2003/4 NEWS |
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The usual crazy news from Oct 2003 back to Jan 2003 can be found at Jan-Oct 2003 News Archive. Previous years' news can be found at the following links News 2002 and News 2001 .
On a most welcome return to playing cricket at last, the Club had mixed fortunes on Saturday. Ones march on at the top of Div Two with a crushing victory over Clackmannan, Threes were rolled over by the Cask and Barrell, but deserved headline grabber was Darryn "Lager" Kidd with a fantastic display of strokeplay in an unbeaten 136 not out which took the Twos close to chasing-down Edinburgh CC 2, the Div 4 leader's, 260 a.o.
Prior to his innings Kidd had been wagered by OMH that if he scored 150 then Old Mother would buy him beer "all night". The Hubbard wallet was under the most serious threat but with seven balls left Kidda ran out of partners and Twos all out 236 and short by 24. Kidda's 136 all the more remarkable as he had a runner (which probably for Dazza was a bonus! -well run Hairy Monster Watling) but also that several cans of Tennants lager were being consumed agonisingly close to Dazza by the watching Ones (we at least saved him one tinny!) Kidda had earlier been top wicket taker with 3-77. However, a fielding performance which was described as comical had let ECC off the hook - having been 5 down for 70 odd at one stage- it was estimated that as many as 20 chances were missed, not attempted or spilled. Fielding drills for Monday night nets again methinks.
Anyway, well done Dazza - a new all-time record for the new and pre-merger clubs in all their various guises.
Ones had wrapped up victory against Clackmannan by tea-time, which had allowed them to watch the Dazza heroics at Leith. Sent in to bat, Clackmannan had no answer against the pace and guile of The Beast of Sorrell and debutant Clayton "Bushmeister" Burne spearheading the Mufs attack. Richard finished with 11.4-6-11-4 and Clayton 15-5-25-3. "Nasty" Keith Lawrence picked up 2 wkts (8-2-15-2) and our other bowler used was Stormin Norman Allan with 3-0-9-0. Other wicket was a run-out where at first we had seemed to reprieve Kashif Ali with a wayward throw only for him to get his bat stuck running it in and ending up somewhat bizarrely run-out. With an eye on the skies a bit (luckily all the threatening stuff missed us) we closed our target of 68 down with only a wee stumble - "Liberty" Knighty caught for 0 off Hussain, Mihir bowled for 4 by Mudie and Sicknote dismissed for 20 by Hussain taking a very sharp return catch (the sod!). The Masterful Jaya (24 not) at first look a bit uneasy with his new "Butt Sports" equipment (sounds like one of Liberty's films), but once his bat was replaced normal service resumed. Partnered by Dickie Park (13 not) we were home and hosed in 22 overs. Jaya's tremendous form this season sees him now passing 400 runs with an average now over 100. But challenge now laid down by Kidd whose average now rises to over 120 !! Over to you Mr Jayahanthan!
Details of Threes defeat to arrive, Cask and Barrell were 171 ao but Mufs 3s fell 76 runs short - all out 95.
Our Parks semi-final v Cramond is provisionally due to be played on Thursday 15th July at Roseburn. Vociferous support most welcome. However the Thursday friendly v Maccabi which was due to be played at Roseburn has been cancelled as a result.
Now this is starting to drive us nuts... heavy thunderstorms did for us all again and all 3 leagues games were rained off. Also the Sunday Friendly v Broomhall has been cancelled as Muirhouse is very soggy. At least cricket lives on at Monday nets....
Well beginning to forget what playing cricket is like !! Anyway, in addition to the Saturday games we have a friendly this Sunday at Muirhouse v Broomhall (Tom Wheeler kindly has stepped in at last moment to captain/organise) so let Tom know (or me if you don't know how to contact Tom - try tom.wheeler@scottish.parliament.uk
Also a Sunday friendly on the 25th July v Cairn Dow at Muirhouse - I believe Iain Martin is probably doing this one so names to him. We will try to give priority to those who can't get a game for the Saturday Teams. We are aware of this issue which is a side-effect of the overall strengthening of the club this year and are to explore ways to alleviate this. Be patient please!
Saturday night sees the return of a music night at Berts - always a good night. Finally a wee nag... net attendances on Mondays have been pretty poor of late; come on chaps - where are ya? It's not that we don't need the practice with all this rain, rain, rain of late!!
Unsurprisingly all games rained off. Though the rain didn't get bad enough until Ones were actually changed and raring to go. For the record even more unsurprisingly I lost the toss. And we were to bat. Anyway a pleasant afternoon spent in a Haddington pub. Tonight beers in Berts.
All Mufs Sat games were rained off- the game at Muirhouse might have been in doubt anyway as the Police had the whole area cordoned off after a shooting incident and massive fight involving rival gangs of travellers!! See for BBC news story.
Tonight some of us are venturing to the Scottish CAMRA Beer Festival at the Assembly Rooms, George Street. Contact me, Sicknote.
Finally due to the England v Croatia game on Monday, Nets will start at 5:30 and finish at 7:30. Weather permitting.
Had to say that as I bussed it up Colinton way after the footie that I expected to see empty playing fields. Somehow the guys perservered at a wet, gloomy and not too warm Merchiston Castle. Maybe it was the promise of beer and sandwiches in the staff room to come?? Anyway Merchi bat first and post an impressive 137 from 20 overs - wickets for Norman Allan (2) and The Beast (1) in the main (hard to tell exact bowling figures from the book). Merchi opener, Johnston, retired himself on 69.
The Mufs chase starts quickly as a chilly Jaya immediately hits a 6 and a 4 but then skies one and is caught for 10. Mihir comes in at 3 and continues the pace. Lindsay and the returning JNB both fall for 0. Mihir is on a solo mission and reaches his debut 50 for the club from 35 balls. Then falls LBW immediately after lining up another four. The baton is passed on to The Beast of Sorrell and the sprint continues despite the shedding of wickets. Rich is joined by Westy at 8 wickets down but 3 boundaries by Chris see us dash across the line. Richie finishing with a fine 28 not out. And so to the splendid beer and sandwich fest and a chance to warm up the chilled bones. Well done Mihir and thanks to Merchi schoolboy, Andy Knox, for standing in for us. Andy, with just a single boundary to his name, unfortunantly unable to whack any of his teachers around as he hoped. We spared him the birch. What fate befell him later in the dorms, is unknown....
Mufs steamrollered the Parks Trophy holders, Marchmont, out of the Parks Trophy with an awesome display of Mufs power at Cavalry Park.
Bar Chetty (18) and a late aggressive flourish from the entertaining Sutton (25), Marchmont's batting was blown away by Mufs, posting only 102 from 20 overs. Bowling heroes all round from Mufs with "Stormin" Norman Allan (5-0-21-2); fine and fast debutant Alec "Chariots" Liddle (5-1-23-1); Mihir "Luke(?)" Vagh (5-0-34-4); and Richard "Beast of" Sorrell (5-1-21-2). A tremendous display in the field and well done stand-in skipper Monty (Sicknote too incapacitated by injury at last to take the field). Thanks too for "Hard" Don Wilkie for 12th man and more-than-temporary fielding duties.
Would 103 prove any problem for Mufs against our fellow Div Two-ers? Nope. Gavin and Knighty get us off to a solid start before Gav falls for 17 at the halfway mark, and then... and then it was simply the Andy "Liberty" Knight show. After seeing off good bowling from Collier and Sutton, Liberty flailed the Marchmont change bowling to all parts to prove what a batting talent he has (not that we disputed that on sat (ahem)). Liberty finally falls for a majestic 66 just before the death having totally dominated a stand of 55 with Mihir (2 not). Not that Mihir saw the strike much as the rampant Baggie-one went nuts with the bat. A couple of 4 wides and byes and that was it with Jaya 0 not out; for once having a bit of a rest. Mufs 105 for 2 off 16.4 overs. And Marchmont well and truly... Muffed.
A black sabbath indeed (worse for some of us than others I daresay too) as Mufs were comprehensively outplayed by Stenton and Tyninghame and crash out of the Small Clubs Cup. Although naturally disappointed, in some ways this could be a blessing, particularly as injuries are mounting, as one could argue we were chasing glory on too many fronts. Anyway it was fun while it lasted and another nice day out in the sun particularly for the picnic-ing girls, though they seemed less intrigued and entertained by our balletic warm-up this time round. Sack the choreographer.
Mufs, battiing first on a most picturesque setting and a pitch surely full of runs, start badly with Knighty soon out for 1 (excellent gully catch). Sicknote and Westy pick up the pieces and with the score 38 off 9 a good total looks in the offing. However, rather than take 16 or so off the 10th over (which he should have) a frustrated Sicknote missed a straight full toss trying to blast it towards the A1 and falls LBW for 19. Westy is caught not long after for 16, then Rogers (3) done by a low-one and the wheels have come off good and proper. Mihir tries to steady the ship but an excellent spell of bowling by Burne takes out Mihir (6) and Carl Trahms (0) in successive balls then bags Dickie (4) and Tom H (5). All castled. Some resistance at the end by Tom Wheeler with 14, Wardy (5) and Tony S, 9 not, get us to three figures at least. But 106 all out is nowhere near enough.
A most fine tea is consumed in the marquee - top notch posh nosh with crusts cut off sarnies as well and copious cake! Even strawberries. No fatty Muirhouse pie here for the urban man.
As so to the defence of 106 on a small pitch with fast outfield. Wouldn't be putting yer money on Mufs and the odds lengthened even further as the S&T openers are relatively untroubled, Old in particular aggressively despatching anything short before being caught by Tony off Dickie for a fine 45. Dickie then claims Barbour for 0 caught behind by West. But S&T are closing in, Thomas hits a quick 17 before being caught by Knighty off Simpson (who bowled very tidily). The game is over when opener Osbourne (40 not) hits the final boundary off Wheeler's first ball and we are defeated by 7 wickets. Bowling figures - M.Vagh 7-1-27-0; R.Park 6-0-29-2; P.Rogers 4-0-18-0; C.Trahms (fielded fantastically) 2-0-17-0; T.Simpson 4-0-8-1; T.Wheeler 0.1-0-4-0.
A bad day got worse for Sickie as while trying to hide his modesty while changing in the park he bizarrely manages to twist or pop something in his knee which then subsequently ballooned up most painfully later. This will keep him out the the Tues Parks game which will now be captained by Chris West (mobile 07775 615789). That pain nothing compared to the sickening agony suffered by those wrapped in the flag of St George witnessing the horrific events at the death from Portugal in a stunned Berts Bar back room. A blackest of black sabbaths indeed.
As mentioned on Tues Mufs play Marchmont in the next round of the Parks Trophy at Cavalry Park, Duddingston (next to Holyrood school). On Thursday a friendly at Merchiston Castle School - availability to Norman Allan.
Sagrenti! Ye-Hay-ah. Ye-Hay-ah. Ones and twos claim victories - Twos a crushing demolition job of Heriots 3. Ones a sub-standard performance in the field having first just about batted Penicuik 2s out of the match first. Threes slumped to a narrow defeat versus Penicuik 3s.
On a batting paradise at Penicuik, Sicknote calls right and elects to bat (amazingly I had arrived to a dressing room wanting to bowl first. With an attack missing two star men. Huh???) Anyway Mufs run up 279 in 50 overs - which could and should have been more. Sickie was first to depart with 55, Knighty collected 72 (significantly most of his runs coming after Sickie had gone and therefore stopped moaning at our somewhat out-of-sorts Liberty!). Andy Gray picked up 10 before being run-out. Debutant Mihir with a fine 29 and Jaya, not quite at his fluent best, with 72. Chris West sacrificed himself to spare Jaya from a run-out and Phil Rogers late-on scored a quick 10 not. Mufs put on 100 in the last ten. A boy did we need it. With the exception of Normie Allan who bowled his 15 right through and a promising debut with ball from Mihir the Mufs performance with ball and in the field simply was far too sub-standard and with nothing to lose Penicuik batted aggressively to run us far too close, finishing on 245-ish (I think). Against a better team we would have lost. Lessons to be learnt all round, me included (I apologise (not) for being particularly grumpy on the day). Anyway another 25 bagged and thankfully the Beast will be back.
