A remarkable day’s play saw Clydesdale CC emerge victorious in Cricket Scotland’s U14 Scottish Cup Finals’ Day.
The first semi-final saw Gordonians CC win the toss, ask Clydesdale CC to bat first and immediately reduce them to 10/3. However, skipper Nikhil Koteeswaran 31* (retired), Sonny Cunningham 24 and Robin Ferguson 20* managed to get Clydesdale up to 118/5 in their overs – with Ethan Powell (2 for 8) being the pick of the Gordonians bowlers. In reply, the chase never gained any momentum – and Gordonians finished 42/9 off their 20 overs, with Shahan Raja (3 for 3) and Bahadar Esakhiel (2 for 9) leading the attack.
In the second semi-final, Carlton CC batted first against Falkland CC. Carlton finished 149/1 off their 20 overs, with skipper Gavin Murray (33), Shaun Smith (31) and Ruiriadh McIntyre (30) all retiring – and Charlie Kentish scoring 26 too. Kentish (3 for 13), Euan Keatinge (2 for 4) and Mark McKay (2 for 9) ensured that this total was more than enough, as Falkland finished 74/9 on reply – with Ryan Jennings scoring 32* (retired).
In the 3/4 play-off match, Falkland’s total of 87/9 off their 20 overs was chased down thanks to contributions from the entire Gordonians top order – 88/2 being the final total. While this match was taking place, drama was unfolding on the other pitch. Carlton won the toss and chose to bat first. Things didn’t get off to a good start for the Edinburgh side, with Murray being run out and McIntyre bowled (by Esakhiel) to leave the score at 2/2 after the first over. Esakhiel would go on to pick up a wicket in each of his 4 overs – and the other opening bowler, Andrew Harden, would also pick up 4 wickets in his four overs! The first legal ball of the 9th over saw Koteeswaran pick up the final wicket, as Carlton were dismissed for 10 – Harden finishing with 4 for 2 and Esakhiel 4 for 5! Clydesdale then completed their win, for no loss – despite a fiery couple of overs from McIntyre.
Given the recent inclement weather, the grounds at Stewart’s Melville looked in very good condition thanks to the efforts of the groundskeeper. Thanks must also go to officials who scored and umpired, to players for their efforts, to the catering staff and all coaches and parents who supported on the day.
Short scores:
Clydesdale 118/5 (N Koteeswaran 31* ret, S Cunningham 24, R Ferguson 20*, E Powell 2 for 8) defeated Gordonians 42/9 (S Raja 3 for 3, B Esakhiel 2 for 9)
Falkland 74/9 (TBC 31* ret, C Kentish 3 for 13, E Keatinge 2 for 4, M McKay 2 for 9) lost to Carlton 149/1 (G Murray 33* ret, S Smith 31* ret, R McIntyre 30* ret, C Kentish 26)
Gordonians 88/2 defeated Falkland 87/9
Clydesdale 11/0 defeated Carlton 10 all out (A Harden 4 for 2, B Esakhiel 4 for 5)
