2006 news stories and general lunacy can be found at 2006 News Archive. Go to our Sitemap for previous years' News.

2008 Club Membership Subscriptions are now due (our membership year runs Jan-Dec). Fees are £60 for waged - £30 for unwaged/student. Paid members get free Indoor Club Nets. So bring your subs cash or cheques(made payable to Murrayfield-DAFS CC)along to nets or send to our Treasurer, Paul Hubbard, at 42 South Gyle Wynd, Edinburgh, EH12 9HJ.

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Hats off to Tom Wheeler as he is taking to the stage again with the Holyrood Amateur Theatrical Society at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar from Friday 25 Jan to Sunday 28th - 7.30pm. A bit of a"press-release" of sorts from the ol' luvvy-dahling himself...

"The blurb for the show refers to "unforgettable entertainment in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere" - I think that translates as "the bar will be open". There'll be a couple of (very) short plays in the first half, and a bit of everything in the second - music, capoiera (which, for the uninitiated, is a sort of cross between dancing and acrobatics), and what might loosely be termed "comedy" from me. There's likely to be a topical element to my act - primarily because I won't get round to writing it until the last minute. And if I'm really struggling to get a laugh then I'll try recreating my running between the wickets at Heriots last season, that's bound to do the trick...

Tickets are 6 quid - happy for people to email me at imsorryihavent@cluemail.com if they want to pre-book - Tom Wheeler"

Because of the Indoor 6s on the Friday, then a few of us will be venturing to barrack... sorry... support Tom and his crew on the Saturday. Come on down to see a Maestro at work.

New (and shortest reigning... and undefeated!) First Team Skipper, Keith Lawrence, has announced that he is to stand down due to him taking up from March an environmental economist position that is based in Washington, US of A. This means there is a vacancy for the Ones Captaincy post again. Any interested candidates wishing to be considered by the Committee for this position should email us at murrayfield-dafscc@uk2.net by January 25th, thanks. One spiffingly good candidate has emerged already. We of course wish Nasty all the best in his new jolly exciting job.

Mufs have been drawn away against Penicuik in the reformatted Masterton competition - first round to be completed by May 29th. There is also a mini-Masterton tournament starting later where we have been drawn at home to Fauldhouse - First round to be played by June 20th. Full draw details and a fuller explanation of the changes to the Masterton can be found at the new ESCA website in a Masterton News article.

A reminder that the Club's first Indoor Net session will start on Saturday 26th January from 1pm to 3pm at the Edinburgh Academy Sports Centre at 10 Arboretum Rd - opposite Holy Cross's ground. See full list of dates at this link to Mufs 2008 Indoor Nets.

There has been some confusion regarding the general Open Nets that Academy Sports Centre ran last year on Sundays... Master Vesty's posting on the message board about this is not correct - the 6-8pm Sunday slot he mentions has been taken by Carlton CC - one went to see the manager today (Fri 11 Jan) to check-up and he said there has been very heavy demand for slots this year from clubs which has taken up the majority of free slots in the hall. However, there was the odd 1 hour slot free so we asked him to book these as Open Nets. These 1 hour sessions are:-

Sunday 27 January - 5-6pm
Sunday 3 February - 5-6pm
Sunday 10 February - 5-6pm
Sunday 17 February - 5-6pm

No doubt there will be a small charge to be paid at the Centre reception (I forgot to ask how much! - will check.)

A happy New Year to all Mufs, past and present. Here's to success to all on and off the park in 2008.

Be afraid......Mufs 2s 2007 Season Stats finally now available at our Statistics page. Top run scorer was Chris Banks with 143 runs at a very creditable 20.43 average. Top wicket taker Stuart Coull with 13 wickets at 18.23 apiece closely chased by The Nightbus, Tony Simpson, with 12 at 14.50 apiece. Some horror stories amongst these stats though - but there's always next season to put it right!!

We were asked to post-up the following Edinburgh Sports Clubs Update Newsletter from the Council. Some food for thought in here for developing the club in partnership with the Council methinks.

The Club now has an account at Cow Corner - so 5% of the value of purchases made by our players at Cow Corner will be refunded to the Club. Just make sure you let them know you are from MDCC ! We would urge our players to support Cow Corner - a business run by fellow ESCA cricketers from Kirkbrae CC. An Xmas sale is on at Cow Corner too, see ad below:-

"It's nearly Christmas and Cow Corner is still here.

Don't let them get you a pair of socks this year ... our sale is still on and we're getting 2008 range kit in all the time - New GM Purist II and Catalyst bats have just arrived.

Click here for our Christmas flyer

You will find us at 90 Brunswick Street (off Leith Walk), Edinburgh and at www.cowcc.com.