Twos bowled Heriots out for 86 at Muirhouse - with starman with ball Edwin Silvester with 4 wickets. Mufs lose 4 wickets in the chase and are indebted to good batting by Tom Hothersall and Carl Trahms to claim a good win. Threes chasing 80 failed by 5 runs against Penicuik 3s.
How we actually managed to squeeze this game in at a wet and stormy Muirhouse still amazes me. In the end a comfortable victory for Mufs against a Scotsman XI (featuring "Monty" West) in this glamour friendly. Mufs batted first with a 25 and retire rule. Unfortunantly the 25 and retire rule didn't apply to Mr Wides as the Scotsman bowlers sent down an extraordinary 38 deliveries wide of the mark in the 20 overs (and believe me, one was being ultra-generous while umpiring... with my bowling stint later in mind perhaps). "Liberty" Knight (7) and "Dealer" Wheeler (8) opened but fell in the 4th and 5th overs to the accurate Bevan and Staples. Enter "Bicycle" Towns (17) and debutant Reza (pal of Jaya) who adjusted quickly to the very opposite of Dubai cricket conditions to score a fierce 25 retired including one booming 6. One could sense that The Beast of Sorrell, waiting to bat, was clawing away at the ground, desperate to be unleashed on his prey. And merciless he was with a quickfire 30 retired (one 6).
In between Aussie Daniel Franklin bowled with good zip - recruitment operation went into overdrive later. "Nasty" Keith Lawrence entered the fray with skies laded with rain. A huge downpour was inevitable and as the majority of Mufs Ones sheltered from the lightning storm in a metal shed (errrrm...) we were treated to a glorious double rainbow across the wicket. Where was that camera. We resume as the rain stops, but the batting storm continues despite the slip-slidy conditions. Nasty is bowled by the returning Bevens for 15 (one 6) and Vijay again by Bevens for 9. Enter The Masterful Jayahanthan who can't quite adjust to the soggyness and his most prized wicket is claimed by Wallace for 7. Paul Leonard finishes on 4 not and Stormin Norman Allan on 0 not. Yours truly, Sicknote, lurking at 11. Mufs finish on 166 for 6 from 20 soggy overs plus the 39 extra deliveries!
A quick turnaround and enter Sicknote to bowl only like an opening batsman can. 14 conceded off opening over as Franklin and Staples tuck in with some good drives but a missed nick behind flies to the boundary of the 7th ball(?) of a somewhat bizarrely umpired over. Then Nasty concedes 8 of his... is the fightback on? Sadly for our Scotsman Scribes, not. Sickie tightens up as much as his hamstring and bowls Staples for 8 to finish with 2-0-17-1. Nasty finishes wicketless with 2-0-10-0 but in his last over a slip does for Mather on the turn and he is mercilessly run out for 1. Enter the skidding Paul Leonard who sprays Cullen's stumps for 4. The collapse continues next over as Lindsay T, bowling to a cunning 3-8 field, claims the dangerman, Franklin, LBW for 20 (ahem, perhaps a tad high). Next over, next wicket as Leonard spears another one through the defences to bowl Judge, guilty of failing to defend his wicket with malice aforethought, for 1. Paul finishes with 2-0-9-2 (and fields superbly and bravely in the wet). Lindsay then claims Bevens (7) with Normie pouching a skier. Mr T finishes with 2-0-11-2.
Scotsman Skipper, Lawson Brackpool shows some defiance with 12 as the wicket every over sequence is broken for 2 overs. But Vijay bowling straight and zippy bowls Brackpool to claim his maiden wicket in Scotland. Well done Vijay, wee fella. (VJ 2-0-9-1). With skies darkening again the black clouds again descend on The Scotsman batting as the Beast of Sorrell, bowling an assortment of tweakers and odd nippy one just to keep the wicket-keeping Jaya on his toes, applies the final dagger thrust in a mayhemic second over for him. Third ball Wheeler takes a fine sliding catch to dismiss Lowe for 2; fourth ball Caroline Macdonald chops on. Enter Monty West who was guesting for the opposition to a barrage of ribbing from his hitherto colleagues and a hat-trick ball. Kidology in play as the Beast retreats back to what is a normal run-up for a quick but delivers (sensibly) only at slow-medium. Lunatic LBW appeal first ball rightly turned down. Then another huge shout and the finger of death is ever so slowly lifted and the Beast has his 3rd and prized victim. Scotsman dismissed for 69 of 12 overs with 9 extras. A fun game played in great spirit despite the soggy conditions. Well done all.
Sicknote
Botanics Parks Trophy game was unsurprisingly abandoned.
Courtesy of El Statto, the all time 3rd Wicket stands for Mufs and Murrayfield are on the attached 3rd Wkt Stands doc here. Sicknote and The Masterful Jaya's stand of 195 confirmed as a 3rd wkt record and confirmed for all wickets too breaking a record that stood for 56 years - see attached Record Partnerships xls file here.
Also available courtesy of El Statto is a list of LR,MCC and MDCC Centurions at the following doc Centurions doc here
3rd XI stats for this season to date now available on our Stats page.
Talk of records neatly leads me onto a shameless plug for a local band, Sagrenti, (Pyscho African Fusion Reggae) who are playing at the Canonsgait Pub, Royal Mile this Saturday - I guess at around 9:30pm. You will find me and hopefully the usual sat nite crew there rather than at Berts on Sat. Why you ask? ... well a certain Gilly Swan (Sickie's better half) is one of the singers. She brings the "Pyscho" element to the band of course. I can assure you they are jolly good with original own material (rare indeed these-days). No thrash metal I can also assure you (shame) though Gilly might have picked up some tips from the ever so polite Slipknot and Korn frontmen from the Download festival in Glasgow last week. If therefore asked in no uncertain terms to extend your middle digit into the air then please co-operate.
Finally reminder of glamour friendly v Scotsman tomorrow night at Muirhouse; Small Clubs Cup at Stenton and Tyningham on Sunday; and Parks Trophy now confirmed for Tues 15th away at Marchmont CC.
Good luck to all on Sat and as usual... please destroy your opponent with great fury and vengeance, in the nicest possible way as ever. (And good luck to Bots in Parks tomorrow)
PS. I apologise for the poor standard of speeling on this websight. Particularly the word "excellant". (It looks much better with an "a". Sorry Dino). If Peter Andre can make up words then so can I. "It's just Mufania".
PPS. I will eventually get round to writing the Mufs in Comrie Circus Spectatular Report soon. With piccies.
PPPS. Has anyone seen one of Ed's Jokes lately? Sadly missed.
PPPPS. "Bat" wishes to say hello to all. Having a comfortable retirement you'll be glad to know.
PPPPPS. Have added catches to Ones stats. And an "LBW Watch"!
PPPPPPS. I apologise also for the over-use of the post-script abbreviation in this and the last news piece.
PPPPPPPS. Oh darn, dunnit again.
Now this was a game we were so looking forward to... a big victory against the leaders Holy Cross and wee ol' Mufs would find themselves on the top of the pile of Division 2. Extra spice added to the mix with the tremendously bearded ex-(briefly)-Mufs Aussie Shannon Bonfield lining up against us. Shannon has also been in top notch form for Cross lately with both bat and ball as HC had swept allcomers aside this year. So would we be up for the challenge in this titantic top of the table clash? Yup, we sure were.
Things didn't start too well... Sicknote continued to be a useless tosser and we were invited to bat in the humid conditions. Shannon bowled with accuracy but it was his strike partner Rob Worsnop (never did discover why they called him "Two Dogs"!?) that wreaked havoc with his in-swingers - Mufs reduced to 29-3 with top order of Sickie (8), "Liberty" Knight (2) and "Midwife" Milne (4) back in the hut. Yet again we were indebted to The Masterful Jaya (46) ably assisted by a fine knock by "Monty" West (24) in a 4th wicket stand of 65. However after Chris was caught off the Jesus-like (or Bjorn Borg - we couldn't decide) Alex Gallagher, suddenly it turned all ghastly as Ian ("Rick??") Astley took 3 wickets in 7 balls to wreck the Mufs middle order- claiming Dazza (2), The Beast (goldie), and then the prize wicket of Jayahanthan. At 109 for 7 we were up to our necks in it. Fear not, we have batting talent all the way down and the Mufs tail wagged as strongly as a deliriously manic dog. Our chaps put on another 67 to take us to a respectable 176 for 9 off our 50. (Jester) hats off to Phil "Claypole" Rogers who held us together with 24 not, Dickie Park (16), "Nasty" Keith Lawrence (9) and a late wee cameo from Stormin Norman Allan (10 not) who clubbed us up to another batting point. A good recovery and it was Mufs that seemed the chirpier at tea-time - another fine spread with pies returning (hurrah) and copious cake and biccies. Good work Big Frank.
With time ticking on and pies weighing heavily in bellies, we decide to spurn the usual balletic Rogers-Knight led warm-up and stretching exercises(to me and my hamster's regret later). Holy Cross fire out of the blocks with Doug Russell punishing anything full of length with excellant driving. But The Beast of Sorrell quickly strikes back and castles the HC skipper Keith Fraser for 6 with a tremendous yorker right after being clipped for 4, plenty of passion in the Beast's dance of death. Still Russell attacks though a little more circumspectly. Mufs tighten up and by over 15 its even-stevens with HC on 44 for 1.
Then Mufs unleash cricketing hell on the Holy Cross batting line-up. First "Nasty" Keith claims Anzelm Cydzik (some scrabble score that) for 4 with a very sharp slip catch by Knighty. Rogers is on next over to make use of the swinging conditions - and at the end of a somewhat erratic over of swing Claypole takes the most prized wicket of Shannon for a duck thanks to an excellant leg-side take by Monty. Now we sense a seismic shift of the game our way. Indeed it is as Parky moves his feet through treacle to just claim a skier by Russell off Keith. Doug departs for 37. Jubiliation turns to ecstasy as "Nasty" induces an edge from Jon Bates (0) into Monty's gloves 3 balls later. Nasty aint finished yet with his demolition job. In his next over Pickering (2) caught behind, this time a circus juggling routine by Chris to Dazza (but not of Hothersall acrobacy standards) to give Keith a fourth wicket in 9 balls. HC have been routed - 5 wickets falling for 5 runs in 5 overs of pure mayhem. Enter Stormin Norman Allan to plunge the dagger into the faintly beating heart of the HC innings. A short ball pulled straight by Quinn (0) to Phil at midwicket gives Norm a wicket with his second ball. No keeping the fielding maestro, Rogers (responding magnificently to his skipper's persistent call for a "Tight Ring") out of it, as Phil takes another well judged catch at fly-slip. This gives "Nasty" Keith Lawrence a well-deserved Pfeiffer, "Jesus" Gallagher unable to perform any miracles and out for 6. Keith, take a bow, big fella.
The Beast of Sorrell is recalled to feast on the kill. However Hill (6), Astley (2 not) and Worsnop (10), in particular, show some resistance (and better application than some of their colleagues) at the death. Their quest for a solitory batting point is forlorn as Norman takes the last 2 wickets to dismiss HC for 80 and seal a magnificent hard-working victory by 96 runs. Credit to HC for playing the game with good spirit. A tremendous team effort both yesterday and also over the last few weeks. Hopefully the lesson from Largo has been learnt. For now we are turning water to wine but it can swiftly turn sour. Celebrate that we have reached the top for a moment but then realise that the real, real hard work starts for us. I am sure all of us are determined to be up for challenges ahead. Great team cricket chaps, I am proud of you. Up the Mufs.
A Proud Sicknote
P.S. Good to see you again Shannon.
P.P.S - alternative match report now available at our usual Match Reports page - kindly written by Phil Rogers- also available from this link to Claypole's report.
P.P.P.S. Inaugural prize-winner of the Mufs Cricket Card (winning a tenner) was Chris West. Who generously used his winnings to buy a round. Cards to be distributed to captains etc. All in the name of raising funds for the Mighty Mufs.
P.P.P.P.S - tremendous bit of chat on the Mufs Message Board right now... starring the not-abducted El Secretario (and a challenge laid by him), also Aliens and the Love Boat Captain. Do join in the fun.
P.P.P.P.P.S - Mufs Ones stats to date posted on Stats pages. Need stats for 2/3s. And 2s match reports!!
With Twos resting, Mufs Threes travelled out to play a strong West Lothian 3s. However despite good knocks by Carl T (40 odd) and Graham Watson (28?) and a 4 wicket haul for Ali, Mufs fall to a 2 wicket defeat.
