Match Report – Saturday 4th May, 2019

MELROSE CC vs EDINBURGH UNI STAFF

Melrose looked to start the season in winning ways, after the disappointment of a first game washout. Having won the toss and electing to bowl, Melrose started strong with Josh Loftus picking up a wicket in his first over and Thomas Brown (making his triumphant return from a sabbatical last season) also claiming an early wicket. Edin Uni staff recovered from the early wickets and began to build a steady partnership that took them to the drinks break past the 50 mark. It was a quiet passage of play for Melrose with some good batting thwarting Rowan Williams and Duncan Howard’s best efforts at breaking the partnership. Rowan Williams eventually broke the partnership just after the drinks break. He then brought Thomas Brown back into the attack. This proved to be an inspired bit of captaincy with the big fella claiming two wickets in 3 overs. Meanwhile from the other end Josh Loftus also picked up another 2 well deserved wickets. Michael Rogerson and Connor Young were then brought into the attack. Rogerson picked up his first wicket of the season while Young was unfortunately denied his first wicket for Melrose thanks to Euan “safe hands“ Lindsay dropping a catch. Some sharp fielding by a no doubt, very hungry Will Owen wrapped up the Edin Uni staff innings for 103 all out.

Melrose did not start well however with Mr Owen being dismissed for 4. Thanks to some good bowling two more quick wickets fell leaving Melrose 7-3. A quick fire 15 by Connor Young was enough to help Melrose struggle to 32-4, but when he was dismissed Josh Loftus and Thomas Brown were left with a job on their hands. Brown dug in and ground out a patient 12 while Loftus played brilliantly for his 43, including two sixes and numerous 4s. After a near 50 run partnership Edin uni staff picked up the wicket of Brown. Unfortunately the wicket of Loftus also fell soon after however a very well played 14 not out by Michael Rogerson and Rowan Williams holding up the other end was enough for Melrose to pick up a 2 wicket victory.