Open 6 days a week:
Tue - Fri 11:00 - 18:00
Sat / Sun 10:00 - 17:00

Cow Corner Cricket"

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It has been suggested we have a wee drinkies sometime over the festive season, and so a gathering of Muffers is now set for Baroque (on Broughton Street) on Saturday 29th December - a venue that has witnessed recent Clench inspired quiz glory, Mr and Mrs Belly Bingo glory, and, from the ancient vault of history, DAFS CC silly night out glory (fondly remembering the toe-sucking antics of the great Harley Ebanks).

We have booked a series of indoor net sessions at the Edinburgh Academy Junior School Sports Hall off Arboretum Rd - entrance is opposite Holy Cross' ground. These commence on Saturday 26th January 2008 from 1pm to 3pm. Full schedule below. There may be some additional midweek evening nets booked closer to the season start.

Mufs have entered the Cricket Scotland Indoor Media Sixes tournament, drawn in Group C with Freuchie and Preston Village.

Our schedule is:

25 Jan 7.30 Mufs vs PV
25 Jan 8.30 Freuchie vs Mufs
22 Feb 7.30 Mufs vs Freuchie
22 Feb 8.30 PV vs Mufs

7 Mar Finals Night.

There will be a "match fee" per night - probably £5 - to help cover some of the entrance fees. We need to know who is interested in playing - please email us at murrayfield-dafscc@uk2.net, thanks.

Apologies for the delay (webmaster been suffering from lazyitis of late) but the nominees and winners of the 2007 MUFTAs can be found at this attached MUFTAs Awards word document.

The Club AGM was held on Thursday 15th November and the main outcomes are detailed below.

A number of constitutional changes were made to reflect the growth from 3 to 4 teams post merger including the extension of the Committee and Selection Committee to include the extra captain. A proposal to change the club name (suggestion was Murrayfield United CC) was withdrawn. 2008 Club Membership subscription fees and match fees remain broadly at 2007 levels (full waged member £60) bar an adjustment to the unwaged/student rate to £30. Passed by the meeting was the following proposal:

To recognise the commitment involved in the discharge of their duties then the holders of following listed Official Club positions will receive a 50% reduction in annual Membership subscriptions fee:
· Club President
· 1st XI Captain
· 2nd XI Captain
· 3rd XI Captain
· 4th XI Captain
· Sunday Captain
· Midweek Captain
· Secretary
· Treasurer
· Webmaster

The Meeting considered the Election of the 2008 Office Bearers as follows:

Hon. Life Members: Scott Anderson, Robin Ballantyne, Alan Goudie, Duncan McNaughton, Phil Yelland (elected by the Committee post AGM), Bob Wilson and Willie Ritchie.

President: Don Wilkie - Elected.

Vice-president: Willie Ritchie standing down; Ian Shiels - Elected.

Secretary: Iain Martin - Elected

Treasurer: Paul Hubbard - Elected

Auditor: Lindsay Towns - Appointed

Div 1 XI Captain: Ian Shiels standing down, Keith Lawrence - Elected
Div 1 XI Vice-cap: Ian Shiels - Elected

Div 2 XI Captain: Rajnish Singh - Elected
Div 2 XI Vice Cap: Ankeet Vora - Elected

Div 5 XI Captain: Martin Ward - Elected
Div 5 XI Vice-cap: Stuart Coull- Elected

Div 7 XI Captain: Iain Martin standing down, Paul Leonard - Elected
Div 7 XI Vice-cap: Charlotte Bascombe- Elected

Ex Officio Committee Members:
Nick Hill - Elected
Henry Collin - Elected
Vimal Dsouza - Elected

Midweek Captain: Melvyn Clench - Elected

Sunday Captain: Martin Ward - Elected

Joint Club Statisticians: Andrew Piggott and Chris Brown elected.

Good luck to the new members and many thanks for their efforts to those standing down.

After 4 years as Mufs Ones skipper, Ian Shiels has decided to stand down. He will be proposing a very Nasty replacement, Keith Lawrence the current VC, though of course other nominations are welcome for this vacancy. Ian is happy to stand as VC to help the new captain on the park but of course others may also wish to stand at Thursday's AGM. Ian expresses his huge thanks to all those Muffers who have played under him who have helped made it the most memorable and rewarding 4 years in his cricket career.

2007 3s captain Iain Martin has also stepped down. Our thanks to Iain for all his hard work.