This week sees a recently arranged friendly on Thursday at Muirhouse against a Scotsman XI hopefully starring Bill Lothian, the Eve News cricket scribe who has generously written such excellant material about us of late. Availability to Norman Allan please.
Still places available for the squad to take on Stenton and Tyningham on Sunday 13th June. Availability to me, Sicknote please.
Also we are looking to play our next round game of the Parks Trophy v Marchmont sometime in the w/c 14th June... possibly on Tues 15th June?? Phew. Games coming thick n fast. Will there be any part of me left that won't be injured by the end of it all?
Sicknote
More details to follow soon... (as I am too knackered to write much right now) of a Small Clubs Cup triumph at Comrie by 4 wickets by a representative cross-team Club XI. Highlights of a great day (and night for some of us) out were:- psychological damage inflicted on the opposition by the Rogers-Knighty led Team warm-up featuring the balletic Martin Ward; the fine bowling of "Nasty" Keith Lawrence and Phil "Claypole" Rogers with 3 wickets apiece; a unbelievable piece of circus acrobacy The Chinese State Circus would be proud of by Tom "Boris" Hothersall that ended up with a catch for Nasty (animated re-creation to follow at some point); heaven and hell fielding; a wicked wicket to bat on; a dogged skipper's knock (30 not) by Sicknote carrying his bat right through, supported by a quickfire 21 late on from Claypole to see us home just when it was wobbling a bit. Finally there is the mystery of the "missing hours" as Iain "Ricky" Martin arrives at the ground only in time to see the end of the match. Many wild theories abound. Alien abduction? Or maybe he was just taking a cruise on the love-boat.
Many thanks to Comrie for their very kind hospitality and thanks to our various drivers and travelling supporters (methinks the girls enjoyed themselves greatly drinking wine in the sun watching their other halves making idiots of themselves in the park). Next up in two Sundays time (13 June) will be an away trip to Stenton & Tyningham who beat Dunfermline Carnegie by 7 wickets. Apparently they will be putting on a BBQ too. Tremendous! Availability to me, Sicknote, as soon as possible please.
Mufs Ones continued their strong showing in Div 2 with a hard-earned 23 run victory over SMRH2 at Inverleith. Batting first (shock horror yet another toss won!!) Mufs found themselves in the deepest of doo-doos as the unplayable Brown took out Murdo and Milne in the same over with only 6 on the board. Brown found both movement in the air in the humid conditions and assistance off the artificial pitch as Mufs (Shiels and Jaya) simply dug in to survive the onslaught. And in time dogged defence paid its dues as Mufs accelerated strongly from overs 20 to 40 in particular to set a new club record stand for all wickets of 195. Sicknote finally succumbed to his various ailments and sheer exhaustion for 74. Jayahanthan played another magnificent knock under pressure - a display of batting that so deserved another century but sadly the Sri Lankan Master was caught off the impressive Brown for 99. Mufs, thanks to some fine low order batting from Dickie (14 not) and Richie see us through to 222-5 in the end. Brown finished with 5 wickets for 36- all caught by keeper Farquarhson.
SMRH reply was dominated by Stuart Farquarhson who had scored a 50 before the scoreboard had even registered 45. Once Stuart had been dismissed for 55 the match swang our way with good tight bowling. SMRH battled hard, Parker 41 and MacColl 31 not and put us under pressure but we held firm, excellance indeed in the field from Phil Rogers generally with a great catch as did Norman Allan. And so in the end a victory by 23 runs. Bowling heroes were Rich Sorrell (15-3-66-3); Dickie Park (9-2-26-0); Keith "Nasty" Lawrence (9.5-0-43-4) and Stormin Norman Allan (15-1-60-1). A great victory for the Team which will cement our place at the top end of the league table. Great hard competitive cricket guys. Take a bow.
Twos were defeated by Holy Cross 2 at Muirhouse. Stars for Mufs were Dazza with 78 and Tom Wheeler with 5-49. Threes march on with a comfortable victory over Drummond 2. Good stuff fellas.On Sunday the club travels to Comrie for a Small Clubs Tie. For which I really ought to be in bed resting rather than writing web reports at 3-45am. !!
After the glorious defeat of Edinburgh CC, Mufs ran into a very strong Heriots side and a 10 wicket defeat at Goldenacre. However despite the pain of losing there are positives to be taken out of this for Mufs. Not least that Heriots were not taking us lightly at all with a side that contained nine National League first teamers including Saltire internationalists at both Youth and Senior level. Fair dos to them and a great honour for us I say to play these players. And their 2 second team players weren't bad either!! And it was one of them, the in-form Tino Weeraratna, who blasted 74 not out to take Heriots to victory.
Earlier batting first (another toss won!!) Mufs suffered an early reverse with Sicknote (1) done for by a short-pitcher that grubbed from Nel. Andy Knight and Gavin Richmond then build a good base for us with a solid stand of 45 before Gavin is bowled by Asim Butt for 23. Enter Jaya who can't quite find his middle and is bowled by the younger Weeraratna for 16. Richie Sorrell (0) is cleaned up by a peach of a delivery by Weeratna 2 balls later. Lindsay Towns connects well with one big one but is unluckily run out for 5. Dickie Park and Andy Lacey finish on 5 runs apiece. Mufs finish with a very creditable 102 from 22 overs given the class of the attack we were facing. Well batted Knighty.
Tino Weeraratna and K McLaren open the Heriots reply. The Beast of Sorrell extracts some great pace on the track and takes the edge of Tinos bat - sadly it bulleted between Westy and the bemused Sicknote and the chance was missed. "Sorry Rich" probably the second most common uttered apology in the team behind "Sorry Chris"! Moral victory for the Beast of Sorrell. However that is the nearest we get bar a dodgy run-out attempt and despite good bowling but indifferent fielding the gap in class is that bit too much for us. Tino finishes with 74 not and McLaren 27 not. Heriots cruise to victory in 15.2 overs. Thanks to Andy Piggott for umpiring and Iain for scoring with Mrs More. As in scorebook that is.
A few pleasant beers had afterwards in the upstairs bar. Actually we learnt that other teams had in past when learning the Heriots line-up they were to face had bottled it and just gifted them the tie without playing. I am astounded by this - to me this was a great honour to line up against top and international class players coz you never know what might happen. Great credit to all our players for giving it a go against superior opponents.
Match Summary
Mufs 102-6 off 22 overs. A.Knight 35, G Richmond 23, Jaya 16. Heriots bowling: C.West (not Monty!) (5-1-17-0); D.Nel (5-0-21-1); A.Butt (5-0-25-2); S.Weeraratna (5-0-17-2); T.Foggarty 2-0-16-0. Extras 12.
Heriots 106-0 off 15.2 overs. MDCC Bowling: R.Sorrell (5-0-29-0); D.Park (4-0-25-0); K.Lawrence (3-0-21-0); N.Allan (3.2-0-28-0). Extras 5.
Not a day for bowlers or fielders at a chilly Muirhouse as 301 runs are smashed in 36.3 overs as Raj inspired Maccabi Globetrotters to a 9 wicket victory. And, no doubt a small amount of personal revenge for Edinburgh CCs Masterton exit at the hands of Mufs. Earlier Raj himself had been mashed by a hobbling Sicknote - 45 runs including 2 sixes taken from our spicy ECC quick off his five overs - a wee taste of his own medicine but probably only served to make him even keener for revenge!! Sicknote retires on 50 (almost retired himself on 49 !!). West (11) and Sasid (16) had provided support before Jaya hit a quickfire 31 before being bowled by Raza. Vijay provided next top score with 14 and Wardy not out 9 (would have been double figures if V"One Short"J would only run his bat in!). 9 man Mufs finish with 150 for 6.
Then the awesome barrage starts as Raj and Welsh (from Boro'muir) destroy the Mufs midweek attack. Its on the Buses to start with as Nightbus and Daybus open the bowling. Tony starts well and could have had Raj LBW early on before taking a bit of flak (finishing with 5-0-33-0)but Andy Gray disappears for 36 off just 2 overs. Norman Allan fares no better - nothing that loose but Raj smashes it anyway... The Rook finishes with a painful 56 off 5 overs. A mix-up of Hussein/Strauss standards sees Welsh run-out for 29 in the interim before the limping Hauldom joins Raj and inflicts more damage with 39 not. Jaya (3.2-21-0) and Wardy (1-0-4-0), who perhaps should have been on earlier in hindsight, attempt some damage limitation but Maccabi All Stars cruise home with 21 balls left. Mercifully short given the biting cold wind! Raj finishes on 77 not out. A retirement at 50 to give his team-mates a shot at batting (and mercy for our bowlers) may have been sporting but to be fair nothing had been agreed in advance.
In the other friendly game Bots beat Peebles by 8 wickets chasing 75 off 18 overs.
Those magnificient Mufs and their Batting Machine take on Heriots at Goldenacre on Thursday in the next round of the Masterton trophy. Rousing away support most welcome.
While here... Iain Martin can get a bulk allocation of tickets for the Saltires 20/20 game v Lashings on Fri 25th June (5pm start) - names to Martino as soon as poss.
On a beautiful day for cricket The Masterful Jaya single-handedly rescued the Ones in a thrilling victory against Marchmont at Muirhouse. Invited to bat first, Mufs found themselves deep in trouble against a Marchmont attack that bowled with both fire and discipline. As the Mufs batsman were being washed away, Jayahanthan single-handedly kept Marchmont at bay and so the tide began to turn. Accelerating past his first 50 for the club, Jaya was the immovable rock upon which the waves of Marchmont bowling broke. Boundaries came with greater frequency and Jaya closed on his century - into the late 90s - then a huge hit to the longest boundary hung in the air just short- his team-mates hearts stopped - skipper prayed (we were 1 run away from another batting point with 9 wickets down you see - actually I had no-idea he was so close!!) but the chance is spilled. Next ball Jaya's century is claimed. A truly marvellous knock. 101 (18 fours and 1 six) out of 156 all out. Good stuff by the guys who kept him company.
Now with a total to defend we were in good heart against the legendary Marchmont Batting Machine. And an excellant start as Dickie, with his first ball, bowls a tremendous off-break to dumbfound the arms-shouldering Marchmont skipper for a goldie (not a good day with the bat for captains as Sicknote had fallen second ball). Now we believe but they are a tough outfit and do not crack despite the excellant efforts of the Beast and Dickie. Enter an often unsong bowling hero: Renta-Rogers. Ol Claypole made the Marchmont batting look like the court jesters in a mesmorising spell of swing bowling from the Caravan Park (Burnt out Motor) End at the 'Hoose. 10 overs 2 wickets for only 16 runs from Sleepy puts us on top as Zorba and The Stormin Rook (10-2-32-3) put us in the ascendency. Still Marchmont won't crack and at 90-6 off 36 overs the game is poised for a cracking finish as The Beast of Sorrell and Dickie Park are unleashed again. A flurry of runs by the dangerous Ramon and then a six from Sutton tips the game back to Marchmont. 4 overs left - 3 wickets in hand- 18 needed. Tense. But the Beast's 14th over is critical. First ball he traps Ramon plumb in front. Fourth ball Sutton spoons one to the Skipper. But 7 runs are conceded, including a very odd no-ball. 11 off 18 balls. Dickie (14-0-45-1) keeps his nerve and only concedes 3 off his over. But it is 8 off 12 balls and The Beast summons up energy for a final assault. A missed run-out opportunity - have we blown our chance. No. With spearingly accurate deliveries a full fast yorker is too good for the tail-ender and joy all around for Mufs. The Beast finishes with 14.3-2-47-4.
A tremendous morale boosting win against a tough Marchmont unit. Great bowling to claim the win - the victory set-up by Jaya. All Hail the Master.
Jubiliant Sicknote
Threes continued the good days work with a comfortable win against Peebles. 3s batted first with Murdo McLeod top scoring with a half-century ably supported by Carl Trahms with 40-odd and Franny with 18. A total of 148 all out. Peebles found Boris Hothersall too hot to handle as Tom takes 4-19. Peebles dismissed for 79 and a valuable 25 points taken. Great stuff fellas.
