In the early hours of the morning on Sunday 29th August, a man by the same name, now university qualified, just a tad more mature but still as scruffy as ever staggered out of Myreside with a fine Watsonian career behind him.

A lot could and has been said about Ross Paxton over his career at Myreside and the response to a request for stories to some of his cricketing colleagues over the years proves both the high regard that everyone has held him in and also the brilliant way in which he has managed to unintentionally entertain everyone.

What did the ‘P-Man’ bring to Myreside?

You would have to go a long way to meet an individual more committed and passionate about cricket than Ross, usually the first one at training during the week and almost certainly was one of the squad with the most ideas on how we can improve and what we should be doing.

Looking back Ross may well admit he is not always been right but he’s never been shy of an idea and his boundless enthusiasm for the club and the game of cricket was always the thing that impressed the most.

A truly unique individual Ross always strived to be the most inventive batsman at the club and he also appeared to try to re-model his bowling action most winters to try to make sure he was at top the of his game. Admittedly not everything that Ross tried actually worked but most importantly he always kept on trying and worked hard to improve his game.

I was coaching an indoor under 13s nets session with Ross during the winter when he received the phone call offering him a job in London and I instantly knew that the club would be losing a great servant and someone who had become a big character at Myreside.

Ross Paxton’s record in the SNCL over the past five seasons is as follows

SNCL Bowling Stats

Overs – 641.4

Maidens – 62

Runs – 2420

Wickets – 88

Average – 27.5

Best – 5-26

5 Wickets in a Match – Twice

Economy – 3.77

SNCL Batting Stats

Matches – 82

Innings – 53

Not Out – 19

Runs – 481

Highest Score – 33

Average – 14.147

Add in the 9 wickets that Ross took in the Scottish Cup for ‘Sonians over 5 seasons then he finishes his Myreside career with 97 wickets in 50 over competitions, maybe he’ll come back one day and get to 100 (and improve his batting average!). ‘Note from WebAdmin’ – When we get the time Rosco we’ll work out your Masterton Trophy stats too, you must of taken enough wickets to push you over the 100 wickets in competitive action!

P-Man Memories

There are of course many stories on Ross Paxton that we just can’t print on this website but most of the below are stories and memories from people who remember the entertainment Ross bought to them on the field of play.

The following stories and quotes from his fellow ‘Sonians prove that Ross was certainly a character!

The Heriots number 5 batsman walks in and P-Man pipes up “you’re the worst number 5 batsman in the league”, the batsman then goes on to immediately hit a straight drive for six over the bowlers head!

“P-Man never being able to catch a cricket ball and stay on his two feet. He loves a dive!”

P-Man clapping and saying “good shot” after the batsman has hit him for a half volley for six

P-Man quote to Andy Delmont “it just gets frustrating that I can’t be everywhere in the field and field my own bowling. Because you know I am the best fielder in the team and I can’t be everywhere”.

“Paigey can I open the batting?….Paigey I think I should open the bowling today?”

When P-Man bowls a short long hop and yells “awwwwww Ross” before the batsman has even hit the ball

Early in P-Man’s Watsonian career he was driving up to Sunday Winter Nets at GWC and had a accident on the way. He arrives announcing “this has been the worst day of my life, the girlfriend has dumped me and now I have crashed the car”. Ross’ day didn’t improve as James Easton proceeded to smash one out the nets and hit him flush on the head!!

The time he celebrated a catch at Stenhousemuir by flinging it miles over his shoulder… It ended up in a thick gorse bush… LOST BALL!!!

P-Man Lap Sweeping onto his own head… 

P-Man fielding on the fence at Myreside in 2010, the ball gets hit his way, he then attacks the ball, proceeds to scream “get off the fence” out loud, only to fumble the ball and give away two, priceless!

“I love the P-Mans Monty Panesar-esque wicket celebrations, his wheeling off to short third man away from the team huddle has been taken to new levels this year!”

“Roomy Roomy Roomy” – Paxton’s wicket celebration at Grange when Raj Routray (his new flat mate) took a catch at long off.

Ross took what looked like a comfortable catch on the boundary when he was infact standing on the wrong side of the boundary and signalled 6 immediately after taking the catch.