As those who have been to the previous Muftas will know our awards ceremony is a mix of the formal each MDCC Team's Player of the Year plus a Young Player, Most Improved Player plus Newcomer Award and, lets say, the less serious but no less prestigous and keenly contested awards for Worse Dressed, Worse Haircut, Comedy Moments etc etc. We also would like you to suggest extra awards categories (and nominees plus reasons) in addition to the usual ones - so please complete the following Muftas 2007 Awards form and return to me at ian_shiels@hotmail.com by Wed 21 November please.

Another date for your diaries - the 2007 AGM of the newly merged club will be held on Thursday 15th November at 7.00pm. Venue confirmed now as the Ellersley House Hotel, (i.e. the place we went to last year, just round the corner from the Murrayfield Hotel). Bar meals available for those fancying a bite or three to eat beforehand.

Formal message from El Secretario on Office Bearers reproduced below:-

Election Of 2008 Office Bearers (2007 Office Bearers Listed)
Hon. Life Members: Scott Anderson, Robin Ballantyne, Alan Goudie, Duncan McNaughton and Bob Wilson, Willie Ritchie.

Position 2007

President: Don Wilkie
Vice-president: Phil Yelland, Willie Ritchie
Secretary: Iain Martin
Treasurer: Paul Hubbard
Auditor: Lindsay Towns *

Div 1 XI Captain: Ian Shiels
Div 1 XI Vice-cap: Keith Lawrence*

Div 2 XI Captain: Vacant - Roseburn CC member preferred
Div 2 XI Vice Cap Vacant*

Div 5 XI Captain: Martin Ward
Div 5 XI Vice-cap: Stuart Coull*

Div 7 XI Captain: Iain Martin
Div 7 XI Vice-cap: Charlotte Bascombe*

Committee Members:
Nick Hill
Henry Collin
Vacancy

Midweek Captain: Keith Lawrence*
Sunday Captain: Martin Ward/Various*

Club Statistician: Andrew Piggott*

(*Non- committee position)

As far as I am aware all committee members intend to continue in post - any updates to this will be posted on the Murrayfield DAFS message board via the website at www.murrayfield-dafscc.co.uk.

If you wish to discuss a committee position please feel free to contact me or any other member of the committee as stated above.

Many thanks

Iain Martin

The 2007 Muftas Awards will be held on Friday 23 November at the Murrayfield Hotel, 7pm for 7.30 eats. Rather than a set 3-course menu, this year we have agreed with MH to pick a selection of starters and mains from their standard menu at normal menu prices- what we will need to do is get you lot to pre-select from this list in advance so we can provide them the order. See below for details of the sub-menu. Also we will need award category suggestions and nominations (plus reasons) to run the awards. Email me at ian_shiels@hotmail.com please - or post em up on the Message Board.

Details of selected Menu:

Starters:

Soup of the Day served with Crusty Bread - £2.70

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties with Whiskey Sauce - £3.70

Buffalo Mozzarella in Tomato, Fresh Basil and Lemon Oil - £3.95

Main Courses

Steak and Stout Pie served with Cabbage and your choice of Chips or Mash - £6.15

Chargrilled Ribeye Steak Platter with Green Peppercorn Sauce and served with a Jacket Potato or Fries - £11.95

Spaghetti with Fresh Basil and Tomato Sauce - £7.95

Cajun Blackened Fillet of Chicken on Sweet Potato Mash with Sauteed Onions - £7.95

6oz Beef Burger with Fries and Side Salad - £6.95 - (additional Cheddar Cheese topping at £1.50)

If you are planning to eat then please let me know (at ian_shiels@hotmail.com) what you want at least two days in advance of the event so we can let the Murrayfield Hotel know the order. Thanks.

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At the MDCC EGM last night (Tues 2nd) Mufs voted unaminously in favour of the proposed motion to formally merge with Roseburn CC and thus form a 4 team club under the banner of Murrayfield-DAFS CC.

As announced on the message board, Sumi, Sutha and Co will be tantalising our taste buds with a curry fest on Saturday 13th October at Sumi's place (5/11 Sinclair Place, EH11 1AG). £10 a head cost to cover expenditure on volcanic curry powder etc. Sumi and Co need to know numbers to know how much to make so please get in touch with Sumi (07796 858558) or Sutha (07795 143786).

Defying medical logic, gravity and probably also all forms of common sense, Mr Belly has entered the Cancer Research UK 10k run at Hopetoun House, Sunday 7 October 2007 - starter's gun fires at 11am. You can sponsor Mr Belly at the following secure fund-raising web page - go on its for a good cause! - Mr Belly's Fundraising page. Also taking part is "Daddy" Coull ! One perhaps could do with a bit of wind assistance to help us get round- see Curry news above.

Bots Tour report courtesy of Dr Mark Watson....