The poor ol ticker has taken a pounding this weekend with these close finishes! And in a game where Mufs were dead and buried somehow the Two's made it a magnificent clean-sweep for the Club with a 1 wicket victory over Grange 4 at Newfield, fulfilling the spectating Phil Roger's desire for a "threesome" (well that's what we thought he meant). Chasing Grange's 189, Mufs were sinking fast with 5 down for less than 50 until Sasi (57) was joined by Martin Ward (20). Somehow we had got to 100... Tony clubs a few big hits for departing... but 190 still looks a long way off. Enter Edwin Silvester at 10 (29 not out) and he and Sasi at a fast pace of scoring are making Grange wobble. Soon we are only 20 off and victory looks more than a possibility but sadly the exhausted Sasi can't see it right through but has made a tremendous maiden half-century for the club. Enter the skipper - at first protected by Ed - but gaining in confidence Iain picks up valuable runs as well as we close in. The coup de grace is administered by Ed and an improbable victory snatched from the stunned Grange in front of the jubliant away support. Magnificent.
In a friendly match on Thursday at Muirhouse a Mufs midweek team with many faces new and old took on Currie and Balerno.
Batting first (shock horror Sicknote actually wins a toss!!!!) Mufs start steadily before losing openers Andy "Daybus" Gray (5) and the Rev McLeod (6) to the accurate Rudd and Irvine. Enter Andy Lacey and Monty West who put on 32 at a good rate before Chris falls to Cairns just below the 25 retirement point for 23. Sasid clubs his first ball for 4 then popped up a c and b back to Scott. Vijay is run out for 0. Andy retires on 25. Jeya, at an unusually low no 7, belts 5 boundaries before being bowled for 20 (a prize scalp for Scott), Gentle Freddy Robson rolls back the years and hits 13 before being caught off the athletic Masden, (Fred- it's still being out to a girl) , Paul Leonard lbw for 0 to Barry. Karl Jansen shows some good strokeplay for 9 not before Sicknote, coming in at last man, clubs 12 of the last 4 deliveries to take us to 126 off our 20 overs.
Shades of groundhog day from Tues as Mufs obliterate the C&B top order with 2 overs apiece from Kid Jansen (finishing with 3-1-8-3) and Sicknote (2-1-3-3) reducing C&B to 6 for 5. The bowling is rotated around the field and confuses the life out of the scorers! Ms Madsen (21) shows good grit and determination with Bob Irvine (28 not) to stop the rot and they keep Mufs at bay for 12 overs and add 60 or so to the C&B score (aided by Mr Wides with 15). D Barry adds a quickfire 23 not at the end. In that time Mufs bowlers figures were (we think): F Robson (2-0-11-0), P Leonard (2-0-7-0), Sasid (2-0-10-0) plus two catches for Sid with fingers numbed by discovering Scottish stinging nettles, Vijay (2-0-14-0), Daybus Gray (2-0-10-0), Rev McLeod (2-0-16-0), Monty West (1-0-9-0) and Jeya (1-0-10-1). Karl returned at the very end and bowled Madsen to end her solid innings. Currie and Balerno finish on 96 for 7 off their 20 overs. A victory by 30 runs and everyone a bat and bowl or keeping. Mission accomplished. Over and out.
Sickie
After the disappointment of Saturday this was a welcome morale booster as Mufs showed no mercy (well a little with the Beast rested from bowling duties!) in brutally crushing Standard Life by 108 runs in the 2nd round of the Parks Trophy.
Skipper Sicknote kept up the run of lost flips (useless tosser) - now 6 in a row and was invited to bat by the opposition. With a beaut of a Newfield wicket to bat on Sicknote unleashed full pent-up fury upon the SL opening attack, aided and abetted in the slaughter by Richie Sorrell, 50 smashed off the first 6 overs. Things slightly cool down and Rich departs for 16; then Knighty and Sicknote put on 71 in 8 frantic overs before Sickie perishes for an angry 68 with one clubbed shot to long-on too many (and there were plenty in a "10 to 10" batting chart !!). Next ball Knighty also disappears for 26 (18 of which he bludgeoned off one over) - caught by Kirkland as well- and with a sense of deja vue Dickie Park is in the midst of a hat-trick. Dickie survives and scores 9 with a mix-up on the way with Jeya run out for 7. More run outs in the final stages with Andy Lacey (0) and a comical run-out of Lindsay Towns (8) final ball... having driven the ball into the covers for a single, Lindsay continues his run towards the Pavillion... unknown to him Rogers (0 not)has called him back for a second and Bicycle Towns now has some 35 yards to make! Not in the picture frame in the end. So Mufs finished with 156 off 20 just under the 8 an over mark and a fine destructive effort.
In reply, SL never got going at all - Dickie (3-0-10-3) and Phil (3-1-6-3) bowl most cunningly up front and between them reduce SL to 17 for 6 off six overs. Simlo showing brief resistance with 3 boundaries before Dickie cleaned him up. Enter The Wheeler Dealer and Karl "Kid" Jansen for 4 overs and a wicket apiece (Tom- 4-1-10-1 and Karl 4-1-8-1). SL tail shows a bit of fight to survive as The Masterful Jeya and Liberty Knight are unleashed for a couple of overs of fire and brimstone (partic from Liberty). Lindsay pops up for an over - nearly claims a wicket first ball - gets one next ball - and then nearly another with a hard return catch almost taken. Finally and perhaps fittingly the coup de grace is delivered by Sicknote himself by bowling out the last SL wicket with his second delivery. A professional Bank job done by a ruthless gang of Mufs- never mind demutualisation this was demolition. And so we progress to Round 3 of the "Rumblelows" Cup.
Just to brighten the doom and gloom down below... a rotten joke for thee...
A young ventriloquist is touring the clubs and stops to entertain at a bar in a small town.
He's going through his usual run of stupid blonde jokes when a large, blonde woman in the fourth row stands on her chair and says, "I've heard just about enough of your denigrating blonde jokes! What makes you think you can stereotype women that way? What does a person's physical attributes have to do with their worth as a human being?"
The ventriloquist looks on in amazement.
"It's guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in my community," she continued, "and of reaching my full potential as a person because you and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against not only blondes but women at large... all in the name of humor."
Flustered, the ventriloquist begins to apologize.
The blonde interjects, "You stay out of this, mister. I'm talking to that little guy on your knee!"
After the Lord Mayor's Show there is often a fair pile of horse-shit left lying. And a foul and reeking pile of excrement was what Mufs Ones batting resembled on Saturday as they threw away a promising position at 88 for 2 off 25 overs to slump to 132 all out. Fair dos to Largo as they played solid and proper league cricket to bring us back to reality and teach us a stern lesson about how to bat in Division 2. Too many of us were stuck in 20-over mode or just got stuck - the number of dismissals by cross-batted shots was simply abysmal. Probably good to get this smack in the face early on so we can learn from it and learn we must otherwise we will be back to where we came from. Here endeth the sermon.
Positives were the way we bowled and how we started the batting - Duncan - who will be sorely missed with both ball and bat - with a quick 40, Sicknote was looking comfortable at 19 (before starting the rot with a silly swish!), Jeya with 32 (but needs to go back to playing straight again) and then a horror show of 0,4,6,1,3 as we got stuck after passing 100 in the 27th over, finding ourselves 15 overs later on a mere 117 with 9 down. Thanks to Richie Sorrell, with a late 15, we at least got up to 132 and something to defend - but 50-60 short of par. Largo's bowling did the basics right -bowl straight - you miss - I hit. And so it proved that 132 was not going to be enough as Largo batted sensibly and despite a late wobble won the match by 3 wickets. Top marks to Dickie for bowling very well on his first League outing with 7 overs and 2 for 15. Dunc on his swansong with 2 for 40 from his 15, Phil ("Behind You") Rogers with 0 for 6 off 3, and the wounded warriors also bowled tightly.. Rich with 1 for 15 from 8, Norm Allan 1 for 24 of 11, and JNB with 16 for 1 off 5. Losing hurts - lets learn the lesson quick. Congrats to Largo.
Twos added to the sense of woe with a defeat against Westquarter. Westquarter posted 165 for 9 with The Wheeler Dealer taking another Pfeiffer - (15 overs with 5 for 29), Ricky Martino taking 3, however another blow as Kidda joins the lengthening list of crocks! In reply we made only 97 with the Hairy Monster Watling with a determined 40 batting through most of the innings and Dazza with 26 being the only contributions of note.
Threes provided the only bright note for the day with a narrow 1 run win over Mitre in a friendly match. Mufs posted 95 and successfully defended this with the star of the day being Carl Tramms with 4 wickets - a good reward for being excused from studying for his exams. Good work wee fella.
A good turnout of players and partners turned out at Berts for Duncan's farewell. All the best Dizzy and see you next year - were gonna miss yer.
"Not delighted" Sickie
Masterful, wonderful. Absolutely terrific. This is akin to Stoke City beating Arsenal in the Cup as the champions of the East League are beaten by Mufs. A wonderful result for the club as we show, nay we prove that we have the depth of talent, conviction and belief to not only mix-it with the Big Guns but to vanquish them. Jeya was indeed most masterful in a superb knock of 44 not out that took us to victory - though it was a great team effort as a whole that set up victory by restricting the talented Edinburgh CC to only 117 for 3 off their 20 overs. Great credit to Dunc "Dizzy" Peake (5-0-17-1), Stormin' Norman Allan (5-0-27-2), "Nasty" Keith Lawrence (5-0-31-0)and John "the Sultan" Baikie (5-0-29-0) for keeping ECC in check despite chance after chance getting spilt in the field - bar a most vital catch by Duncan in the deep to remove the dangerous Raja just when he looked set to punish us.
And so to the chase - a circumspect and solid start by Gavin Richmond (13) and Liberty Knight (17) set us on our way. Then enter Dizzy and The Masterful Jeya with a stand of 64 that swung the game our way. Dizzy bowled for 21.... and then it got hairy-scary....with 6 needed to win of 10 balls all of a sudden Towns (2), Park (0) and Shiels (0) disappear in a hat-trick and then its 6 from 6 deliveries needed. Thankfully The Master is on strike and with a 4 and a 6 Jeya drives us to a glorious victory - surely one of the greatest since merger of the clubs and for those of a Dafs hue, the greatest since "That" Heriots game. Who's up next in the draw... why Heriots. A great night that sends out a stern message to our rivals. Up the Mufs.
"Delighted" Sicknote
As some of you may know, Duncan "Dizzy" Peake is due to return to Australia after a final hurrah for us against Largo. So would be great to see him off in style after the Saturday matches with a beer or three at Berts Bar on Sat night. Hopefully it is only arrivederci and not goodbye, as we may see Dunc back in Mufs colours next year. And sending the cream of travelling Oz talent in our direction too as our man in Sydney!
Next week we have on Tues next round of the Parks Trophy v Standard Life at Newfield (availability to me please) and a friendly v Currie and Balerno on Thursday at Muirhouse (availability to Norman Allan and me, ta!)
Vociferous home support wanted for the glamour cash versus Edinburgh CC tomorrow night please!
More player profiles welcome... profile of Frank Boyd, jnr to be posted shortly ! Form to fill in attached here. Also suggestions for player nicknames... muf-a-likes always welcome... you can self-nominate !!
Sicknote
Bit of a cock-up on the fixture front ... Masterton Cup game now is Thursday not Tues at Muirhouse! Thanks to Bots for being so understanding and moving aside for us. Come and give us support in this most glamourous of clashes.
Thanks to Clackmannan's artificial wicket at the picturesque Arns ground and our steadfast refusal to bow to the elements, MDCC Ones completed a 8 wicket victory in their first Division Two fixture. Clackmannan batted first and posted only 133 (all out) due to a fine bowling performance all round from Duncan, Keith, Norman, a semi-fit Rich, and Sleepy Rogers. Only slight blot was some spilled chances (mea mosta culpa for one very easy one - sorry "Nasty"!) but overall a very fine and merciless team performance.