P-Man leaping like a salmon to catch Paul Hoffman on the fence last year when the ball was in fact straight to him.

The wife-beater vests (or in fact many of the outfits) he insisted on wearing for the majority of training sessions.

A finally, in his last ever game at Myreside the mobile phone call Ross had to make to get someone to rescue him from being locked in the toilet during the ‘Sonians innings. Being locked in the toilet will now forever be known at Myreside as ‘Doing a Paxton’

From everyone connected with Watsonian Cricket, thanks for the memories Rosco!!!!

Pres

….and a little update from Ross Paxton who started with his new club East Molesey CC last weekend along with another 2010 ‘Sonian George Cairns.

Ross top scored with 29* and returned figures of 2-20 from his five overs in a narrow loss in Division One of the Surrey Championship.

To see the scorecard of P-Man’s debut click here

A very brief and high level view of 2009 shows that the 1st XI finished eighth position in the SNCL Premier Division, the 2nd XI whilst finishing in sixth place in East League Division One had to win on the final day to ensure they stayed in the ESCA top flight and the 3rd XI propped up their division recording just two wins.

One year on and at the end of season 2010 it’s important that we cast our eyes back on what all of us who make up Watsonian Cricket Club have achieved.

Starting right at the top, the success of the club on the field this year has been a pleasure to see.

Since the first National Premier League first came into play in 1999 the highest finishing position of the club was 7th in 2001, this year we’ve blown that out of the water with a 2nd place finish that all at the club can be extremely proud of.

The Second XI too have had a remarkable year, the ESCA Division One title was won by our 2s for the first time, in fact matching the record of our First XI who won the same title in 1976 (the Kim Hughes Year). Whilst previous honours for the Second XI have including winning the Grade A (2nd XI Title) in 1959 (shared with RHS FP), 1961, 1965, 1975 (shared with Stenhousemuir), 1978, 1987, 1998 and the President’s Trophy in 2008 this title is all the more special given the quality of competition including clubs 1st XI’s and of course other talented SNCL clubs 2nd XI’s.

The Third XI should also be commended for the stabling the ship, it’s been a tough couple of seasons in reality and as can be seen throughout the East Leagues the danger of following up one bad season with another is only too common. What the 3s did this year was win crucial games and should remember that fostering that spirit and winning mentality in future seasons will see them progress. The 3s have also given a first view to senior cricket to countless numbers of our colts, they are the future of Watsonian Cricket and some of the individual performances from our youths this year have been highly encouraging.

A big thanks from all at the club must go to the three Senior XI’s Captains on their hard work throughout the season. I’m sure you will all echo the thanks we must give to Steve Paige, David Breach and Oliver Gaywood.

It has also been a big year for Youth Cricket at Myreside. At the back end of 2009 the club took a long look at the work we were doing in Youth Development and tried to understand how it worked, how it should work and what we needed to do to make it better.

The first step was ensuring we had a structure that fitted what we were trying to and some simple but effective changes were made, it all sounds very easy however the club as a whole are indebted to the countless hours (day/weeks/months) of hard work that has been put in by many individuals, no more so than Simon Counsell and Michael Brown. It’s true that we have had significant success in 2010 in Youth Cricket but it’s clear we are only starting to scratch at the surface and we are at the start of a very long journey here, everyone has a part to play and can help in some way to ensure that WCC are at the forefront of Youth Cricket and our community. Still what the club has done in this space is a massive achievement for 2010.

It has been great to see countless Watsonians receiving international and representative honours in 2010. Ryan Flannigan and Ewan Chalmers have led the way in 2010 pulling on the Scotland shirt on numerous occasions, whilst they have also joined Stuart Chalmers in the Scotland A Squad that is now known as the ‘Scotland Lions’. New ‘Sonian Paddy Sadler who joined the club from RH Corstorphine in the winter led his young Scotland side to the European title and through the first stage of qualification to the next Under 19 World Cup, Paddy was joined by Pete Legget in the squad coached by the now Myreside loving Craig Wright and both of them had superb tournaments.