With Iain Ricky Martin (and his Social Sec Sue the Retail Therapist) organising the Argyll tour we knew we were in safe hands, but even he could not salvage a last minute call off by Cairndow. Their pitch was commandeered for overflow parking from the Inverary music festival and a bad case of festival lassitude prevented them travelling to Toward on Sunday. Iain and SSS got the weekend off to a flying start by missing the 10.30pm ferry and spending a romantic few hours in the ferry carpark dining on Peche et Pomme Frites Anglaise avec Brooonsawse. Dunoon had been having a grand spell of fine weather during the week, but this changed on queue to low cloud and drizzle on Saturday morning. Most of the team left sunny Edinburgh to plunge into rain going through Glasgow, but cheery (almost true) messages relayed to the troops from the Argyll side kept up their hopes for brighter weather across the water. Most of the team met to refuel in a Dunoon caf?efore descending on an overcast Toward castle for the clash with Innellan. Iain had done his homework: Innellan were unbeaten in the league and we expected strong competition. As usual we were without Arfan and Rafiq, but we were also without the bearded wonder David Knott and our social animal Martin Vestio Ward (both otherwise engaged). Fortunately MUFS were not in the playoffs so Mel Chimpmaster Clench and Ian Shiels were available, but we were still a couple down so Iain drafted in Aadil and Junaid to help out. On paper we had a strong team in both departments, but the Towards Castle pitch is a great leveller and many of us have seen the mighty fall to a dodgy bounce on the sloping soft wicket.

Mark Watson captained on the day, won the toss and elected to bat (well the pitch was hardly going to dry off and certainly not improve during the afternoon!). Leading from the front he opened with Amjid, and not before long he was walking back after steering a rearing ball off his gut and dropping it (the ball) onto the stumps. Three stubbies later, order was restored, and he was able to watch Mohammed Amjid-ji and Shielsie take the score up to a solid 100 off 25. There were a few scares, catchable balls falling short of fielders and let offs with dropped catches, but otherwise it was pretty comfortable. A decent score on this pitch which has seen us struggle to make 50 in the past. Several batsmen then came and went, posting pretty good scores, and then Junaid stepped in and battered an extraordinary half century off about 25 balls. After our 40 overs there were a staggering 228 runs on the board, which must be a record for us at Toward. Tea during the interval was the usual Innellan extravaganza with even Rob Frothy Fotheringham bailing out after making severe dents in the pile of pies and stacks of cakes. Iain had the foresight of bringing a waterproofed ball. This was a boon for after the restart the misty rain set in, dampening Shiels' huge afro wig, his own very impressive score of 46, and soaking us all. Our bowlers continued where the batsmen left off and put in stellar performances of accurate, testing bowling letting the pitch do the work. Again the opener went cheaply, this time on the first ball of the innings. Wickets fell regularly with Amjid getting 3 wickets for just 4 runs in his four overs. The Chimpster struck twice in the field from fine leg where calls for quick runs ended with zipping direct hits and convincing run outs. It was not Innellan's day both in the field and with the bat, and in the end they were bowled out for 68 in 26 overs and the Ashes were duly retained.

After the match the team repaired to the Royal Bar to finish off the remains of the tea and celebrate the win. Unfortunately Club Captain Chris Minty was slow to leave the grounds and got separated from the pack. Fortunately his elite training in jungle survival techniques came to the fore and was able to use his finely tuned tracking skills to navigate his own way to the bar (he used his cell phone). Innellan Captain Mike Clarke presented Chris with the Ashes trophy and Chris presented Amjid with a splendid silver goblet for man of the match…whilst Happy Don watched on. Time was running short as SSS had booked the team in for a curry at 10, so we took the team photo round the pool table, downed our pints and headed off to our various destinations. Some back to the ferry and some to their lodgings in order to beautify themselves for the debauchery that lay ahead.

After a fantastic curry, some went dancing whilst others hit the road - a few die hards (Minty, De Kretser, The Chimpster and Neil Cummings) pushed on through until the early hours at the Sand Bank Hotel where much merriment was had with a Hen Party and a ZZ Top tribute band - false emails and numbers where exchanged before returning to the Uig Hall for a quick run through of Bing Bang Bong and spoons ! - "don't ask" - ending of a tremendous day - none of which would have been possible where it not for the hard work from Iain, his SSS and RBGE's taxonomic guru Dr MFW

Photos available at: www.flickr.com/photos/9231201@N06

Skipper for the day Claypole writes about last weekend's Friendly at Broomhall:

We were welcomed to a sunny (!) Fife by a good-spirited Broomhall and enjoyed a seemingly comfortable win that ended up being much closer than expected.

