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23rd August 2010 - Marchmont Hit the Top
Marchmont 1st XI went top of ESCA Div2 on Saturday after a nervy win over league leaders Murrayfield DAFS. By restricting them to just 5 bonus points, MCC lead by a single point. A win at Kismet this weekend would gurantee promotion and a first Championship since 2001. Match report to follow.
20th August 2010 - Website Issues
We are currently experiencing some issues with uploading new pages to the website and am limited to text on certain pages only. I'm going to try and fix this when I can, but it may take a little time.
18th August 2010 - Kismet vs Musselburgh
A message on the front of the ESCA website:
"The Competitions sub committee have decided that this game be awarded to Kismet 20-0.
Kismet made a complaint regarding Musselburgh being unwilling to play the game on the date in question. Musselburgh argued that conditions were not fit to play cricket and refused to play.
Musselburgh have the right to appeal against this decision."
On the basis of this, MCC 1st XI now find themselves second, 12 points ahead of Mussy. If MCC 1st XI can take 29 points from their fnal 2 games (on the assumption that Mussy aren't successful in their appeal) then they will be promoted.
18th August 2010 - Milestones
A couple of players passed milestones in their MCC careers this weekend. John Mac played his 150th game (2s vs Dunbar) and Pat took his 100th wicket for the club (2s vs Dunbar). Well done to both players. Other players' milestones passed & pending will be listed shortly.
16th August 2010 - Title Race Wide Open as MCC Throw Away Chance to Win
Marchmont 1st XI went top of ESCA Div2 on Saturday after a nervy win over league leaders Murrayfield DAFS. By restricting them to just 5 bonus points, MCC lead by a single point. A win at Kismet this weekend would gurantee promotion and a first Championship since 2001. Match report to follow.
20th August 2010 - Website Issues
We are currently experiencing some issues with uploading new pages to the website and am limited to text on certain pages only. I'm going to try and fix this when I can, but it may take a little time.
18th August 2010 - Kismet vs Musselburgh
A message on the front of the ESCA website:
"The Competitions sub committee have decided that this game be awarded to Kismet 20-0.
Kismet made a complaint regarding Musselburgh being unwilling to play the game on the date in question. Musselburgh argued that conditions were not fit to play cricket and refused to play.
Musselburgh have the right to appeal against this decision."
On the basis of this, MCC 1st XI now find themselves second, 12 points ahead of Mussy. If MCC 1st XI can take 29 points from their fnal 2 games (on the assumption that Mussy aren't successful in their appeal) then they will be promoted.
18th August 2010 - Milestones
A couple of players passed milestones in their MCC careers this weekend. John Mac played his 150th game (2s vs Dunbar) and Pat took his 100th wicket for the club (2s vs Dunbar). Well done to both players. Other players' milestones passed & pending will be listed shortly.
16th August 2010 - Title Race Wide Open as MCC Throw Away Chance to Win
Marchmont 1st XI's challenge for promotion from East 2 took a few more twists and turns on Saturday, leaving the league wide open.
Marchmont were already looking for slip ups from the top 2 to have a chance at going up, and even more so as they couldn't quite make it over the line against Leith, tieing the game on the last ball to pick up 15 points.
Asking Leith to bat first on an uneven (and at times unpredictable) pitch at the Links, MCC's bowlers were up against it from the off, with some clean hitting and the resident short boundary. Although Matt Loeffen (1-11) was as conservative as normal and Pete Maksimczyk was causing havoc, Leith weathered the storm and were 90-1 of just 16 overs. Despite being pegged back by Davi Sardesai (4-63), whose two wickets in two balls accounted for the dangerous Mathur (50) and Mathos (16), Nettleton (41) forced the Cavalry Park boys to go hunting in the allotments on numerous occassion and at 135-3 off 22, Leith were looking at a big target. However Neil Granger's tidy and very effective spell (4-8) removed Kay and Heinitz and in tandem with Davi, who removed Nettleton thanks to an impressive catch by Aaron, MCC were back on top. Granger removed the final two Leith wickets and from looking like scoring 200+, Leith were pinned back to 165 in 30 overs.
