Wildcats Lose to Carlton in Final League Fixture
The Wildcats completed their fixtures for the season on Monday evening with a disappointing loss to Carlton in a game dominated by good bowling by both teams.
Carlton U13s 82 for 6 v Watsonian Wildcats 70 for 9
Skipper, Jamie Cousin lost the toss, and Carlton elected to bat first on a hard and true wicket. Adam Hastings bowled an encouraging maiden for the first over of the match followed by an excellent wicket taking second over by Mattie Henderson, who went on to take another wicket in his second spell. The Carlton batsmen weathered the opening storm well, without scoring freely, but gradually managed to increase the scoring rate as they settled in.
Calum Young and Ali Middleton replaced the opening attack and still managed to exert some pressure on the scoring rate, but were unable to dismiss the excellent Harris Aslam who eventually retired having scored 30. Ali, in particular, bowled well taking two wickets, exposing the Carlton middle order to Jamie Cousin and the two opening bowlers who came back to complete their four over spells.
The final 6 – 8 overs were miserly, with the Carlton batsmen finding it very difficult to score runs against a fielding side who backed up the bowlers with some excellent fielding and catching, following the lead of Jack Hewitt, who took two terrific catches and looked the part behind the stumps.
Carlton finished on a total of 82 for 6, a score we would have taken at the start of their innings. Worth noting that we bowled 10 wides, more of which later.
Adam Hastings was promoted to “pinch hit” at the top of the Wildcat’s innings allowing Rory Evans to play his normal game. After hitting the Carlton opener, Euan Everett straight back over his head for a crashing 4, Adam was LBW soon after (with a sore foot), bringing Ali Middleton to the middle.
Having seen off the opening bowlers, Carlton decided it was time to introduce the spinners. This was the turning point of the match, as the leg spin of man of the match, Harris Aslam and the slow left arm of Mitchell, totally mesmerised the Wildcats middle order. With their six overs giving up only 13 runs, the pressure of not scoring also saw us losing four wickets during the best bowling spells I have seen all season.
Now behind the scoring rate and with few wickets left, it was always going to be difficult for the remaining Wildcats batsmen to win the match. Stoddart, Bryce, Cousin and Jones all perished in a desperate attempt to salvage the match and it looked all but over until Mattie Henderson arrived at the crease with different ideas. Along with Calum Hilton, who was run out trying to add another important run, and Jack Hewitt who scampered between the wickets, Mattie whacked a quick 12 not out but eventually ran out of balls, leaving the Wildcats on a final score of 70 for 9.
At the end, we had lost by 12 runs, probably due to some high class spin bowling, but a reminder that we bowled 10 wides to Carltons 1 wide. Plus of course any runs they scored off the extra balls – it would have been very close!!!!!!!
Coaching point from the match – try to get as much practice against spin bowling as you can. It is an area of the game which is often lost at the younger age levels. I know, as I never practiced hard against spinners and as Jamie Cousin will confirm, I still can’t play them having witnessed firsthand my dreadful dismissal recently for the 3rd XI – you guys are not alone.
So the season finishes on a disappointing note, but as I said to the team after the game, they have all had a great season with a record of Played 11 Won 7 Tied 1 Lost 3. Whilst it is great to win, it is as important to have some fun and enjoy the great game of cricket. Personally, I have certainly had great fun and enjoyed my time with a great bunch of young cricketers who I’m sure will all go far.
However, becoming good cricketers usually does not happen by accident and it takes a lot of hard work to become a better player. Work hard at training and nets, Winter and Summer, and make as much use of the coaching we can give you at Watsonians. Who knows, some of you could be playing for the Saltires within 5-6 years, under the current Saltires Captain, Gordon Drummond, who kindly came down to watch last night’s game.
Thanks to all the parents who have supported the team through the season and assisted with transport when required. Also to Keith Stoddart for running the Wasps team successfully and quietly accepting my late requests for players from the Wasps when the Wildcats have had late call offs.
And finally, special thanks to Mike Cousin, who has looked after the team when I have not been around and taken on the scoring duties at most of the matches.
Enjoy what remains of the Summer.
Steve Lockhart