Eager to get on with things after missed buses, rugby congestion and bridge roadworks delayed Wardy's party, Claypole volunteered to skipper, won the toss and chose to bat. The redoubtable Sutha opened up with Chris Banks and the runs started to flow nicely. Banksy became the first of many to show good form, play some shots and then get out forcing the pace, as he was caught behind off the useful young seamer on loan from Carlton 3s. Dazza then strode to the crease and an eventful cameo went: wide, single, six (a magestic blow straight over the road and into a neighboroughing field), out. The Lagermeister couldn't quite believe his luck, their similarly-built skipper taking a leaping, one-handed stunner at slip. At least it meant Dazza could watch some rugby, having forgotten it was on when responding to Martin's text in the pub the previous night.

Claypole then played a few nice off side (yes, off side!) shots before one too many square cuts saw him top edge to backward point. In came Junaid to blast some cracking boundaries from the off, while Sutha anchored the early part of the innings in true opener's style before succumbing for 16. Melvyn joined Junaid and soon came controversy out of keeping with this friendliest of games. Junaid stood his ground while Melvyn called for a run and an angry Brummie departed after the skipper's intervention went unheeded. Junaid was given out by the Vest for 20 in the next over, Melv was allowed to come in again at number 12 and we drew a line under the incident.

This all gave our youngsters a chance to shine as Kenyan student Jai Kapila and the boy with the rock star name, Cameron Anson, put together a handy partnership. Jai showed some stylish shots in his 20 and Cameron supported him well. Their departure brought together another partnership to savour, as 14-year-old Adeel Raza belied his youth to coach his, er, slightly older counterpart, Don Wilkie through the next few overs. El Presidente was happy to play second fiddle as Adeel played some handsome pulls and straight drives. When Don was out, Wardy soon regretted noting that MUFS hadn't had a duck yet and hammered his first ball down mid off's throat. The re-emerging Melvyn stayed with Adeel as he made our top score of 26 and we finished on 134, just short of our allotted 35 overs.

The Broomhall innings didn't quite go to plan as they raced to 38-0 off the first seven overs. A misfiring Vest couldn't get his rhythm and they even had the cheek to deflect a few runs off a fired-up Melvyn - one opener commented that the ball never goes that far in Division 8. His danger man partner certainly wasn't a 2nd team player however, showing real attacking intent by driving the skipper to the boundary. Revenge was sweet though and he was bowled by the penultimate ball of the eighth over to kick off a remarkable passage of play that turned the game on its head. Their number 3 departed in similar fashion next ball and Melvyn made it a team hat-trick by bowling the other opener at the start of the next over. A diminuitive 15-year-old batsman appeared, Melvyn halved his pace, the lad played a fine forward defensive but was then amazed to see the following ball clip the top of the bails. So, four wickets in five balls and they were 38-4.

After a sudden flurry of pads, a surprised-looking number 6 batsman emerged. Melvyn (5-1-13-2) and Phildo (having missed the personal hat-trick) took a break and we continued to take wickets at a steady but less spectacular rate. The Adeel and Don team quickly reassembled as they took over the bowling: I was searching for an old and young partnership analogy and Mrs Claypole came up with the excellent Steptoe and Son! Harold stole the limelight from Albert, as a rank long hop saw a fine boundary catch from Melvyn that he 'only saw six yards away'. Far better balls saw no result, but leg-spinning man of the match Adeel did go on to take two further wickets in a fine spell of flight and variation (4-0-11-3). His fielding was excellent too, but this could also be said of the other young lads - the rock star held two good catches (one off a Banksy no-ball!) and Jai kept well despite a couple of Melvyn's rockets surprising him.

Rotation was the order of the day, Chris (4-1-12-1) and Sutha (3-1-5-0) were both tidy - the latter showing some alternative spin - and even Dazza lumbered in for an over. Junaid (2-0-8-1) got a lot of bounce (and width!) in his two overs, the first ball of the spell seeing Melvyn take another catch in a moment that fans of irony couldn't have written better. But with Wardy's spinners adding further to the extras column (he did bowl one good over when reverting to seam!), their 10th wicket partnership was gaining real impetus and suddenly Broomhall were within sight of our total. A skipper fearful of having been too charitable decided to get a grip of things and ended the partnership in his first over back to finish with 3.3-0-8-3. Then, having reciprocated Broomhall's generosity by allowing the young lad back in, he promptly felt guilty by getting him out first ball, with Chris Banks taking his second catch (the first being a c&b) after a decent hit to mid on. They fell just eight runs short - a bit too close for comfort, but given the spirit and nature of the game it was great to see it go all the way.

A marvellous way to finish the season it seemed, but as we all enjoyed it so much the fixture will be repeated on Saturday (availability to Wardy, please).

