The Under 15 Celtic Cup played at New Cambusdoon, 8th -11th August
Scotland V Ireland
Over three 50 overs a side matches Scotland won the Celtic Cup, winning two matches to Ireland’s one. They had to come from one behind to achieve their goal in exciting fashion in an exhilarating run chase on the Thursday evening.
Game one saw the Scots elect to bat in good batting conditions with a pitch giving consistent bounce and a fast outfield. Unfortunately, the top order all got in but failed to go on to record a big score. Tight bowling and fielding by the visitors and a lack of intent by the batters meant the Scots were restricted to 169 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Doak (4 for 36) and Hunter (2 for 15) were the pick of the Irish attack.
Irish opener Olly Metcalfe then took the game away from the hosts with a 62 ball 51. The Scots battled hard, Tom Bradburn bowled two good spells, nailing 2 wickets for 34 and was well supported by spinners Charlie Peet (1 for 22) and Rafay Khan (1 for 29). Catches were taken well but with not enough runs on the board the Irish reached their target for the loss of 6 wickets.
Day two saw Scotland learn the lessons from their defeat. By aggressive running and positive batting, they compiled 221 from their allotted 50 overs. A partnership for the third wicket between Tom Bradburn (40) & Angus Guy of 69, immediately followed by one between Angus & Asad Khan (39) of 99 left the Scots in a commanding position. Guy went on to score 86.
Runs on the board proved a daunting prospect for the visitors and they subsided to 116 all out in 39 overs. An opening burst from Tom Bradburn yielded 2 for 25, while Charlie Peet tied up the batters, turning in figures of 3 for 15.
With the final day rained off day 3 proved to be the deciding rubber. Ireland elected to bat and set the hosts a daunting target of 229 to win. Olly Malone again contributed with 39, Malone top scored with 47 while Hoey chipped in with 36. At one point the visitors looked to be heading for 250 plus but the Scots chipped away, dismissals came regularly leaving the Irish all out in 48 overs.
A mature run chase ensued with Tom Mackintosh making 38 & Jasper Davidson 45. Both batsmen displayed excellent shot selection. When Jasper was run out at 131 for 4 things were in the balance but amid mounting tension the young Scots stayed calm to get over the line in 46 overs. Asad Khan, displaying strong competitive instincts carried his bat for an undefeated 55.