Dizzy claimed top billing with 3 for 48 off 12.3 overs topping and tailing the attack, although it was the Stormin' Norman and "Nasty" Keith Lawrence Show in the middle section of the game, bowling superbly in tandem, that strangled the life out of the Clackmannan batting. Norman (14.2-6-23-1) and Keith (12-4-23-2) conceding only 46 runs off their combined 26 overs. With JNB rested from the attack, Phil Rogers bowled well at the death with 3-0-13-2. Richie bowled 6.4 overs taking 2 for 20 before having to withdraw with a tweaked calf. And they had said before the game we couldn't bowl?? For Clackmannan, G Oliver scored 54 and collected a nasty cut over the eye as well for his trouble but bravely battled on before being last out to a fine Peaky yorker.With a quick win in mind a tactical switch at the top order and the very same Mr Peake elevated to opening the batting with Liberty Knight. And the plan worked well with Dunc hitting a quickfire 26 - many a boundary turned into a 2 by the damp outfield- before succumbing to the first sucker ball from Ash Rasul. And so enter the Skipper. After a brief steadying of the ship, Sickie opened up with the drizzle starting to slightly worsen, departing for 29 (bowled round legs by Rasul - off the 7th ball of the over Mr (home)Umpire!). Enter Jaya to finish the job with some glorious strokeplay and a 35 not with the serene Knighty continuing his fine early form with 32 not out. Job well done and the first 25 pints (sorry points but pints came later at a packed Berts Bar) safely tucked away. Jolly good show chaps. Big thanks to Iain Martin (for umpiring then 12th man duty for the injured Beast); Andy Piggott (for soggy umpire duty), Willie as ever for scoring and Don for support and his unique philosophical insights and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Twos were rained off back in a wetter Edinburgh and Threes had been mysteriously stood-up on Thursday night by Livvy!
Next up for us is the Masterton Cup tie at Muirhouse on THURSDAY (NOT TUES!) eve v Edinburgh CC.
Phil Rogers with a word of warning....(!!)
We never sleep. Well, not since the new 1s captain was appointed. Ten minutes before midnight on a Thursday, you'd think you could safely nod off to sleep. Half an hour earlier, I had set the alarm clock on my mobile for the following morning. So when it rang, I awoke ready - I thought - for the new day. I pressed the button to turn it off and was addressed by this strange disembodied voice. 'Come to Clackmannan, come to Clackmannan', was the subliminal message. 'JNB injured, your 1s need you'. Then the battery cut out and I returned to my slumbers. After a restless night, wondering if the 2s bowling / batting balance is okay, I finally woke for a second time. Somehow I thought I'd dreamt the whole episode.
Phil 'Sleepy' Rogers
....Oops I had just lost track of the time after writing up the Parks result! Actually I was blethering away for a couple of minutes before realising Phil's phone had cut off!! Be warned - your ever plotting and scheming captains never sleep
MDCC defeated a strong Scottish Widows side comfortably by 7 wickets at Muirhouse in the Parks Trophy. Widows batted first and started strongly with Robertson in belligerent form with 46, though de skipper missed a run-out chance to claim the danger man earlier on, never was much good at me double sixteens. From a promising position at the half-way point of 54 for 1 for Widows, despite excellant bowling from "Nasty" Keith Lawrence with 5-0-18-1, MDCC staged a storming fight-back over the next 10 overs; JNB to the fore with a most excellant 5 overs claiming 4 wickets and costing only 22. A wicket a-piece also for Darryn Kidd and Norman Allan, two stumpings for Chris, catches for Phil, Jaya and Lindsay; plus 3 run-outs with excellant work from Jaya and Lindsay, saw Widows finally dismissed for 105 off their final ball of the 20 overs. Phil R was the other bowler used (3-0-20-0), with the Beast rested for the night. A good fight back as early season rust in the field was shaken off in the second half when Mufs showed solid team work.
And so to the chase, with Rich Sorrell partnering Knighty at the top of the order. Rich blasted us out of the blocks with a most entertaining quick-fire knock, including one bowler demoralising 6, before departing bowled to the lanky and rapid Hansen for 27 out of the 34 on the board. After a period of careful chipping away at the Widows total (a polite way of saying yours truly couldn't lay bat on ball), Mufs exploded back into life and built up some impressive "Manhattans" with Knighty putting the wayward Bobb to the sword (19 off one over) and then Sicknote finding his range with 10 taken off the hitherto impressive Hansen. Mufs reached 82 of 14 when Sickie departed going for a heave for 18. Jaya joined Knighty and once atuned drove immaculately to bring us to the cusp of victory. 1 required to win, the ball strikes Jaya's pad, Knighty charges down for the winning single, Jaya is unmoved, nay unaware even of his partner's rapid approach and somewhat comically the Baggie is run-out for a fine 34. Enter Westy for the final rites and victory claimed with a leg-bye, Jaya not out 16.
Overall a very fine team performance to stun the Widows - excellant bowling by John Norm and Keith- good opening batting blast by Rich, with Knighty showing his class with the bat. Maybe work needed on this running malarky though. And so to the next round of the Parks Trophy for the Mighty Mufs. Jolly well done all.
Shock news just in is that Livingston have already (as at Thurs eve) called off the game against our Threes. Your club officials are not happy about this nor are letting this rest.... This is particularly annoying given the strong teams that were to be fielded across the whole Club this weekend.
Blue sky on a Saturday but the recent rain over the end of the week had made it mission impossible to prepare a pitch at Muirhouse and Barnton- so both Ones and Twos are off. However as the 3s game at Roseburn went ahead with a defeat by 60 runs by Dunbar. A late stand by Wanless (51) and Paxton saw Dunbar to 148 all-out off 39 overs. Mike Seddon picking up 4 for 45 and Carl Trahms 3 for 22. MDCC3 fell short by 60 runs with Mike top score with 24, Carl with 20, Vijay 15 and Frank Boyd with 12 not out. Thanks to Graham Tait's Spandau Ballet reciting fan-club for major off-pitch entertainment during Taity's epic innings of 0.
Well don't know about you guys but I can hardly wait to get stuck into another season of cricket. Here's hoping weather bucks up. Anyway just to say good luck to all our players - play hard and enjoy your cricket. And here's to a Mufs clean sweep tomorrow
Courtesy of Paul Leonard - here's an excellant report of the 3s Saturday friendly v Carlton at match report. A wee thought from the pre-season games worth commenting on... over the two weekends Rich Sorrell bowled 58 deliveries before conceding a run - and even then it was an overthrow. Wow. Keep it going The Beast.
Finally thanks to all who came on down to the Indoor Nets - good to see such keeness and commitment. Now the season is upon us, outdoor nets will start from Monday and will be repeated throughout the season on Mondays from about 6pm -weather permitting of course. We'll probably kick-off a bit earlier this Monday given it is a holiday for most.
Ian Shiels aka Sicknote
Is this really April? Well a roaster of a day saw a strong Mufs line-up too hot for a Drummond XI at Roseburn. The Beast of Sorrell continued where he had left off last Saturday with 3 consecutive maidens - one a wicket and another a double wicket maiden- to leave the Drummond top-order stunned. Helped by a succession of collective dropsies (particularly off the very unlucky Dizzy Peake) Drummond dug-in and a mini-revival was led by their skipper, Brand, who held them together with the top score of 58. Darryn Kidd bowled tidly in the middle with 2 for 12 off 8 overs, supported by JNB to keep the brakes on. Graham Milne showed good form with 4 tidy and sharp overs, Knighty struggled for consistency (perhaps with engineering a total to chase in mind). As the innings drew towards its end, debutant Andy Gray took out the danger man Brand with a c'n'b plus another wicket and Sasi wrapped things up with 2 wickets for no runs. Drummond dismissed for 101 off 36.1 overs.
And so to tea - a most splendid effort by Mrs Baikie and Miss Swan earning a straight 10 Tea rating from the umpiring Mr Piggott.
Then the chase began - in sedate fashion by Knighty and Sicknote aided by Mr Extras. In a sudden switch of plan to uncharacteristic agression Sickie departed for a mere 4. Knighty batted well for his 25 - stumped on the verge of retirement. Andy Gray showed steady promise with 18. Graham Watson chipped in with a solid 14 retired, Jeya lashed it to reach 16 not with Sasi joining him at the end with 2 not. A victory by 7 wickets with 8 of our 40 overs spare.
The day ended with drinks in the beer garden - who would have predicted that last weekend!
MDCC fielded two teams for warm-up (certainly warmer than last Sat !!) fixtures on Saturday at Roseburn against a Peebles XI and a Carlton Youth side. Although both teams were narrowly defeated both games were useful to provide real-game warm-ups. Room for improvement of course as the real stuff is almost upon us. Two debutants for the Club provided the main highpoints, Tim and Carl.
Tim Harris, with 28, showed good technique and promise opening the chase against Peebles before falling to the 5-wicket claiming Bhajit. Earlier on, fine bowling from Tony, Phil, Keith and JNB had Peebles in trouble - 5 down for 50 odd- only for an aggressive unbeaten half-century from M Swan to set MDCC 143 for victory. After a fine start with Tim starring, Mufs middle order was blown away by poor shot selection, particularly against the full-toss! Definite room for improvement!
Martin Ward (12) with dogged support from Iain Martin (suffering a nose-bleed batting at 7) steadied the ship. Then the "big-guns" arrived at the tail. After Wardy (perhaps missing the sleeveless shirt) departed after suddenly going expansive, out strode JNB. Bhajit found the Baikie Gap with a peach of a delivery and then it was Phil R facing the hat-trick - giving the umpire (me) an interesting moment as he strode across his stumps - and missed the ball. Marginally going down leg methinks- and well forward - so I spared Mr Bhajit the expense of a hat-trick. He was happy anyway with the two wickets in the over he said. Then, from the brink of disaster, Keith and Phil, scoring at over run a ball bring us close and victory looks comfortably in sight- suddenly Keith spoons a return catch to Cathy (the fine Scotland Women's Team bowler). The nerveless Nightbus at number 11, nine-irons a couple of boundaries and so with 7 balls left, only 4 is required for a victory snatched from defeat. However, Tony's club selection goes alwry (sack the caddie?) and Peebles claim the victory. A very fine game - and fine comebacks by both sides.
Over on the other side of the path, the shining star of Don's Troopers was Carl T with a half-century, interrupted by a pre-agreed retirement rule, which took MDCC again almost to victory against a classy Carlton 3/U16 side who 153-6 off 40 overs - (Hilton 51 not and Kennedy 43 not) - bowling stars were Don with 2-4, Carl Tramms 2-16, Ali Amjid 1-24 with two catches for Rob Foth. In the end we fell short by 12 with Carl Tramms finally out for 58. Paul Leonard also batted well with 21 opening the innings, Ali next best with 10.
On Sunday another MDCC XI takes on Drummond at Roseburn Park.
A reminder that Club Subscriptions are due. These are £40 before 31 May, £20 for junior/unwaged and £50/£25 thereafter. Note also that after 31 May match fees for non-members are higher. Full details as per AGM minutes.
Our final set of indoor nets are at the Scottish Cricket Academy at Mary Erskine School, Ravelston Dykes Rd, Edinburgh on Tuesday 27 April from 6pm to 8pm.
Outdoor practice (weather permitting!) will start at Roseburn Park on Monday 3 May from 6pm using our shiny new Net equipment.
It is with great sadness that we have to report that "Bat" suffered a career ending injury last night at nets and has been forced to retire. "Bat" would like to say he thoroughy enjoyed scoring lots of runs last season and wished the Club great success this year. "Hat" though is said to be distraught.
Latest set of 100 Club Winners are:-
February 2004
March 2004
Mr Dalyell will be in touch with winnings (hopefully).
The phoney war draws to a close and an eager MDCC XII continued the preparation for battles ahead with a dogged half-match performance on Saturday against a Boroughmuir XI. New skipper Sicknote, with one eye on the gathering greyness in the Western sky, called wrong and we were despatched into the field.
The Beast of Sorrell showed no signs of rust even despite the scudding, near horizontal, showers that blew across this most exposed of cricket grounds. Six consecutive maidens were bowled by Rich, wicketless only because of the inability of the Boro' batsman generally to get anywhere close to him. Tony battled manfully against the wind and slope at the other end but couldn't find consistency in the face of the gale. Boro advanced slowly but steadily with their opening stand - Mufs fielding at this stage perhaps a little rusty, with the wind numbing fingers and perhaps multiple layers of clothing decreasing mobility (but thank heavens for thermal undies I say). However, after a couple of missed chances a far-too-sharp single was risked and the first wicket at last taken - D Gilbert out for 18.