Chris Cash took up the role of vice captain of Scotland Under 15s and had a decent tournament with the ball as he won his second successive title (and Scotland’s third in row) at the Under 15 European Championships. Paddy Baker captained the Eastern Academy who took part in the East League Division One this year, Paddy led a side that often included 3 ‘Sonians to a third place finish in the league. Another fine set of performances and the glimpses the club have seen of Paddy this year show that he has a role to play in the future of Watsonian Cricket.

On a domestic front, Stuart Chalmers finished as the SNCL Premier Division’s top wicket taker with 34 scalps and was one of 3 ‘Sonians in the top flight’s top 20 wicket takers.

In a 2nd XI fixture in Glenrothes in May Club Records Tumbled as Richard Crosby joined George Cairns at the crease. First they broke the record partnership for any wicket when they passed the mark set in 1996 of 259, and by the time Crosby was out from the penultimate ball of the innings their partnership stood at a staggering 290 runs. 4 further runs were added off the final ball (which included a no ball) as the 2nd XI finished their 50 overs on a club record and a mammoth score of 383-3.

The partnership of 290 beat that of the previous mark of a 259 unbeaten partnership between Herzberg (142*) and Fowler (109*) in 1996 against Glasgow Accies, a game in which current ‘Sonians club vice captain Euan Stubbs played for the opposition.

That previous record partnership was soon push down from second to third place in the all time stats as Crosby again hit his highest club score of 163 in partnership with Mark Yellowlees (91) they racked up a stand of 269 at Grange Loan in the final 2s game of the season.

In June and in what turned out to be one the of the 3rd XI’s crucial fixtures, 3s Captain Oliver Gaywood took 7 for 25 against Edinburgh Accies which proved to be one of the individual highlights of the season bettering Paddy Sadler’s 7 for 28 for the 1st XI at Myreside against Heriots in the Scottish Cup.

By July and August the First XI had gone on such a good run that meant we started to run out of benches at the boundaries edge. Bob, Joe and John Martin who were all crouching round the boundary edge while the new balcony work was being completed had to jostle for a seat as ‘Sonians came out of the woodwork to support the team. No more notable supporters turned up a Myreside though than two former Australian professionals who following stints at Myreside in the 70’s and 80’s went on to represent their countries. Firstly at the home fixture versus the National Academy 1976 Watsonian and former Aussie Test Captain Kim Hughes was at the boundaries edge and talked to some of the 1st XI while the 1981 Pro and 11 times capped Test leg spinner Bob Holland was a guest at the Honorary Vice Presidents and Club Sponsors Tea when the 1s took on West of Scotland.

Another one of the biggest successes this season has the club’s new look website launched in December 2009, the site has seen high levels of traffic and receives an average of 100 hits per day. It has certainly helped bring ‘Sonians news and views to the world and as an accolade in April the club won the first ever Cricket Scotland Website of the Month Award. Thanks to the WebMaster Ollie Gaywood for all his hard work and to the regular contributors of match reports for all senior and junior XI’s that have helped make this a success.

Also in April ‘Sonians Fitness Sessions hit the web headlines with club fitness guru Mike Legget interviewed by the Cricket Specialist Website - PitchVision.

The club has received excellent media coverage in among others The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday, The Herald and The Edinburgh Evening News and are thankful to all journalists who cover Scottish Cricket – especially Bill Lothian, CricketMedia Scotland’s Willie Dick & David Kelso and Gary Heatly – for taking the time to write about us.

In addition the new Scottish Cricketer magazine launched in August ‘10 included a double, double page spread on ‘Sonians entitled ‘Club Spirit to the Fore at Myreside’. If you haven’t got a copy then please contact Ross Brooks.

The Annual ‘Sonians Golf Day at Gifford Golf Club was a huge success and raised funds of £400 for the club, this will now be an annual event and Golfing Shark Robert Legget will be looking to defend his title in 2011.

The new look WCC Season Brochure is still an important part of raising club funds and this year provided an excellent view of the ‘new look’ Watsonian CC. Many thanks to all who contributed and thanks to David Breach for pulling this excellent publication together.

On behalf of the club we must say a Big Thanks to all our Sponsors and of course a thank you to all those who put in many hours of work off the field. The club wouldn’t run with just a squad of players and is grateful to all the committee for their hard work and to the immense effort put in by First Team Manager Stewart Robertson and Club Scorer Euan West.

