Cricket Scotland U15 Schools’ Cup

Merchiston U15s 178-2 (20 overs)

Cargilfield U13s 87-7 (20 overs)

Lost by 92 runs

This was the 2^nd year that we have entered the U15 Schools’ Cup, and it is an important part of our players’ cricketing development that we do. Playing against older boys means the result is never going to matter, but playing on better pitches, against older and more experienced opponents tests your technique, your mental fortitude and makes you a better player. The age difference was exacerbated even more this year, with only three Form 8 boys in the side but, still, our young team stood up to the challenge really well over at Merchiston on what was a gloriously sunny and warm Spring afternoon, which made a change from the past two Sundays when we have been at Merchston and almost had frost bite!

We bowled first, and bowlers were restricted to four overs maximum. Edward and Jamie opened proceedings and both pitched the ball up, causing the older Merchiston batsmen a few problems, with just the odd loose ball which they were quick to latch on to. Edward got the first wicket in his 2^nd over, which left them 25-1 after 4 overs – a more than respectable start. The bowlers were backed up by much improved fielding, and we coped well with the right and left handed batsmen with Edward moving his field really well. Jamie Mack and Miguel were our next two bowlers and after Jamie struggled to find his length initially, he came back well and bowled some excellent deliveries, whilst Miguel bowled with great control and he bowled his four over spell in one go and got their best batsman caught at mid off by Jamie for 45. It was an impressive spell of 4-0-31-1, considering he is just 12! Thereafter, Hamish, Oliver and Geordie all bowled pretty well before Edward and Jamie came back to finish off the innings and we restricted Merchiston to 178-2 off their 20 overs which was a more than respectable effort and the boys deserve a huge amount of credit for sticking at it, maintaining high standards in the field and not being overawed by playing against older boys. A fine effort indeed. A mention for Jack behind the stumps who had an excellent game, moving his feet much better and conceding far fewer byes than last week – keep working hard!

Our aim was to bat out the 20 overs of our innings. There was no possibility of getting the runs, but spending time out in the middle against boys who bowl faster and more accurately than those at U13 level, can only improve our cricket and I was keen to find out whether we had the focus, courage and technique to bat through.

James and Hamish opened the batting and both were unfazed by the fast bowling that headed their way. Hamish hit a couple of good shots in the 14 balls he faced before he played back to a ball he should have played forward to and was bowled, and Edward followed soon after, playing across a straight one. This brought in Arlo to join James and although both struggled to score, they played very watchfully, James facing 28 balls for his 5, and Arlo showed real graft against a good left arm spinner, scoring just 4 runs but faced 26 balls which showed excellent concentration and application, playing each ball on its merit. His forward defensive was immaculate against accurate bowling and it was good to see him valuing his wicket. The innings of the day was played by Jamie W who played a terrific innings, scoring 32 in 20 balls: he hit some sumptuous shots both straight and square of the wicket, as well as defending resolutely when the ball was straight, and he forced the Merchiston fielders to spread to all corners of the boundary which was some achievement. He fell LBW with still a couple of overs left and it was left to Miguel and Geordie to see us through to the end of our 20 overs with the score ending up on 87 for 7.

The whole team can take enormous pride for the way that they performed this afternoon. It was an excellent game of cricket, played in a good spirit by both teams and it was credit to our boys that Merchiston showed great respect for our bowling when batting and also struggled to get wickets when we batted.

Next up, Strathallan this afternoon, then Dollar on Saturday, followed by the Glenalmond 6s on Sunday. What a time to be at school and playing cricket!