After a decent tea, MCC's response faltered in the first over, Aaron Sardesai gloving to keeper Bilson off Rana for 0. Matt (45) eased the tension a little, as he and Alan Renwick put on 53 for the 2nd wicket. When Matt eventually was out stumped and Alan holed out to a good catch by the lively Rana, MCC nerves were beginning to fray, only eased by the depth of batting on paper.
Stuart Macgregor (31) and skipper Sam Peachey (16) steadied the ship, but again were both dismissed in quick succession, 57 runs short of the target. Wickets began to fall and no meaningful partnerships were formed until Pete (29*) and Davi put on 24 for the 9th wicket.
Needing 4 off the last over to win, MCC were undone by Rana's third catch of the day, off the first ball of the over. Davi crashed a half volley into the offside, which would have been 4 if placed inches to either side of Rana, but instead the Leith man too a very low, sharp catch.
Neil & Pete managed to reduce the defecit to 2 to win off the last, but with only 1 wicket remaining, any number of permutations were possible. That said, it was not a common scenario that found MCC scampering a run for the tie. Heinitz's half volley was not put away by Neil and with Bilson stood up behind the stumps, it should have been game over. However, an excited Bilson removed the bails to try and stump Neil, who never moved from his crease. Realising what was possible, Granger called Pete (who was 3/4 of the way up the track anyway) through for the run, with Leith still appealing the stumping. By the time they realised what was happening and had pulled what was left of the stumps out the ground, Pete was home.
All in all, a bizarre end to a game in which both sides had the upper hand on a number of occassions and had chances to win. MCC took the 15 points, but the disappointment was evident, knowing that it really shouldn't have got that close, but knowing that it could have been 5 points fewer.
The disappointed MCC moods didn't improve with Mussy bowling out Westquarter for below 80, albeit that it still meant one slip up by Mussy would be enough. However what was not expected was the news that MDAFS had been skittled for just 60, after being 20-9, by Kismet.
This leaves MCC with their fate back in their own hands, as a comprehensive win over MDAFS next weekend could see MCC leapfrog them and possible go top if Mussy lose. It doesn't get much tighter than this!
12th August 2010 - 3 To Go - The Heat is On!
Marchmont 1sts condmned Westquarter to their 10th defeat of the season, leaving them with a bit of work to do to avoid the drop, as the Cavalry Park side applied further pressure on 2nd place Musselburgh.
With Musselburgh vs Kismet not going ahead, for reasons yet to be formally confirmed, MCC closed the gap to less than 0.5% in what is proving to be the tightest promotion race in a number of years. However Westquarter may also have a say in who finishes second, needing a result against Mussy next weekend.
Asked to bat on a green and drying pitch, Westquarter were put under the kosh early, falling to 13 for 3, Matt Loeffen (2-17) and Euan Granger (2-13) doing the damage, including the ever dangerous Mumtaz for 0. Thgings didn't get any better and despite Jeramiah's cameo and stubborn resistance from the tail, Marchmont clocked 6 maidens in 7 overs, dampening any chance of a 'Quarter revival. Wickets for Neil Granger (2-24) and a briliant display (again) from Davi Sardesai (2-17 including 7 maidens) reduced 'Quarter to 70-7.
At this stage it was clear that 'Quarter were looking to squeeze out what they could, including any bonus points, but once the limpet-esque S Sutton and C Fox were removed, they could only amass 82.
On paper this would seem to have been a straightforward chase, however Marchmont made heavy weather of the response, mostly thanks to an impressive spell from Baqi (3-16), who troubled the MCC batsmen on frequent occassion.
At 54 for 4, 'Quarter could be forgiven for thinking an upset could have been on the cards. However the in form Jonathan Leburn (16*) and Mike Reed (12*) steered the Marchmont ship home, for ultimately a comfortable win.