Of course we can’t miss out our supporters, so thanks for sticking with us and we hope you enjoyed most of the cricket this year. Regulars in the crowd in 2010 have included the famous trio of Bob Lockhart, Joe Flannigan and John Martin along with Jeff Burton, Colin Baird and Peter Yellowlees popping up with regular visits to the boundaries edge.

So that’s a little taster of the 2010 at Myreside and it is important we realise how much we have achieved this year.

We have laid a foundation and the challenge is to improve and build on it in 2011. The planning has started already, from improving our facilities and improving our colts coaching to re-writing and bringing our club records up to date. All of this will go towards making Myreside and better place to play cricket and toward making Watsonian Cricket Club bigger and more successful.

It’s has been a magnificent year and one that wouldn’t have been possible without your hard work and dedication so we salute you ‘Sonians, one and all.

We have raised the bar at Myreside and now begins the challenge to raise it higher in 2011.

Ex Corde Caritas

ps, all this and not one mention of ‘Twitter’!

Saturday saw the final league games of the season and it was the 2nd XI who celebrated being champions with the clubs final victory of 2010 in a win at Grange Loan.

While the 2s were powering to a total of 294 at Grange Loan the 1st XI’s batters, bar internationalists Ryan Flannigan and Stuart Chalmers, had an off day.

WCC wish to congratulate Grange CC on lifting the SNCL Premier Division title after an emphatic victory away at Forfashire that left the result at McKane Park meaningless however ‘Sonians finished the season in their best ever national top flight position of second place.

The 2s recorded the second best club record partnership in the 135 year history of the club, a record which was broken earlier in the season and it was one of the men involved in breaking that record who did it again, Richard Crosby.

When Keith Flannigan was either hit by a sniper (or pulled a calf muscle) and retired hurt early on in the innings the score sat at 7-0 in the third over but this brought former pupil Mark Yellowlees to the crease to join arguably the 2s man of the season Crosby at the crease. Together the pair batted with a mixture of quick running, brilliant strokeplay and some extremely powerful hitting as the pair put on a 269 run partnership before the first wicket fell after 276 runs were scored. A mini collapse of 4 wickets for 2 runs, including Crosby for his highest score of the season (163) and Yellowlees for his club best 91 ensured Carlton 2s had gained the 3 points they required for 2nd place. There was still time for Zan Sevak to lose the 4th ball of the innings though as the 2s hit 294-4.

Carlton 2s made the champions fight for victory but skipper David Breach always had something up his sleeve and despite the second best innings of the day from Carltons Simon Spry (151*) the 2s won by 33 runs.

The 3s came up against some experienced heads in the SMRH 2s line up and despite an excellent spell of bowling from Fergus McNab (3-39) and a couple of battling knocks from Ollie Gaywood (40) and Chris MacFarlane (31) they came up short by a fair distance at Myreside.

Well done to all ‘Sonians this season. A great year was celebrated in to the early hours at Myreside and despite the rumours of some farewell tears from the departing Ross Paxton it was only smiles all round as the whole squad came together to celebrate a top season for the club.

More on the seasons achievements and a farewell to Ross Paxton on the website this week. The playing season may have ended but watsoniancricket.co.uk will keep powering on through the autumn and winter bringing you all the latest news and views from Myreside so please stay tuned!

It is still all to play for as the First XI, who whilst guaranteed second place in the SNCL Premier Division travel to McKane Park with the big prize still firmly in their sights.

With Grange sitting 2 points clear at the top and travelling to fourth placed Forfarshire only a win (or some other highly impossible set of circumstances) for ‘Sonians coupled with a defeat at Forthill for the Raeburn Place outfit will be good enough to overhaul the current gap.

The only thing in the control of the Myreside Men is to ensure a seventh league win on the road this season when they take on a Dunfermline Knights side who sit in third place in their debut season in the top flight and Steve Paige will no doubt lead his confident side in to the match with this goal firmly in their minds.

With the kind relaxation of the rules from Cricket Scotland that will allow Scotland players to return to club duty for the final game of the league season ‘Sonians welcome back Internationalist Ryan Flannigan to the top of the order.