See some of you at winter nets, the EGM or a curry night soon. Claypole/Phildo.

Final Manager totals available here at Fantasy Manager Listings. Well done to Keith who reports on his victory and charity giveaway of his prize at our MFL page

An Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 2 October - now confirmed as 7.30pm at the Muirhouse Civil Service Clubhouse - there may even be a grand pie selection laid on by Big Frank for your delectation. Members should have received an email about this EGM and its purpose - if you have not then me (Ian Shiels) know.

The London Saints (the team Claypole and myself went to Sri Lanka with) were up in Edinburgh last weekend for a stag do/cricket tour with a couple of 20/20s on Saturday at Leith Links. The first match versus a Mufs XI (pitting Claypole and myself versus Mufs). The result - a resounding Mufs victory (133 plays 79) and egg on face for Claypole (a GD with the bat but a couple of Mufs scalps with the ball) and also for me (caught smartly by Adeel in the slips for 39 off a rank wide first ball by Wardy - attempting leg-spin I believe!).

After a wee bit of tea, The Saints then played a RM Leith FAB XI in another 20/20 and achieved a thrilling tie, muggins here decided that life and/or batting was worth continuing with afterall following that Vestio delivery, and scored 50 not out to help Saints to 107. The Sunday game the Saints were scheduled to play v Kirk Brae at Newfield was (thankfully I think given aching limbs/hangovers) called off. A splendid weekend was had by the Saints - as shown in the this LS Tour Report or in due course a full blog with scoreboards at the London Saints Cricket Blog.

This Sunday 23rd Mufs have an additional friendly game away to Broomhall - availability to El Vestio.

A reminder from Iain Martin that are still collecting the Tesco Vouchers for Clubs - if you have any please send them to Iain Martin at 22 Jones Green LIVINGSTON EH54 8QB and he will process them all for the club!

A message from Bruce Beadle through whom our St Serfs School coaching sessions were arranged. Well done Iain, Don, Martin and, well, me !

Iain,

On behalf of St Serfs school I would like to thank the coaching staff of Murrayfield DAFS Cricket Club for running 6 coaching sessions in summer 2007 (3 in June & 3 in August/September).

Approximately 60 Senior 1 to Senior 4 pupils have participated in these sessions and have improved their ability to play & understand the game. You have shown them the techniques required for batting, bowling & fielding. Some have expressed an interest in coming along to your club nets on Monday evenings.

The objective of these sessions was to introduce the pupils of St Serfs to the game of cricket - this has been achieved.

St Serfs would like to run some more crickets sessions in Summer 2008.

Many thanks --- Bruce Beadle

On a lovely sunny Saturday a combined Mufs XI travelled to Westquarter for a friendly match and post game BBQ. Mufs recovered from a mid-order slump to reach 180 off 40 overs, top scorer Mr Belly with a late 49 not out, earlier Ali, Gowtham and Danny all contributing with 20 odd each. A total perhaps 40 runs underpar on a fast outfield, but with Daddy and Melv taking 4 wickets at the start and end of the Westquarter innings respectively, victory by 52 runs was secured. And then onto the serious business of woofing down snags, burgers, vege stuff etc etc from the barbie. Our thanks to Westquarter for their splendid hospitality.

Scorecard can be found at the excellent Westquarter website at this link to WRCC v MDCC.

The Botanics tour of Argyll was unfortunantly reduced to only the one game versus Innellan on the Saturday because the Connect Festival at Inverary had seen the Cairndow ground being set aside as an overflow car park (nothing parked in it when we drove past on Sunday though!!). The Saturday game finished with a resounding victory for Bots - posting 221 from 40 overs with Junaid a blistering 51 retired, Ali 42, Mr Belly 46 top scorers. Innellan struggled in reply finishing on 80 odd (I think).

Some photos courtesy of Iain Martin can be found at: Bots 2007 Photos

The Club has been running Kwik-Cricket sessions with St Serfs School on Wed afternoons at Roseburn - the final two sessions this year are this Wed at 1:30pm/2:45pm. Anyone at a loose end who fancies helping us out are more than welcome to come on down.

Given that the evenings are closing in and also that neither me or Martin are around on Mon eve to open up the Armoury, Monday nets at Roseburn are now finished for the year. Thanks to all those who turned out. Those who didn't, or rarely attended, and perhaps had poor or indifferent performances this season, may wish to re-consider their approach to practice and their game next season! These nets also help to bond the whole club together as players from different teams get to mix. And if enough turn up we do fielding/catching drills - something we all could improve on. Anyway next season we may look at holding training on two midweek nights. If you have a view on this on any other issue why not comment/discuss on the Club Message Board?