Enter to the stage debutant Keith Lawrence from the (downhill) canal end and John "The Sultan" Baikie, ascending up from from his wedding church end. With passing "severed" heads as a backdrop (ask the halleucinating Liberty Knight) Keith impressed on his debut, particularly as he was bowling at the top Boro batsman (i.e. regular Ones). Both Keith and JNB took two wickets each (Baikie indeed on a "Hoggy" at one point including the wicket of the other opener Dickson for 28) as the Boro' top and middle order was steadily eroded away. Next up to the rapidly moistening plate for their allocation were Darryn Kidd and Phil Rogers and again both showed good control and guile despite the wet conditions - Dazza claiming 2 wickets and Claypole 1.
Now the conditions were getting even more unpleasant and we seriously considered calling it a day - thankfully for Knighty we persevered and the rejuvenated Baggie all-rounder saw another Boro batsman castled. The final wicket was claimed by Tom Wheeler - perservering in the less than Antiguan or Barbadian climate - with the frozen fingers of our other debutant, Sasidharan accepting a skied chance. Boroughmuir finishing all out for 124 off 33.3 overs. So, with a useful although chilling work-out and cobwebs most certainly blown away, we trudged off for the warmth of tea-time and effectively the end of the match as the heavens finally opened up properly. And then early to the pub (once we found it after leading Tom, Keith and girlfriend Jackie on a merry dance up and down the road in the rain!). Well done all, particularly given the conditions. Hopefully some good batting practice next weekend!
Sicknote
Our next set of indoor nets at MESC, Ravelston Dykes Road, are on Tuesday 20 April, 3 lanes, 6 - 8pm
Midweek fixtures have been added to 2004 fixtures page.
Not content with taking over the airwaves (see previous news item)... Tom Wheeler's Caribbean assault on the nation's media continues with a cameo appearance on Sky News on Tuesday morning, resplendent in his Brighton and Hove Albion hat, being interviewed about Brian Lara's 400. Only a nude centre-spread or tabloid kiss-and-tell remains to be achieved by Tom for him to complete a stunning media hat-trick. Go Tom !
With great thanks to Bob Wilson for his meticulous record keeping over the decades I am delighted to be able delve into the DAFS archives from 1952 to 2000. Please click on the following link to DAFS Archives . Never mind dusty archives... these old records were somewhat nicotine laded... I feel as though I have smoked 20 woodbines while compiling this !! Anyway, for the ex-DAFers amongst us ... enjoy.
cough...Sicknote...cough
PS for very ex-DAFers... if you want you career stats then let me know!
As some of you may know there has been quite a bit of agonising and debate about outdoor nets facilities and locations. I am delighted to announce that we are investing in a new set of nets and poles etc to replace the presently holey and entangled set of old nets. These will provide 2 long net bays - reducing risk to waiting bowlers and passer-bys alike. We intend to continue to use these on the usual Monday night practices at Roseburn where the council have re-laid the bowling ends with new turf and also added maintenance of the artificial practice strips to the overall ground maintenance contract. So no more having to untangle the "Gordian Knot" every Monday. Without losing the fun element we also intend to be a little more structured with outdoor practices - i.e. not only netting but practising (good grief) such things as fielding and catching - not necessarily the greatest strengths of the Club nor me personally (Belly got in the way last year!)
I (and Willie Ritchie) had the pleasure of attending the East of Scotland Civil Service Cricket Association AGM on Thursday at Muirhouse. Bar the usual AGM agenda stuff, the rest of the meeting, to be honest, was taken up with trivia (cleaners) and in particular one man's bitter crusade about being apparently short-changed by a fiver. Although highly entertaining it dragged on for ever. It left me a bit confused about the actual purpose on the night - I thought we were there to discuss Civil Service Sport matters. Anyway I raised matters about the container, artificial net replacement and a second square. These had anyway been discussed with David Cant previously by Iain and myself - and the Committee present (briefly) stated they were aware of these requests- Brian (groundsman) was actively looking into artificial pitch replacement (next season) - confirmed that the Strollers contact was seeking out a Container for us (like the one the Strollers have). Second square we will continue to pursue with the EoS CSSA committee but they are aware of it. There is an obvious issue of cost - the EoS CSSA have very limited funds - indeed their financial position gets tighter. They are grateful for our use of facilities and particularly the Bar more so perhaps than some other sporting users of the ground. It is obvious that the Committee are favourably disposed towards cricket at Muirhouse and share our delight in the strong performance of the Club. We should continue to build on this goodwill.
Please remember that the East of Scotland Association Pre-Season Meeting will be held at our the Muirhouse Civil Service Clubhouse on 15 April at 7:30pm. Would be good to get a good turnout as "host" partic from Club Officials!
Ian Shiels
Woor Tom Wheeler, as you know, is out in the Caribbean witnessing the tremendous England performances (admittedly against a sh*te Windies team) ... accordingly to Martin Ward apparently Mr Wheeler was interviewed by Talk Sport on the radio at one of the games. By the way Tom is wearing a rather large blue Seagulls (Brighton and Hove Albion FC) top hat in case you are happen to see a familiar face (and beard?) in the crowd. He's the left side, he's the left side.... he's the left side over there... etc
Talking of Thomas's ....Congrats to Tom H and Lindsay C on their recent purchase of a house in Edinburgh... they are joining the increasingly MDCC cricket ghetto of Slateford/Craiglockhart I believe. This will also bring Mr Hothersall back on-line. News of house-warming party yet to reach web-ed. (I'm just writing this to wind-up Don as there has been a lack of deaths, births, marriages etc etc of late and I know he loves reading this stuff).
Bit of an update on the friendlies front... We are still lined up to play Boroughmuir on Saturday 17th April- 1:30 start -still a tiddly bit of doubt (still waiting on final definite confirmation from them) but I'm 80% confident it will go ahead. Availability please to me at either my hotmail or work email (see contacts page if you don't know these) or phone me on 07730 074174.
On Saturday 24th April there's 2 games, one v Peebles and also Don's game which he's arranging for his 3s - last I knew against a Carlton youth team. Both games at Roseburn - Don's on the grass (as in wicket, not weed). On the Sunday, Dunfermline Carnegie have had to cancel so we are now playing Drummond 1s - who won promotion to Div 3. They are keen to play our "ones" or near enough apparently.
Availability for the Saturday 24 (Peebles) and Sunday 25 games please to Iain Martin and myself please - Don I believe has been contacting those of you direct for his Sat 24 game. End of the day although we want to field teams of appropriate strengths against the various opposition we will try to be flexible to fit in with people's preferences or availability over these dates. As a general guide (but please don't get too hung up over it, guys)... the Boroughmuir game is intended to be pitched at typically 1/2s level, Peebles at 2s/1s, Dons game at 3s, and Drummond 1s/2s odd 3s .
Thanks, Ian ShielsWe have been made aware of the following (thanks to Townhill CC) and we should make allowances when travelling to, or hosting clubs from, Fife.
"Contra-flow traffic will be introduced on the Northbound carriageway whilst the Southbound carriageway is resurfaced during 2004. The works will be carried out in two phases at weekends only (6pm Friday to 6am Monday). Phase 1:Commences on Friday 16th April for the next ten weekends until Monday morning, 21st June Phase 2:Commences on Friday 3rd September at weekends until completion. (a minimum of six). Expect long delays in both directions. No works will take place on the last weekend of June, the whole of July and the whole of August. If the weather forecast is poor for a particular weekend, work will be cancelled and no restrictions will be placed on the bridge. Avoid the delay by using the extra buses or train. If you must drive use the A9/M9".
For latest information on delays visit: www.nadics.org.uk .
Always looking for a bit of a media stunt of cunning proportions to boost the profile of our wee club... we were thinking of getting a monster pie baked as part of our Berts Bar Sponsorship Cheque Handover. So a check (basically with (drooling) tongue firmly in cheek) with the Guiness Book of Records in respect of the largest ever Scotch Meat Pie. To my amazement several weeks later a GBoR researcher actually emailed me back, and I'm afraid we have some way to go to beat the record for the largest meat pie....
According to the Book, 17 catering students from Stratford-upon-Avon College, Warwickshire made a meat pie weighing 10.54tonnes (23,237lb) in a container 9.75m (32ft) long, 2.32m (7.6ft )wide and 0.61m (2ft) deep at the Hand Stadium, Clevedon, Somerset, UK on April 12, 1998. Over to you Mr Bert??
A bit of rather late breaking news.... an ex-Muffer was part of the controversial pre-match entertainment at the recent Murrayfield Scotland - England match. The never-ending razzmatazz "pop-concert" massed pipes and drummers did not go down to well with Sir Clive and Lawrence Dallaglio as you know. So who was this evil influence? - none other than Eddie Clark who was banging his drums as part of the North Berwick Pipe Band. (Eddie sends his best wishes to all and has very kindly agreed to arrange the ever-popular fixture cards for the 2004 season).
Coincidentally on that very same evening, a remnant of the John Norman Baikie's stag-do ran into both the Scotland and England Rugby Teams in Chambers Street. Have to say the Scotland players looked far, far too cheerful! Anyway a chance to press-the-flesh with Sir Clive and a certain J Leonard for our webmaster... funny enough they were muttering something about giving that Ed "luvvie dahling" Clark a real good kicking.... Perhaps Ed's spell had wickedly lingered on (like one of Thomas Hothersall's farts perhaps) until Twickenham....
Although still to be absolutely finalised..... we are anticipating a series of warm-up matches for the upcoming season. Games provisionally lined up v Boroughmuir on Sat 17th April - most likely at Meggetland (if available); possibly 2 games on Sat 24th April: v Peebles 1 and a game v Prestwick U-16s being arranged by Don for the "3s"; and finally a game versus "Lucky Pants" and his pals from Dunfermline Carnegie on Sunday 25th of April - all of these at Roseburn. More details will follow once we firm things up but keep these dates in mind.
All the best to John Norman and Susan who were wedded on Saturday.
Next Indoor nets are at MESC as usual but this time only from 9-10 pm on Tues 2 March. 2 lanes.
The recent Club Curry night raised a tremendous 185 pounds (money not weight!). Good stuff and thanks to all.
Fixtures for season 2004 have been announced. Available from this 2004 fixtures file link. Let's get ready to RUMMMMBBBLLLE !. Perhaps that's the thought of Friday's curry.
Those who have been on the RBGECC tours will have sampled the delights of the Castle ground at Innellan and the tremendous hospitality of our hosts at Innellan.... those who haven't may have seen some of the photos of us at the ground this year. It is truly a splendid setting for cricket... however some bad news and an appeal for help to which we should all respond. You never know ... one day we might be needing the support of others. Anyway a message from Gordon McKissock from Innellan CC....
Hi Guys,just for your general information, for those of you who had the enjoyment of travelling to the western spiral arm of the cricket galaxy to play Innellan CC at the castle, I have bad news.
Argyll and Bute district council are in the process of deciding to sell the 150 acre estate to "maximise its assets". Primarily this will result in the loss of 53 jobs, the closure of the outdoor education centre that operates there, the end of the art and music studies that have gone on there for decades and a very uncertain future for Innellan CC as a club. I would invite all club secretaries whose clubs have sampled cricket here or who want to come here in the future to send letters of support for our cause not to lose this asset for education, culture and sport in the West of Scotland either to me at Fern Villa 21, Cromwell street, Dunoon, PA23 7AU, or direct to the council at Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead, Argyll.
The more pressure we can bring to bear the better,the next meeting of the council is on Feb 19th, so time is not on our side.
Many thanks guys,our fixture list is already complete we'd like to fulfill it,look forward to hearing from you and any help you can give us.Hopefully see you in the summer.
Gordon McKissock, President, Innellan CC
Formal statement from Cricket Scotland on Edinburgh CC appeal... (our Masterton opponents!)
Cricket Scotland wishes to confirm the outcome of a recent appeal lodged by Edinburgh Cricket Club against a decision made in November 2003 by the East of Scotland Cricket Association (ESCA) to deduct Edinburgh CC a total of 35 points (five points for each match) for fielding an ineligible player in seven matches in the East League during the 2003 season.
On 3 February 2004, a Cricket Scotland Appeal's Committee heard representations from Edinburgh Cricket Club. After due consideration, the Committee decided to reject Edinburgh Cricket Club's appeal.