Playing his final game for ‘Sonians will be Ross Paxton who will be looking to increase his impressive haul of 87 SNCL wickets for the club including 21 scalps in 2010. Another impressive wicket taking tally is that of all rounder Stuart ‘Chumba’ Chalmers who going in to the final league game of the season stands as the Premier Divisions top wicket taker with 33 scalps.

With the other selected ‘Sonian bowlers season hauls also in double figures with Paige 23 wkts, Wright 18 wkts, Sadler 15 wkts and Mike Legget 12 wkts there is certainly a potent look to the attack and they’ll be looking to hit the gloves of the energetic keeper Ben Fox who slots in for Euan Stubbs.

The Second XI of course secured the title last weekend and they travel the short journey to Grange Loan as the League Champions.

With the title wrapped up and Carlton II looking cemented in second place, there is an end-of-term feel to the 2s final game against their local rivals. With Ben Fox and Andy Learmonth in the 1st XI side for their vital last game – and in the absences of a further 6 players in Ali Fleming, Vijay Saisubramanian, Euan Robertson, Raj Routray, Paddy Baker and Fraser Sands – there are opportunities for others to hog the limelight this weekend. There are expected to be a few raised eyebrows when the batting line up is announced as 2s Captain David Breach begins to cast one eye towards 2011 and looks to give opportunities for others to have a long bat.

Title winning Captain Breach had this to say following the team selections ”The batting line up remains a closely guarded secret” whilst adding ”Throughout the season all players have shown commitment to the cause, even when the inevitable ‘fresh air’ games occurred and hopefully I can make sure this game allows us to reward some of the squad for all their contributions this season”.

Included for the first time this season are big hitting Ali Easton, while the return of Ross Brooks and Mark Yellowlees, from hosting and working chores respectively, gives batting and bowling depth to Breach’s troops.

The 3rd XI secured the bonus points they required in a narrow defeat last weekend to ensure that going in to the final week that there is no need to look over there shoulders at the bottom 2.

Oliver Gaywood leads out a side at home on the main Myreside square to face a SMRH 2nd XI side who have been at the top end of the league for much of the season. Gaywood includes in his XI the 3s top run scorer Gareth Burnett who will be looking to add to his seasons tally of 363 runs while just one wicket separates the skipper himself, Alan Borthwick and Fergus McNab for leading 3s wicket taker of the year. Gaywood who is finalising his side commented ”Rumours that I’m getting nine overs at the tail and neither of Bothy or Ferg will bowl are unsubstantiated”

Good Luck to all ‘Sonians on this final weekend.

Please note the 1st & 2nd XI’s matches both start at 12 noon so earlier meet times have been published below.

Firsts, away to Dunfermline Knights: Meet @ Myreside @ 9.45am (12pm start)

 
Paige, S (Capt)
Chalmers, EF
Chalmers, SJ
Easton, JAC

Flannigan, R

Fox, BW +
Learmonth, AP
Legget, RMS
Paxton, RT
Sadler, PT
Wright, CM

 
Seconds, away to Carlton II: Meet @ Grange Loan @ 11.00am (12pm start)

 
Breach, DC (Capt) +
Boorman, NDN
Boorman, TJC

Brooks, RD
Crosby, R

Cash, CA

Easton, AID

Flannigan, KA
Legget, PJS
Sevak, ZU

Yellowlees, MS

Thirds, home to SMRH II: Meet @ Myreside @ 12.00pm (1pm start)

Gaywood, OG (Capt)
Borthwick, AR
Burnett, G
Cousin, MA
Harding, G
Little, M
Lockhart, SJ
MacFarlane, C
Malin, A
McNab, F
Moore, J

Even a complete whitewash at second placed Carlton 2s next Saturday would still see the 2s crowned champions of the top league in the East of Scotland.

The First XI are still very much in the hunt in the nations top league after a narrow 2 run victory over West of Scotland at Myreside, a home win for Grange over Aberdeenshire ensured that the Raeburn Place outfit stay top and that the season entered the final week with all still to play for in the SNCL Premier Division.

Next Saturday the 1s travel to third placed Dunfermline with 2^nd place already guaranteed while Grange travel to forth placed Forfarshire next weekend with the big prize still up for grabs.