Hopefully Sunday Indoor Open Nets will start again soon - we'll let you know as soon as we know any news.

Bots are off to Dunoon this weekend - playing Innellan CC on Saturday at Castle Toward. Unfortunantly due to the Inverary Music Festival there is no scheduled game on the Sunday - an impromtu knock-about is planned again at Castle Toward.... then again hangovers may intervene. No doubt some tales of derring-do's, comedy moments and other scrapes plus photos will emerge in due course.

Thanks to El Statto as Threes 2007 Season Statistics (MS Excel s/sheet) are now available at this link to 3s Stats

Mufs run of midweek victories came to an end at a slightly tetchy game v RM Leith FAB, as Midweek Supremo, Nasty Keith, reports:-

"Enterprising batting efforts from Sutha (40) and Phil R (35) helped us to a healthy 95 from our 14 overs (reduced length game because of the time of year) last night. However the Leith openers got off to a very rapid start and although we dragged ourselves back into contention with decent spells from myself, Adeel and Phil, they made it home by 4 wickets with 5 balls to spare."

The game also featured the contender for Most Pedantic/Ridiculous Umpiring Decision 2007 (yes, even more daft than anything Tony can conjure up) - the Leith square leg umpire no-balled us because we had changed keepers (Chris and Neil were doing a keeping stint of 7 overs each as we had 12 men) without informing him first. Unbelievable. Perhaps a revision to the Midweek Fixture card next year.

Next Wed eve sees a game v The Scotsman (availability to Keith), the following Sat (8th) a friendly away at Westquarter, and then on the Sat 15th a game versus the London Saints CC (the team Claypole and Belly toured Sri Lanka with - see Mufs Photo Gallery page)

Mufs Ones and Twos had a Saturday to forget as the Ones blew a golden opportunity to take the Division 1 Title at Goldenacre and Twos sank to defeat at Muirhouse to confirm relegation into Division 5. Threes provided the only cheer with a vital win against West Lothian 3 at Roseburn to give them a chance of staying up, though SMRH4 scratching against Drummond Trinity has not exactly helped our cause - DT2 play the Wanderers next weekend - and need 9 points to finish above our Threes. Mufs 3 scoring 215-6 with Junaid hitting 71, and Lindsay T 44. West Lothian reached 169-9 with Aadil Baig bagging an excellent haul of 5-35. Twos had reached 115-5 at Muirhouse before collapsing lamely to 122 all out against Edinburgh University staff who chased this down for the loss of 6 wickets to evict the Twos into Division 5 next year.

At Goldenacre, Mufs Ones started superbly with the ball, Melv and Sumi with two wickets apiece to reduce Heriot's to 13-4. However Reddy (30) and Jones (27) steadied the ship before Litster (46) and Case (17) saw Heriot's to a defendable total given the unusually lush outfield. Melv finished on 10-6-16-3 plus a superb run-out of Litster; Sumanth 10-2-35-2; Raj 10-3-17-2; Keith 7-0-26-1; Tom 8-0-26-1; and Adam 3-0-23-0.

Mufs started slowly but steadily trying to conserve wickets. The skipper was first to fall edging McCraw behind for 14 with the total on 26 off 14 overs. With us on 33, Jaya was bowled for 1 by Reddy in the 17th and then Ben joined OMH to take us up to 74 at the 32nd over before Ben miscues a pull off Thomson and departs for 24. Now the horror story started to begin as the scoring rate flatlined, the required rate started to edge upward and the pressure grew and grew. It needed a bold or lucky innings from someone to take the pressure off but sadly it never came as Dougie Hamilton exploited our increasing distress. Raj departed bowled Hamilton for 3 (81-4, 37ov); Ram bowled by Hamilton for 4; (91-5, 39ov); then Paul's long vigil for 29 ended LBW to Hamilton (94-6, 41ov); Tom immediately committed running suicide (94-7, 41ov); Keith attempted to swing the willow but was bowled by... you guessed... Hamilton for 3 (98-8, 43ov); Melv stumped off Litster for 2 (101-9, 44ov) then the final wicket Sumanth LBW to that man Hamilton again for 3 to see us fall to a lame 103 all out in 44.4 overs. Dougie Hamilton's spell 5.4-1-9-5. It meant that with only 8 points we needed Grange to slip up at Roseburn but they easily chased down Roseburn's 79 all out for the loss no wickets, so the Division 1 Title stays at Portgower Place, congratulations to Dave Creasey's men.

