Tight finishes were the order of the day as Gordonians Cricket Club (Aberdeen) took the title of 2018 U13 Scottish Cup champions in Edinburgh on Sunday.
Gordonians reached the final by accounting for Meigle CC (Perthshire) in the first semi-final, however it was on the other pitch where a tied match saw a countback of wickets taken required to determine a winner.
Ferguslie CC (Paisley) were affected by unavailabilities that saw them take the field with only 8 players for their match against Carlton CC (Edinburgh). A total of 82 wasn’t initially thought to be a match-winning target, but tight bowling and a committed display in the field saw the teams finish equal in a tense finish, with Ferguslie having lost one less wicket, and progressing to the final.
Stinging from their cruel exit, Carlton put on a masterful batting display in the playoff for 3rd and 4th, posting 169. In reply Meigle put up a stubborn resistance and preserved wickets well but ultimately fell short of a successful chase. Meigle received plaudits for fielding two girls in their line-up.
Onto the final, and it was the Ferguslie team, batting first, posted a competitive score of 100. In a thrilling chase, the momentum swung a number of times until the very last ball when the Gordonians pair scrambled two byes to tie the game and take the title by virtue of losing less wickets!
Rob Wakelin, Head of Participation Cricket Scotland was delighted with the day’s play.
“Sunday had everything – some standout individual performances, thrilling finishes and a tremendous spirit amongst teams and supporters.”
“Gordonians were deserving winners, though all four teams showcased their skill and determination throughout the day.”
This Sunday the U15 Scottish Cup Finals will be played at Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, from 11.00am.
Semi- finals
Meigle 86/5 (J Edington 32) lost to Gordonians 87/2 (J Canales 30no retired, A Hegde 22)
Ferguslie 82/9* (B Ezeikheil 30no retired, I Foley 3-10) beat Carlton 82 all out (J Beattie 18, P Kentish 18no, B Ezeikheil 2-11)
3rd/4th playoff
Carlton 169/2 (E Keatinge 30no retired, C Kentish 33no retired, M Restall 30no retired) beat Meigle 98/5 (J Edington 31no retired, M Sinclair 15, J Beattie 2-6)
Final
Ferguslie 100/8* (H Ahmad 31no retired, B Ezeikheil 30no retired) lost to Gordonians 100/7 (A Hegde 31no retired, S Aravind 30no retired, B Cameron 3-24)
(* Ferguslie played both matches 3 players short, those 3 players considered “wickets lost” for purpose of countback)