The Third XI bowled well to restrict Carlton 3s at Peffermill however came up short by 30 runs in a disappointing batting display

The club go looking for their second piece of silverware this weekend today when they host Musselburgh in the Presidents Plate Final at Myreside (1pm).

Steve Paige leads the 1st XI into action against West of Scotland at Myreside and is looking for a thirteenth league win of the season to keep the pressure on leaders Grange who are in action across the city where they host current champions Aberdeenshire.

West of Scotland finished 3rd in SNCL Premier Division in 2009 but have struggled at times during 2010. However, they have a squad that is capable of pushing ‘Sonians all the way at Myreside and the home side will have to be at their very best once again.

 
‘Sonians welcome back Ewan Chalmers whose return from international duty is one of two changes to the XI that defeated Carlton at Myreside on Saturday by 2 wickets. Vijay Saisubramanian is missing the final two weeks of the season as he is getting married and is replaced by batsman Ally Fleming, while Chubby slots in to replace Tim Weston who has returned to NZ for a training camp in preparation for the Champions League.

 
The 2nd XI play host to Edinburgh 2s at Craiglockhart in the knowledge that a thirteenth victory of the season would secure them the top flight East League title. The 2s, however, will not be taking the visitors lightly having been forced to battle for a victory at Leith Academy earlier in the season and knowing that in Owais Mazher, Edinburgh have the leagues top run scorer with 760 runs and four centuries to his name this season.　

 
David Breach returns to captain the side this week, and will look to display the grittiness exhibited by his relation Matt Prior (who incidentally appears to not know he is related to Breachy) in the current Test Match. The side is bolstered by Peter Legget’s and Nick Boorman’s swift return from injuries in an energetic looking eleven.

The 3rd XI travel to table topping Carlton 3s for a fixture being played at Peffermill. Sonians 3s are on a run of four wins in the last five outings but will face stern opposition in a Carlton 3s side who are virtually secured promotion to Division 4 and will be keen to push for victory to help clinch the title. Back for ‘Sonians come all rounder Geoff Harding and seamer Fergus McNab.

Please note that the 1st & 3rd XI fixtures both start at 12 noon so earlier meet times are documented below for both of these teams.

Firsts, home  to West of Scotland: Meet @ Myreside @ 10.45am (12pm start)

 
Paige,  S (Capt)
Chalmers, EF
Chalmers, SJ
Easton, JAC
Fleming, AE

Learmonth, AP
Legget, RMS
Paxton,  RT
Sadler, PT
Stubbs, EGC
Wright, CM
 

Seconds, home to  Edinburgh II: Meet @ Craiglockhart @ 11.55am (1pm start)

 
Breach, DC  (Capt)
Boorman, NDN
Burnett, G
Flannigan, KA
Boorman, TJC
Cash, CA
Fox,  B
Legget, P
Robertson, ED
Routray, RT
Sevak,  ZU
　

Thirds, away to Carlton III: Meet @ Peffermill @ 11.15am  (12pm start)

Gaywood, OG (Capt)
Cousin, MA
Easton, AID
Handyside, M
Harding, GM
Lockhart, SJ
MacFarlane, C
Malin, A
McKay, E
McNab, F
Williamson, MH

Following former ‘Sonian and Aussie Test Captain Kim Hughes’ visit to see our victory over the National Academy earlier this season, Bob Holland, or Dutchy to his friends, will be joining the Honorary Vice Presidents and Club Sponsors for tea during the fixture versus West of Scotland this weekend.

During the 1981 season Bob took 44 wickets in the 305 overs he bowled for the Watsonians before going on to represent Australia in 11 Test Matches and 2 One Day Internationals. Bob was seen as a late bloomer in his career and in fact when he made his Test debut aged 38 made he was the oldest Australian debutant in more than half a century.

All at Myreside look forward to welcoming Bob back ‘home’ and the boys on the field will look to put on a show for the watching crowd.

Please note that Dutchy is yet to declare his availability status for 3rd XI selection this week.

The 1^st XI were the last ones to finish and gain the cheers from the watching Myreside crowd as Paddy Sadler swept Scotland internationalist Preston Mommsen to the boundary to claim a 2 wicket victory with 3 overs remaining having restricted the visitors to 158-9 from their 50 overs.

