as well, causing the cancellation of the 1st X1 match against Renfrew at King George V Park.

The 2nd X1 got off to a winning start and indeed record breaking start.  Dunfermline were bowled out for 290 with Craig Goold 3 for 40 and both James Crispin and Rich Hannam 2 wickets each.  An incredible run chase followed with the 2nd X1 winning by 5 wickets with 3 balls to spare in the gathering gloom.  Duncan Logan with 91 and Rich Hannam 86 put on a 2nd X1 record partnership of 180 for the 3rd wicket, and James Crispin helped secure victory with 26 not out.  The team total of 291 for 5 was the highest ever by the SMRH 2nd X1.  The match also featured for the second week running match 'extras' of over 100!

The 3rd X1 away match against Dalgety Bay was at the Meadows. The 'home' team made 172 for 6 with Ashish Yakil 3 for 39 and Aditya Sharma 2 for 32 returning the best bowling figures.  SMRH were all out for 90, with Rich Bartsch making 44.  A win therefore for Dalgety Bay by 82 runs.

APRIL

Saturday 25th - the 1st X1 visit Goldenacre for an early season friendly against Heriots, who batted first and made 252 for 8 in 50 overs.  Matt Coyle took 3 for 49, Robin Crouche back from the now sadly defunct Perthshire club 3 for 47 and Sam Nelson 2 for 40.  In reply Jimmy Moran made 45, Sam Nelson 42 and Greg Bissett 26 in a total of 223 for 9, falling 29 runs short of the Heriots total.  One statistical highlight of the day was the 'extras' match total of 101 - SMRH 37 versus Heriots 64 including 41 wides!

Saturday 18th - the season begins at Inverleith where the 1st X1 beat Stewarts Melville College.