Away days at Leith, Murrayfield and Kismet are the run in for MCC 1s, with Mussy pencilled in against Freuchie, RHC and Westquarter.
It's going to be tight.
9th August 2010 - President's XI
The annual President's XI game was held on Sunday 8th August. Once again it was a very enjoyable event, with 21 of the MCC ranks taking to the pitch and countless other players, partners, friends and families turning out to watch and eat the veritable feat put on for the day.
On the day, it was the Captain's XI who triumphed, by just 7 runs. The Captain's XI (inevitably) batted first and amassed 239 off their 40 overs. Highlights of the batting were Sam's unbeaten 50, Zee's 45, Farhan's smashing shot and the Gnome's (Callum) pirouetting for 23. John Mac picked up two wickets, various others all picked up one and Mikey Reed had a blinder in the field.
In response, and using the food handicap to their advantage, the President's XI fell just shy of their target, reachin 232 for 9. Aaron's unbeaten 52, Nav's 32 and Hasnain's 16 were highlights batting wise. On the bowling from, there were a couple of wickets for Sam, Neil, Callum and one for a few others. Farhan bowled particularly well, despite Bashir giving him the long handle in his final over!
Photos will be posted when received and scorecard can be found here.
Thanks to all those who made it happen, particulalry those who made the food!
5th August 2010 - MCC Edged Out
Marchmont were unlucky losers of the Metcalfe Trophy final on Monday night, losing by just a single run. In a tight match that swung in favour of both teams at various stages, it was APNA who came through, thanks to some impressive bowling at the death (and a bit of help from the August light at 9.30pm!)
APNA batted first and came out the blocks quickly. Openers Habib (53) and Zahid Ali (68*) took it to the MCC bowlers from the off, playing some very stylish shots around the ground. On an Inch pitch that (despite reputation and the weekend rain) played fairly true, a score of 150+ was very likely given the calibre of the batting, in particular Ali.
However, their attacking play gave MCC some chances but, given those concerned, 3 uncharateristic drops meant that Ali continued to capitalise on the short boundary and some indifferent bowling. Corne (3-29) was the pick of the bowlers. Pete 'the ball magnet' also picked another 3 catches for the season, taking his season tally to 17.
In response, MCC tried to be equally quick out the blocks and that they were. Between Stuart (28), Nav (48) and Joppy (29), MCC were always around the required rate. Needing 30 off the last 4 was a big task, but with 6 wickets left, it was doable.
Unfortunately, as the light began to fade, so did MCC's chances as they lost wickets at the wrong time and too many in quick succession. Despite needing just 3 from the last over, MCC could manage just 1 leg bye, losing 4 wickets to APNA's Habib (4-17) in the process.
The loss all but condemns MCC to a silverware-less season, which at one stage promised so much. There is still a chance of the ESCA div 2 title and promotion for the 1s is still very much on, it is a shame that the hard efforts from all concerned havn't earned a deserved trophy. Next year...
4th August 2010 - Averages Fully Up to Date
Full averages, up to date to include all games played so far, have been uploaded to the site HERE. Enjoy.
3rd August 2010 - MCC President's XI vs Captain's XI Reminder
The annual President's match (complete with the curries and peripherals!) has been confrimed for Sunday 8th August 2010. This is always one of the best days in the MCC calendar. All partners, friends, family, etc actively encouraged to come along. We have currently got 21 players confirmed (with a few more just coming for the curry!), but are looking for more to come along.
3rd August 2010 - MCC Lose out in the Metcalfe Final by a single run
Marchmont CC were unlucky runners up in the Metcalfe Trophy final on Monday night, losing by just a single run. More to follow.
3rd August 2010 - Club Records vs Freuchie
Now that I have the book, I can confirm the following club records from the Freuchie game:
- The highest club team score - 352 for 4, beating the 2nd XI's 333-4 vs Leith In 2004.
- Matt Loeffen beating the club record for league runs in a season (now 702 and counting), beating Stuart Macgregors previous best of 640 from 2003.
