The first-ever T20 Scottish Cup Finals Weekend, was a roaring success, as Stewart’s Melville Women and Grange Men triumphed in their respective competitions at a sun-soaked Stirling County.
On Saturday, the Beyond Boundaries Women’s T20 Scottish Cup took centre-stage, with Stewart’s Melville and West of Scotland earning their places in the Final, following victories over Carlton and East Kilbride respectively in the morning.
In the Final, Mariam Akram led the way for Stewart’s Melville with 3-7, as they bowled the defending champions West of Scotland out for just 85; Megan Hay (2-16), Lois Wilkinson (1-13) and Diya Shukla (1-15) all contributing to a superb all-round effort with the ball.
In reply, Stewart’s Melville’s opening pair of Emma Walsingham (45*) and Lucy Pillinger (26*) were superb, Walsingham striking seven fours and one six in her 32-ball knock as the Edinburgh side reached their target in 11 overs, to win the Beyond Boundaries Women’s T20 Scottish Cup for the first time.
It was the turn of the men on Sunday, with not just the Men’s Scottish Cup on the line, but also a place in next year’s European Cricket League.
It wasn’t to be for last year’s winner Forfarshire, bowled out for 103 in reply to Grange’s 112, whilst Falkland defended their total of 134-5 against West of Scotland to secure their place in the afternoon’s main event.
Batting first once again, Grange posted 134-5, Chris Greaves (43) and Finlay McCreath (35) making vital contributions as they worked their side to a defendable target. In reply, Kyle Jacobs (57) looked like he had Falkland on track for a remarkable victory.
However, Falkland slumped from 85-2 to 92-5, with Jacobs’ depature for a 50-ball 57, caught on the boundary off the bowling of Ben Davidson, marked the end of Falkland’s hopes.
They would finish 18 runs short of Grange’s total on 116-6, Robbie McGlasham ending the final in style as he cleaned up Zane Schlebusch.
