Peebles County Cricket Club

ESCA Division 7, Match 1: Peebles County Cricket Club vs Leith FAB, Sunday 28th April 2024

Last Saturday Peebles County welcomed Leith FAB to Whitestone Park for the first game of the season in the ESCA leagues. Skipper Caddick won the toss and invited Leith to bat under drizzle skies with a wet outfield. Niall Burns (1-21) and Gary Walsh (0-47) bowled tidily keeping runs down as drinks approached.

Walsh especially had four catches dropped in one over and Burns, celebrating his birthday , took a wicket and somehow managed to drop a regulation caught and bowled. Good to see Darren Gray (1-42) bowling again and a welcome to Chris Richardson bowling his cutters (0-47). Zeeshan Gohar (1-40) and Pete Caddick (0-56) finished off the bowling as Leith accelerated to 255 after 40 overs.

In the field good displays from Kris Easter keeping wicket with two catches and a run out from Richardson. A champagne moment from Zee catching a steepler confidently and welcome to Alan St Clair cutting off many boundaries. Julian Pace almost held a worldy diving at full stretch. On a cold day the skipper had welcomed new members and encouraged everyone to go out and enjoy this first game whilst trying to keep the bowling tight.

After a birthday sing song Burns (15) and Richardson (5) set about the Leith bowlers before Walsh (2) and Caddick (6) continued the chase. Gray fell quickly (0) before Zee (13) and Easter (19) put together a partnership. Pete Walker (0) came and went before John Brophy (1) hung around for his customary stay. Pace (1*) was his usual immovable self and St Clair (0) perished quickly.

Niall Burns was player of the match for his tidy bowling and batting.  This was an encouraging start to the season for county on a very cold afternoon and well played to Leith certainly looking like a team with players set to go places. All round a first game played in an enjoyable manner by all.

Birthday cake eaten and pavvy tidied up County look forward to next Saturday travelling over the hills to the Old Contemptibles at the scenic  Inverleith Park hoping for some sunshine.

County are delighted to be sponsored by Harrison’s garage and Beech Joinery this season and senior training continues at Whitestone Park on Wednesdays at 630 pm with all newcomers welcome. Juniors from P1 upwards also train on Fridays from 430 pm.

If you would like to play cricket or wish to know more about Peebles County Cricket Club please get in touch via our Contacts Page.