Captain’s Report 7

ESCA Division 7, Match 7: Carlton 5s vs Peebles CCC, Saturday 8th June 2024

Last Saturday Peebles County welcomed Carlton down to Whitestone Park in the ESCA leagues.

Skipper Caddick lost the toss and County were sent out to bat on a sunny and extremely breezy afternoon. Chris Richardson (33) and Pete Caddick (66*) put together a partnership of 84 taking county beyond the drinks break without losing a wicket. It was good to see Richardson finally find some form before Zeeshan Gohar (8) kept the score ticking and Adam Hayward (12) striking a six on his return from injury. Gary Walsh (2) came and went as Niall Burns(4*) enjoyed his “red inker” and County reached 157 runs off the allotted 40 overs and finally a total to defend.

Carlton brought with them a delightful tea (Carlton home fixture) enjoyed by all with some old friends and juniors from years of cricket.

A quick team talk from the skipper before Burns (4-16) and Hayward (0-18) made early inroads. Burns had two caught and bowled as he reduced Carlton to 14 for 4 wickets. Mehul Prajapati (2-28) and Aarad Ajmal ( 0-46) kept up the pressure before the Carlton middle order fought back and the game took a few turns. Step up Lawrence Dritsas taking a stunning gully catch for the champagne moment whilst others explained to him what had just happened. With six wickets down at 149 County turned to Walsh (2-44) to deliver a little bit of magic with the help of two run outs as Carlton seemed to be throwing victory to the jaws of defeat. Carlton needed one run to win off four balls but Walsh had other ideas bowling a very straight ball the batsmen missed and the entire ring of fielders, led by Darren Gray and Nick Jenkins, went up for an LBW appeal which was given out by the umpire. That meant scores were equal on 157 and the match was tied. Players shook hands on leaving the field with a game played in an excellent fashion and County picking up more ESCA points.

Junior training continues on Friday at the gytes(430pm ) with seniors on Wednesdays (630pm) and County are delighted to be sponsored by Beech Joinery and Harrison’s Ford.

Player of the match to Burns and Walsh last seen walking home over the Tweed. An enjoyable game as county turn their sights to a home match versus Edinburgh Academicals on Saturday.