Apologies for the delayed update, due to holidays and webmaster slovenliness! Nevertheless, as of the most recent match day, Saturday 15th July, Melrose CC are at the top of ESCA Division 5, with three other teams perhaps in contention for the top two promotion spots.
Saturday 24th June (vs Carlton 4)
“Melrose went into the game slight favourites, fresh of the back of some good form and sitting top of the league. Nonetheless Josh and his boys were mentally prepared for a tough day at the office, and that is exactly what they got. Melrose won the toss, and elected to field first with the hope of really taking the game to their opponents. The opening encounters were tense, with both T. Brown and S.Hosny having stellar spells. Brown in particular looked extremely fired up, and it was evident he was on a mission. As the gusty wind tussled with his ever-receding hairline, T. Brown stormed down the pitch and bowled the opening batsman with an absolute corker of a delivery, clipping the top of off-stump. The fielding was tight, but unfortunately for R. Brett he took the whole “body on the line for the team” approach a tad seriously, and ended up having to leave the field of play through injury. This resulted in local personality and cricket journeyman C. Howard being drafted into the field, much to the delight of his team. Melrose continued the pressure but the batsmen began to frustrate the bowlers. A couple of 50/50 chances went begging, and it was evident the grip Melrose had on the game began to slip away. Nonetheless, in the last 10 overs the fightback resumed, with Melrose picking up a few key wickets through D. Crawford and some sharp fielding. Carlton finished their batting innings on 163-5 and with everything to play for.
“After a splendid tea, consisting of carbs, calories and cakes, W. Owen and veteran overseas import C. Green were sent out to bat. Desperate to ensure that his mum’s cake was not his biggest contribution to the game, W Owen was eager to score well. He started brightly, before a slip in concentration cost him his wicket. C. Green orchestrated a typical methodical batting display, scoring 40 before being dismissed. Further solid contributions from B.Scott and R. Williams chipped away at Carlton’s score, and put Melrose in a slightly more commanding position going into the last 10 overs. However, the premature dismissals of J. Loftus and T. Brown sent shockwaves through the team and the pessimistic supporters in the crowd began to murmur the possibility of defeat. However, there was no need to fear as S. Hosny and D. King managed to steer the team to victory in the 38th Over. Cometh the hour, cometh the men. All in all, It was a grand victory for the boys.”
Melrose v Carlton 4
Carlton 4 (9) : 163 for 5 in 40 overs.
K Whitaker 57, A Murray 48
Melrose (20) : 164 for 7 in 38.2 overs.
C Green 40, H Simpson 2 for 31, S Khan 2 for 33
Melrose beat Carlton 4 by 3 wkts
Saturday 1st July (vs Kirk Brae 2)
Match cancelled due to rain and a washed out pitch.
Saturday 8th July (vs Watsonian 3)
A cracking game against a much stronger Watsonian team than earlier in the season, but a convincing victory for Melrose, particularly notable for a strong all-round performance by Dougie Crawford, and excellent bowling spells by Darren King and Thomas Brown.
Melrose v Watsonians 3
Watsonians 3 (4) : 100 all out in 36.5 overs.
D King 4 for 15, D Crawford 2 for 7
Melrose (20) : 101 for 4 in 27.2 overs.
D Crawford 33*, R High 3 for 20
Melrose beat Watsonians 3 by 6 wkts
Saturday 15th July (vs Tranent & Preston Village)
Match cancelled on a dreich day where indoors was definitely a better place to be!
Standings at the time of writing:
Melrose Cricket Club 