First to record victory though were the 2^nd XI on their travels to Newfield where they took on second placed Edinburgh Accies. The 2s posted 222-6 with Euan Robertson (68), Richard Crosby (61) & Ali Fleming (30) leading the way with the bat. In response the 2s edged closer to the East League title dismissing Accies for under 100 for the second time this season as they slumped to 75 all out.

The 3^rd XI recorded a comfortable 7 wicket win at Craiglockhart over Edinburgh Accies 2^nd XI. With Accies bowled out for 137, Stevie Lockhart (39*) and Mike Cousin (32) ensured a fourth win in five games for the 3s.

The 1^st XI play host to Carlton at Myreside looking to keep the pressure on leaders Grange and welcome back Craig Wright into the team replacing Ryan Flannigan who is on international duty with Scotland.

Ewan Chalmers, who missed the trip to Aberdeenshire last week following a late call up to the Scotland squad that travelled to Trent Bridge to face Nottinghamshire, also starts alongside Flannigan in the 4 day match versus Afghanistan this week.

With the Scotland side playing the Afghans made up of four Watsonian & Carlton players the game will offer a good view of the depth of the talent that both clubs have in reserve and with both clubs Second XI’s riding high in East League Division One the game promises to be a highly competitive affair.

The top of the table Second XI face a crunch visit to second placed Edinburgh Accies with all still to play for in the last 3 games of the season.

With less the 3.5 percentage points seperating the two sides the game will have a big say at the end of the season. In fact with the top 3 of ‘Sonians 2s, Accies & Carlton 2s all lining up against each other over the last 3 weekends of the season there is still a long way to go and some real tough games for each of the sides involved at the summit to win.

The 2s welcome back Richard Crosby, Paddy Baker & Mark Yellowlees into the team while Zan Sevak returns from injury and Chris Cash fresh from winning the U15s European Championship is also in the line. Unfortunately following a hard hitting 76 last week Pete ‘Pistols’ Legget dislocated and fractured his finger warming up for a Scotland U17s match on Tuesday morning and drops out along with Nick Boorman who is nursing a shoulder injury.

The 3^rd XI host Edinburgh Accies 2s at Craiglockhart and name a side that sees a return for Mark Handyside following a six weeks out with injury. Mike Cousin and Oliver Gaywood will look to continue their batting form in a batting line up bolstered by the return to action of David Breach who has been absent for what feels like months! Gaywood will also be looking to continue his fine bowling form against the opposition having taken 7-25 when the sides met in June. As suspected Colin Siller was bang on the money and at his miserly best on his return to action last weekend and he’ll be looking to continue to prove that he doesn’t only talk a good game.

Firsts, home to Carlton: Meet @ Myreside @ 11.45am

Paige, S (Capt)
Chalmers, SJ
Easton, JAC
Learmonth, AP
Legget, RMS
Paxton, RT
Sadler, PT
Saisubramanian, V
Stubbs, EGC
Weston, TI

Wright, CM

Seconds, away to Edinburgh Academicals: Meet @ Newfield @ 11.55am

Flannigan, KA (Capt)

Baker, PA
Boorman, TJC

Cash, CA

Crosby, R
Fleming, AE
Fox, B
Robertson, ED
Routray, RT
Sevak, ZU

Yellowlees, MS

Thirds, home to Edinburgh Academicals II: Meet @ Craiglockhart @ 12.00pm

Gaywood, OG (Capt)

Borthwick, AR

Breach, DC

Brooks, RD

Cousin, MA

Easton, AID

Handyside, M

Lockhart, SJ

Nimmo, S

Siller, CG
Williamson, MH

The Second XI are also in action in the Presidents Trophy Semi Final at Myreside on Sunday versus Westquarter & Redding (1pm start) the side will be announced shortly for the fixture.

Just like the Paddy Sadler’s Scotland Under 18 side the 15s swept to the title unbeaten by defeating Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, The Netherlands and Denmark on the way to glory. This was the second year running Chris has competed in this tournament and he finished as the tournaments third top wicket taker and like Paddy & Pistols before him also in the Top 12 Most Valuable Player list.

For a break down of results, photos and statistics please visit http://www.icc-europe.org/EUROU15/index.shtml

Well done Cashy!