The issue was decided on whether ESCA were entitled to take the view that the player named and registered as Asad Rehman, who played in one or more matches for Edinburgh CC during the 2003 season, was not Asad Rehman, but in fact a player by the name of Rana Jahanzeb. As an overseas player with first class experience in Pakistan, Jahanzab was deemed ineligible to play in East League matches according to ESCA rules. It has not been determined that officials of Edinburgh CC were necessarily aware of the proper identity of the player.
The consequences for Edinburgh Cricket Club, following the rejection of its appeal are as follows:
The above outcome follows extensive investigations by the East of Scotland Cricket Association and subsequent deliberations by the Cricket Scotland Appeal's Committee. East of Scotland Cricket Association and Cricket Scotland will be issuing no further comment on the matter at this time.
Well I believe the other consequence is that it is now only 1 up and 2 down in the East League unless there were gaps. Good job our Firsts finished top in the end !
It is with great sadness that we report the death of David Williamson. David was President of the Edinburgh Parks Cricket Association and played for Maccabi. Our condolences to David's family and friends.
For those who don't know, we are having a Club Curry night at the Kings Balti on Buccleuch St, Edin (nr Edin University) on Friday 20 February. The more who turn up (partners and friends welcome) then the more the Club will receive in terms of cash-back from the restaurant. Cost is £20 per head. The restaurant is not licenced so its BYOB (or crate)!
Meet for pre-curry drinks at the Southsider public house (good real ale) at 7:00pm onwards. The feasting at the Kings Balti is from 8pm.
Please note we need an indication of numbers so please email me at ian_shiels@hotmail.com to lets us know if you and a.n.other(s) are coming. Thanks.
Now for those who haven't earnt a MDCC nickname a chance perhaps, courtesy of Chris "Crippled" Watling's Net surfing, to assume the mantle of a venerable bluesman. The procedure is quite straightforward...
Simply consult the following three lists. From the first list, take the name against the initial of your first name. From the second list, do the same with your middle name. From the third, your surname. Et voila!
A=Fat; B=Muddy ; C=Crippled; D=Old; E=Texas; F=Hollerin'; G=Ugly;H=Brown;I=Happy; J=Boney; K=Curly; L=Pretty; M=Jailhouse; N=Peg Leg;O=Red;P=Sleepy; Q=Bald; R=Skinny; S=Blind; T=Big; U=Yella;V=Toothless;W=Screamin'; X=Fat Boy; Y=Washboard; Z=Steel-Eye
A=Bones; B=Money; C=Harp; D=Legs; E=Eyes; F=Lemon; G=Killer;H=Hips;I=Lips; J=Fingers; K=Boy; L=Liver; M=Gumbo; N=Foot; O=Mama;P=Back;Q=Duke; R=Dog; S=Bad Boy; T=Baby; U=Chicken; V=Pickles;W=Sugar;X=Cracker; Y=Tooth; Z=Smoke
A=Jackson; B=McGee; C=Hopkins; D=Dupree; E=Green; F=Brown; G=Jones;H=Rivers; I=Malone; J=Washington; K=Smith; L=Parker; M=Lee;N=Thompkins;O=King; P=Bradley; Q=Hawkins; R=Jefferson; S=Davis; T=Franklin;U=White;V=Jenkins; W=Bailey; X=Johnson; Y=Blue; Z=TubbsLoveBoney Killer Davis!
And if you're the greedy type with more than one middle name, choose which ever one sounds best!
Cheers, "Happy Dog Davis"
At Cricket Scotland HQ and in front of a world-wide audience of 7 the small clubs cup first round draw was held last weekend.
Keep 30th May free (and reserve day 6 June) as Murrayfield-Dafs head for scenic Perthshire with an away tie at COMRIE. Should we be successful there we will have a home tie (13 June reserve day 20 June) against either our friends from Dunfermline Carnegie or Stenton and Tyninghame.
Iain Martin - El secretario.
A couple of dates for your diaries....
On 8th March at 6:30pm we have the Edinburgh Leisure Meeting at Meadowbank - it's an open meeting and the more cricket enthusiasts that attend then the better impression that we can make on EL in respect that cricket is well supported in the Capital.
The other note-worthy date is that the East of Scotland Association Pre-Season Meeting will be held at our very own Muirhouse Civil Service Clubhouse on 15 April at 7:30pm. As hosts it would be good for a good turn-out from MDCC ! Might even be a free pie !
The draw for the First Round of the Masterton Trophy 2004 is:
The dates by which games must be completed are:
The final is scheduled for Wednesday 7th July (reserve date 14th July) at a venue yet to be determined.
Next indoor nets at the Scottish Cricket Academy at Mary Erskine School, Ravelston Dykes Road is on Tuesday 17 Feb from 8pm to 10pm. We have 2 lanes and the juniors take precedence in one lane from 8 - 9pm
MDCC have drawn Edinburgh CC in the 1st round of the Masterton Trophy, a game we can certainly look forward to with great relish.
Courtesy of Cricket Scotland via Iain Martin ... Details of Saltire ticket packages for 2004.
GoldBenefitsEntry to all home Scottish Saltires & Scotland XI fixtures (excluding C&G Trophy & Lashings Fixtures). Complimentary parking (subject to availability) at all home Scottish Saltires NCL fixtures. Access to exclusive Members' area of the ground (including covered area) Complimentary match programme at all home NCL matches. Subscription to Scottish Cricketer newspaper. 15% discount on all Saltires Replica merchandise. Discounted room-rate of £42.50pp at Menzies Belford Hotel (Saltires team hotel).
Online Prices (include postage & handling) £92; £82 (OAP's, Students & Country Members - See note 1)
SilverBenefitsEntry to 5 Scottish Saltires home NCL fixtures & all other Scotland XI fixtures (excluding C&G Trophy & Lashings Fixtures) Complimentary parking (subject to availability) at 5 Scottish Saltires home NCL fixtures Access to exclusive Members' area of the ground (including covered area) Complimentary match programme at 5 Scottish Saltires home NCL fixtures Subscription to Scottish Cricket newspaper 15% discount on all Saltires Replica merchandise Discounted room-rate of £42.50pp at Menzies Belford Hotel (Saltires team hotel)
Online Prices (include postage & handling) £52; £47 (O.A.P's, Students & Country Members - See note 1)
Junior SaltiresBenefitsEntry to all home Scottish Saltires & Scotland XI fixtures (excluding C&G Trophy & Lashings fixtures). Access to exclusive Members area of the ground (including covered area) Complimentary match programme at all home NCL fixtures . Subscription to Scottish Cricket newspaper. 15% discount on all Saltires Replica merchandise.
Online Price (includes postage & handling) £27 (see note 2)
Note 1Discounted prices on Gold & Silver Membership packages are available to the following:
Senior Citizens (persons who have attained the age of 60 on 1 April 2004). Students (Copy of current year's student card must be submitted with application).
Country membership applies to applicants living 75 miles or more from the centre of Edinburgh.
Note 2Junior membership applies to persons under the age of 18 on 1 April 2004.
Obtaining Membership PackagesMembership packages will be available for purchase online from Cricket Scotland or else applications can be made by post to: Membership Applications, Cricket Scotland, MES Sports Centre, Ravelston, Edinburgh, EH4 3NT
The following information is required from postal/fax/e-mail applicants:
Winners of the recent 50 Club Prize Draws are:-
November 2003 - 1st Pam Leslie (£8); 2nd Don Wilkie (£5); 3rd Gordon Humphries (£2)
December 2003 - 1st Andy Piggott; 2nd Hugh Craig; 3rd Alec Sime
January 2004 - 1st Joe Welsh; 2nd Andy Piggott; 3rd Pam Leslie
Please note that if you wish to join the club then contact the 50 Club Convenor Gordon Dalyell for a form - email Gordon at gordon.pam(at)blueyonder.co.uk [replace (at) with @ obviously!].
A bit of sad news. Phil Yelland recently attended the funeral of Bill Wilson who played for London Road for 18 years between 1956 and 1974. Bill was a member of the side that dominated Parks cricket in the 1960s when the club won the Parks Trophy several times and almost made the latter stages of the Masterton. Bill then had a couple of seasons at Corstorphine before seeing out his playing career at Trinity Accies.
Thanks to the efforts of Ali and Don, a date for your diary... Friday 20 February for Club Curry night... the deal is the more people turn up then the more the Club will receive in terms of cash-back from the curry house. Venue is the King Balti on Buccleugh St (nr Edin Univ) - more details to follow and Ali should have got us some menus to look at between deliveries at nets on Tues. Partners and friends welcome (at the curry, but if they want to come to nets then fine !!).
Next nets will be at the Scottish Cricket Academy Indoor centre at Mary Erskine School- time 9pm to 10pm.
A more easily printable list of the net dates can be found on this attached file listing net dates.
Congratulations go to Mr and Mrs Martin Ward on the birth of 10lb(!) Ben on Boxing Day.
A message from our President can be found at this link to New Year message.
Well as 2003 draws to an end your dutiful webby would like to thank you all for reading this site, for your magnificant efforts on the pitch, for providing me with much comic material to work with both on and off the pitch (much self-generated or via alter egos such as "Hat"). Looking back over the year... it was one where MDCC Ones, led superbly by Rich, finally fulfilled their potential and were worthy Div 3 Champions. Twos recovered well to hold their Div 4 status and, given the precarious state at the start of the season, an achievement was that the Threes kept going - much credit to Don for that. We should thank all the Committee for their tireless efforts and in particular our organisational superstar in Iain Martin.
I actually write this while watching on Sky News the Sydney New Year fireworks (some display - perhaps one should have gone there rather than linger in Melbourne this time last year!). We all look back over a year as a new one starts - for me cricket wise 2003 will take some topping - started with a Test win versus Oz at Sydney in the joyous company of the Barmy Army, a championship finally for Sussex, 3rd Div Championship for MDCC and a bountiful year for runs including a couple of records with Andy. How does one top that?
Looking forward... we should be facing 2004 Season with enthusiasm and a desire to push ourselves to greater things, and have a lot of fun on the way. The club is in a healthy state - let's keep it there - not rest on our laurels and look to strengthen ourselves in terms of finances and playing squad. Recruit and retain is the key. For this we all have a role to play, the Committee, regular core players and the more occasional or fringe players (stick with us - it all counts). Finally, I wish you all a fantastic 2004. Cheers, Sicknote. (And see you at the Nets!)
Your dutiful webby and Mr Martin ventured recently to where the Scottish Cricketer mag seemingly reckons is territory only for old men who have long hung up their jockstraps. We went to the Scottish Cricket AGM on Tuesday. And indeed we might have lowered the average age somewhat from around over 50 poss even 60 !!
Anyway a few highlights from what was quite surprisingly for me quite a fascinating evening...
Chris Carruthers, the outgoing President, who I believe OMH had an interesting debate with once at Grange, made a wee speech. One thing of note was that he mentioned that the Scottish Cricket Guide was being considered for a comeback - according to the previous minutes this was something that someone (come on - own up whoever u were!) from Murrayfield CC (sic) had complained about! He urged us to pass on two main messages to our colleagues - firstly that players must observe the spirit of cricket - please do not question and challenge umpires as this is only going to drive away star umpires of the future. (I believe that there is quite an umpiring crisis - partic at the higher levels where neutral umpires are needed. Of course we all know the problems with player-umpires. I think we are as a club reasonably fair - lets continue to be so.)
His second message he wanted us to take away was "Support the Game"! At all levels! But specifically, encourage people to take out the Saltires packages. This will provide us the funds to develop the game at both top and grass roots. Also, he wanted us to urge our members to volunteer themselves to help with the stewarding and the "little jobs" at Saltires games next year. I think we should follow this up - I'm certainly game to help out - Chris was keen that we have in future minimal need to use the commercial security companies who were perhaps not as sensitive to cricketing niceties as our own stewards would be!
He then invited a few words from his successor, Tom Anderson, who in turn said that Scottish cricket had come along way in recent years with the National Leagues and the Saltires - generally it had been a success story but more to do at all levels. Scottish cricket has had its profile raised of late - indeed he remarked who would have thought that Craig Wright would be listed at 31 as most eligible bachelor in Scotland (behind Simpson of course).