- The highest partnership for the 3rd wicket stand, which is also the highest partnership recorded in any game (206).
- The first time 2 players have scored 100 in a match since the mid 90s - Aaron 136 and Nav 103.
- The most 6s in an innings (7 for Aaron) - this is certainly a record since 1999, not sure whether this is a complete club record, but hey!
- Aaron's ton also took him past the 7000 runs in all games since 1999.
- Aaron's ton was his highest individual score.
Not a bad day's work at all!
2nd August 2010 - MCC 1st XI Keep Up the Chase
Marchmont continued to apply the pressure on Murrayfield and Musselburgh at the top of Div 2 with a comprehensive win over Corstorphine at Royal High.
The Cavalry Park boys were not quite as ruthless with the bat as they had been the week previously against Freuchie, but the end result was ultimately the same. This time it was the in form Jonathan Leburn (61*) and Stuart Macgregor (56*) who grafted from a stumbling start, to put on 125 for the 4th wicket and steer MCC past the target of 163 with 15 overs to spare.
Corstorphine had posted a useful total of 163, mostly thanks to their captain McCarthy's 75. It's fair to say that at one stage MCC would have looked at restricting RHC to 120, with Matt (2-21) mostly unplayable, Davi doing his normal (2-22) and the other bowlers being tight. But to be fair to RHC, their lower order bludgeoned nearly 40 runs late on, giving them a fighting chance.
MCC's response started off on the wrong foot, Aaron running himself out for 1, Matt mis-timing for 20 and Nav nicking one behind for 12. At 43-3, MCC were vulnerable, but both Stuart and Joppy got into the swing of things and as MCC cruised past the hundred mark, it was clear that it was going to take something special to remove them. So it proved and MCC shot home in style; Joppy finishing the game by carving a big 6 through midwicket.
The win means MCC 1s stay 3 points behind Mussy, with 4 games to go. With MDAFS vs Mussy having been washed out a couple of weeks ago, MCC are going to need a favour from one of the lower placed teams in the league and win their remaining games to gain promotion.
27th July 2010 - 2nd XI Do the Double Over Peebles
Marchmont 2nd XI picked up a much needed win against Peebles at the weekend, ensuring the double over the Borders side this season and a 40 point weekend for MCC.
Marchmont 2nd XI picked up a much needed win against Peebles at the weekend, ensuring the double over the Borders side this season and a 40 point weekend for MCC.
MCC fielded a strong side and welcomed back Cam Ewer to the team for his first match of the season. Electing to field first, MCC restricted Peebles to 114, with Cam (3-14), Harith (3-23) and Steve C (2-4 off 8.1 overs!) in the wickets and Steve Mathers (0-16 off 9) once again bowling tight lines. It was a decent display by all the bowlers and also in the field, with 4 catches being taken too.
After struggling with the bat in recent weeks, 115 was never a certainty and MCC did their best to make hard work of it. Harith (20) was the only top 4 batsman to make a real impression. However Steve C (46*) found form at the right time and partnered by Mani (22) and Liam (3*), steered the 2s home for a 5 wicket victory.
This will bump the 2s up the league a bit and should bring a bit of confidence back for key players. With 6 games left, and certainly a number of them looking like MCC wins on paper, a late surge is not unlikely. With 4 teams likely to go up from div 7, MCC have a chance to be in contention - let's take the chances and get the 2s back to where they should be.
24th July 2010 - Club Records Smashed as MCC Demolish Freuchie
Where to begin...?? The highest club team score - 352 for 4, beating the 2nd XI's 333-4 vs Leith IN 2004. 2 hundereds in a match - Aaron 130 and Nav 102. Matt beating the club record for league runs in a season...and no doubt one or two others...More to follow once I get the book!
20th July 2010 - MCC President's XI vs Captain's XI
The annual president's match (complete with the curries and peripherals!) has been confrimed for Sunday 8th August 2010. This is always one of the best days in the MCC calendar. All partners, friends, family, etc actively encouraged to come along.