Officials were duly proposed and elected as one would expect at an AGM... it was noticeable for one of the more humourous moments of the evening... Chris unintentionally read-out Belvoir Corstorphine as "Beaver" Corstorphine! Now there's an obvious merger target for us Mufs!!(the slip-up probably did not help the mood of the rep from Beaver Corstorphine who was not a happy bunny with respect to the League re-organisation)
A few prizes were duly dished out... both U-16 and U-19 District Champions were West District; Groundsman of the Year was (amateur) David Christie, Freuchie and (professional) Robert Chief(?), Glasgow Accies; Young Player of the Year was Madjid Haq; and the Basil D'Oliveira Cup (Presidents Award) for Outstanding Personality of the Year went to Jim McFadyen.
Much time was spent on the Draft Accounts. Highlights of these of note were:
The message we got was that having produced a small surplus was an achievement given some of the funding trials and tribulations. Positive news was the 3 year deal with Lloyds TSB who will be actively raising the profile of Scottish cricket and their connection with it. However the extra funding from them might be wiped out by loss of ECC Special Grant and budget pressures due to some likely fall-out from the Zimbabwe affair at the World Cup and the impact on ECC budgets and thus grant to us. Tough times still lay ahead
Some mention was made of a Player Registration Fee Scheme... though this is still at an embryonic stage. They did talk about that if there was a fee levied there also has to be a package of advantages and rights/priviledges to go with the fee. Watch this space I say
There was one main vote of note - it concerned a change of the Constitution so the President serves 2 rather than 1 year but also that a President-elect is determined mid-term and this person serves on the managing committee. Helps handover and continuity of effort I suppose and makes sense. We voted in favour of the motion
Membership fees were kept the same - Life £150+VAT, Personal: £15inc VAT by standing order or 20 inc VAT, Club fees at Class1 £136, Class2 £94 and Class 3 £47 inc VAT
The majority of the rest of the meeting (AOCB) was taken up by protracted and at times heated contributions from the floor about the restructuring issue. Beaver, sorry, Belvoir Corstorphine's representative was particularly angry about it, i.e. they were now in a Regionalised "National" Division 1 below the Premier Div whereas they were Nat Div 1 before (I think... one's attention began to wonder to beer and pies at this point). Gwynne Jones, the SCL CE, made the point that such regionalisation was common in other countries (e.g. NZ) as necessary step on way for Scotland to obtain fuller international status - i.e. your regional and district leagues feed a Regional top team that competes against the best in the other Regions. Some people simply were not convinced.
Someone asked about the position on Edinburgh Cricket Club. Sub-judice!
And that was that. Overriding personal impressions... yes lots of old people - we younger (i.e. under 60) and still PLAYING members really ought to get more involved in the game we PLAY. I was also left with the impression of a tension between the aims of a managing committee thrusting a sport into the spotlight with all the professional financing, media and business planning requirements that needs, against a rump of small time/old-time amateurism and club self-centred interest. Not sure that makes sense but you'll catch my drift, brothers.
Sicknote
Iain Martin has come up trumps with nets again...
"Thanks to our previous custom, our promotion to Division 2 and to the secretary "sweet-talking" (ahem) Judith Kisby We have been rewarded with the following dates and times at the MESC National Cricket Academy for indoor nets this pre-season.
Please note (Chris Brown) nets start on 6th January so don't eat too much turkey...."
January 2004
February 2004
March 2004
April 2004
See you all there, folks. Small charge on the night. Couple of quid or so per hour. Webby
A message from Eddie Clarke... perhaps the Clarke and Sorrell Families are conspiring to create a MDCC womens team for 2020??...Again, congrats from us all.
"It's good news, folks... Ali gave birth to a baby daughter, Catriona Rose, here at home in North Berwick (as we'd hoped) on 7th November at 7.07am, weighing 9lbs! Mother and baby well. Big sister managing admirably. Dad pretty much staying on, rather than over, the edge."
Always nice to catch-up with former players so the Web Newsdesk is delighted to report that Richard "Brains" Body will be back in town...(as a reminder of his special Kiwi lunacy, Brain's player profile can be found here.)So, this gives us a good excuse not only for a few beers but we thought our very own Mufs Xmas bash on Saturday 13 December at Berts - back room is reserved for us! Mr Hubbard has kindly agreed to knock up some pre-drinks curry at his pad beforehand and yours truly may add to the catering effort. Grub up lets say at Pauls (7a William Street) at 7-ish. Beers thereon in Berts daresay from 8:30? Let us know if you are wanting curry.
Message received from a proud new father...."Viv had a girl this morning. Holly Nicole was 7 pounds 3 ounces with loads of hair! Mum and daughter doing great."
On behalf of the whole club we would like to send our congratulations to Mr and Mrs Sorrell. Jolly well done.
A bit of a rotten one (again) for your enjoyment, sorry......
A bloke starts his new job at the zoo and is given three tasks.
First is to clear the exotic fish pool of weeds. As he does this a huge fish jumps out and bites him. To show who is boss he beats it to death with a spade. Realising his employer wont be best pleased he disposes of the fish by feeding it to the lions, as lions will eat anything.
Moving on to the second job of clearing out the Chimp house, he is attacked by the chimps who pelt him with coconuts. He swipes at two chimps with a spade killing them both. What can he do? Feed them to the lions, he says to himself, because lions eat anything. He hurls the corpses into the lion enclosure.
He moves on to the last job which is to collect honey from the South American Bees. As soon as he starts he is attacked by the bees. He grabs the spade and smashes the bees to a pulp. By now he knows what to do and throws them into the lions cage because lions eat anything.
Later that day a new lion arrives at the zoo. He wanders up to another lion and says "What's the food like here?"
The lions say: "Absolutely brilliant, today we had Fish and Chimps with Mushy Bees."
Courtesy of El Statto (Mr Piggott) some stats to warm the heart on a cold winters day....
London Road/Murrayfield/M-DAFS 3rd XI Top 10 (1989 - 2003)Games
Runs
Wickets
We'll be posting some Dafs statistics up as well soon...
PS while here... Richard "Brains" Body is coming up to Edinburgh soon so a chance to have a few beers - will let you know once details confirmed.
Iain Martin reports again (good work fella)....
Another one of the impressive venues your Sec gets to go to in the persuit of a cricket meeting...
After an interesting sausage and mash at the Craggs Inn or Scream or whatever they call it (nice barmaid though, Tony) it was off to one of the better than most meetings in that you get to sit on comfy armchairs and take part in the cup draw aka the old fashioned FA Cup draw.
I know you can't wait any longer so here is the 2004 EPPCA: Parks Trophy Draw in Full:
First Round
Games to be played by 21 May
Second Round
Game to be played by 4 June
Third Round - 25 June
Semi-finals- 8 Jul
Final - 19 July
The draw for the Terry Newcombe Trophy was also made:
Iain Martin reports....
The Scottish Saltires have announced their 2004 NCL schedule:
With thanks to Scottish Cricket for the reproduction of these fixtures.
Venues and supporter packages tbc.
The SCU AGM takes place on Tuesday 9th December 2003 at 7:30 pm at SCU HQ, MESC. SCU members are entitled to attend as are member clubs. If any club members wish to attend to represent the club please get in touch with club secretary, Iain Martin.
Scottish Cricket Ltd (SCL) has announced that 27 year-old Ryan Watson has been appointed regional development manager for cricket in the East of Scotland. The post, partly funded by sportscotland, was previously held by Craig Wright, the Scottish Saltires captain, who will now fulfil new responsibilities within the SCL's marketing function.
Watson, who will start in his new post on 10 November, based at the SCL's Edinburgh offices, will be primarily responsible for driving the grassroots development of the sport in schools and clubs in the east of Scotland. Geographically, his remit will extend to the Forth estuary in the north, Livingston in the west and the Borders in the south.
Please note MDCC's development work for 2004 never rests and we will be meeting Ryan on Thursday 27th November with a view to the initiation of a MDCC Youth Section and other developments. The club has recently secured funding for such activities (more details to follow) and are keen to develop further in this area. Anyone wanting to get involved in this area of MDCC, please contact the club secretary, Iain Martin.
Club member Andy Knight is near to completing his ECB Level 1 Coaching course. The whole of the club wishes Andy well in his assessments over the next 2 weeks. With the successful completion of the course MDCC will have 3 recently qualified Level 1 coaches to work with the proposed Youth Section of the club.
As the nights draw in and memories of summer glories slowly fade, a few previously unpublished photos from the joint Doune/Reivers CC tour to the lake district. Mufs interest with JNB, OMH and myself in the ranks of tourers, also ex-DAFS and Reivers stalwart Dave Jamieson present.
The photos can be accessed from this link to photos or from the "gallery" found in our sitemap. Cheers to all Sicknote.
The 2003 MDCC Annual General Meeting Minutes can be accessed from this link to minutes. Apologies for the delay in getting them up... been bit busy of late!
Breaking news from Mr Martin from the ESCA AGM.....
At the East of Scotland AGM held at Watsonians last night the draw was finally removed from the East League. So next year its win/lose cricket and indeed I think we, as club, and as individuals, all need to think about this before next season.
The proposal put forward by Carlton and seconded by Murrayfield-Dafs CC whereby a losing team could end up with 15 points lost out however, as the meeting seemed to think the system was too complicated - it wasn't but the requirement to use numerical tables to ascertain point scoring targets were obviously too much for some. Winning by 13 votes to 11 the new system we will be using in 2004 was proposed by Falkland and sees the bonus points up to a possible 12 (6 bat/6 bowl based on numbers of runs scored and wickets taken) with 25 points for a win.
More detailed explanation of the 2004 points scoring system will be available soon.
Also confirmed last night were the league tables and promotion/relegation issues. Our top team's promotion to Division 2 is confirmed. The 2's will once again play in Division 4 (joined by Grange 4, Edinburgh 2, Glenrothes and Dunikier). The 3's provisionally lie in Division 8 but with currently16 teams this will be looked at by the East League Committee.
We as a club also need to pay our league and Masterton Trophy subs by the first Sat of the season or we lose points so an early challenge for OMH..... and to all members to pay their MDCC subs as soon as possible in 2004.
Hope all are hibernating well.
THE SEC.
PS NEXT MDCC SOCIAL EVENT IS A FUNDRAISING CURRY NIGHT IN JANUARY 2004 - WATCH THIS SPACE.
Ricardo Martino doth reporto....
Scotland is poised for its first taste of Twenty20 cricket when a star-studded Lashings line-up takes on the Saltires at The Grange next June. The world's most famous pub side, who have the likes of Brian Lara, Richie Richardson, Mark Waugh and Phil Tufnell in their ranks, are in the midst of finalising a week-long tour of Scotland from June 21-28, and will also play games against a Scottish Schools X1, a collection of the SNCL's best performers, and a match on the beach at Elie against the Ship Inn team.
The Saltires should find out their NCL fixture list for 2004 in the next fortnight,but the prospect of a money-spinning Twenty20 tussle, starting at 5.0 on Friday the 26th, clearly appeals both to Lashings and the SCL. "We had a great time when we came up in June, but it was just for one match, and ideally, if we could organise some kind of mini-tour, that would give many more people the chance to watch some of the world's best cricketers in action," said David Folb, the millionaire benefactor of Lashings, who is hoping to persuade the Australian captain, Steve Waugh, to join the litany of superstars who have turned out for his side, ranging from Shane Warne to Sir Vivian Richards. "The highlight would obviously be a tussle with Scotland and I like the idea of preaching to the unconverted, so the notion of staging the match on a Friday evening has lots of merit. We all saw what a big hit the Twenty20 tournament was in England and how it brought some razzamatazz into the sport and I'm sure that Scottish supporters would be equally keen, especially with us committed to bringing up a full-strength squad."
As matters stand, Scotland are shaping up for their biggest-ever schedule in 2004. Yesterday, they learned they will be in the same group as World Cup finalists, Australia and India, in next September's Champion Trophy if they win the Intercontinental Cup in Dubai this winter. "The more opportunities we get on the big stage the better," said the Scotland captain, Craig Wright. "I knew that Lashings enjoyed their first visit here and it would be tremendous if we were involved in a Twenty20 contest."
Who needs Beyonce and Cristina Aguileira ? Mufs brought their own unique glitz and glamour to the Murrayfield Hotel on Friday with our Awards Dinner.
In front of a number of other bemused diners, Mufs superstars were supremely feasted and watered by the most excellant Carol from the Hotel. Certainly our boys like their red m