Although a golden opportunity blown to take the title, this has still been an excellent season for Mufs Ones and if someone had offered us runners-up spot at the start of the season we would have taken it - better to be chasing titles than battling relegation, though I'm not sure which shreds the nervous system more - the latter I think!! It is a historic high-point in terms of League placement for the club pre/post merger too. Finally my thanks to a magnificent squad of players for their efforts this year - it has been a honour to have been your Captain once again. Cheers chaps "Mr Belly"/"Sicknote"/Ian Shiels.

P.S. "Always look on the bright side of life...de dum de dum de dum de dum...." you know the rest.

MDCC Ones 2007 Season Stats

Ones 2007 Season Stats can be found at our Statistics page. Well done Ben with the bat with 324 runs at an average of 46.29 and Melvyn with the ball with 25 wickets at an average of 7.88. With Shannon Bonfield taking only two wickets at Freuchie on Sunday to move to 24 wickets for the season, then this meant Melv finished as top wicket taker in Division 1 - well done fella. Incidentally, Freuchie chased down Holy Cross's 170 for the loss of 7 wickets to move above Livingston in the table and thus condemn the West Lothian crew to Division 2. If Corstorphine lose against the winner of the Feeder league play-off (Strathmore v Kelso) then it will be three down and Freuchie will drop too. Incidentally the Strathmore v Kelso game is being hosted at Freuchie next weekend.

Roseburn Nets

We'll have at least another Nets session methinks at Roseburn on Monday while the weather and light holds!

Penultimate scores on the doors for the Fantasy Mufs Manager League available at this link to Fantasy Mufs spreadsheet. and Player Totals.

The SNCL Competitions Committee today (Thurs 23) informed us that we do not meet the entry criteria for the SNCL and thus would not be eligible to participate in the SNCL play-offs (starting Sunday) if we did finish as Div 1 Champions. The decision is based on that we do not have the necessary facilities (sight-screens, covers, scorebox) in place as of now - the SNCL rules do stipulate that feeder clubs must meet the necessary criteria by the end of the season preceeding the season they would wish to enter the SNCL and they will not budge on this no matter what pledges or guarantees we could give (they have been apparently caught out in the past by false pledges so have tightened the rules). Disappointing but I would hope this provides an even greater incentive to triumph on Saturday -if any extra incentive could possibly be needed!!

In some rare evening sunshine, Midweek Mufs XI beat a HBOS XI (featuring messers Scott and Leonard) off the last ball of our allotted 16 overs at Muirhouse to continue the recent unbeaten trot in midweeks. HBOS posted 78-5 off 16 overs with Scotty hitting 18 not out and JNB with 2-0-5-2 the pick of Mufs bowling. Mufs lost Ali and Raj early on before a stand of 54 between Jeya (32) and Mr Belly (17) seemed to have Mufs coasting along to victory. But both were dismissed by Scotty in a spell of 3-1-5-2, which almost swung it back the visitors' way before Sutha and Tom scamper us to victory off the last ball.

Real frustration all round as rain strikes again to wash out Mufs Ones titleshoot against Grange 2, and the Threes basement battle v Drummond Trinity. Twos battled away for 22.3 overs in the rain reaching 63-3 (Danny 37 not out) before succumbing to the inevitable abandonment.

So what's it all mean for the final titanic weekend? In Div 1, if Grange 2 beat Roseburn the Ones need to take at least 10 points from Heriots (but by god will we be gunning for nothing less than victory against the Goldenacre crew!!), Two will need to win and hope Holy Cross 2 take less than 10 points to be able to leap-frog HX. Threes is more complicated to predict given DT have 2 games left and an uncertain position regarding SMRH in Div 6/7. Another complete wash-out will be bitter-sweet, as it will confirm Ones as ESCA Champions but condemn the Twos to Div 5.

With vital games this weekend for all 3 teams, the Mufs cause has been bolstered by the support from beyond the grave of a certain WG Grace: "Bring It On, Muffers!! Bring It On !"

On a less rainy Sunday this time, Mufs travelled to Manderston for a timed friendly match. This finished in a draw. Details from Wardy's MB posting:-

Good batting from Gowtham, and a good all-round game by Reagan for his 29 until he was run out by Amjid, a catch, and two wickets.

Message from Chris Brown (as posted up on the Message Board) about the Workshy 2007 Challenge which several of us play in, its jolly good fun....

Given that winter is already here it must be time for the football season (boo) and that means Workshy.

A few muffers have given it a go over the past few years, El Sec and Sicknote being regulars and Norm Allan placing 2 years back.

Its basically a prediction competition with a twist. None of this predicting the scores just a simple home, away or draw and the points you make are based on the bookies odds. All you have to do is select 10 results each week and wait for the points and the banter.

It £10 for the full season and with around 90 people entered the prize for the winner is about £500. There are prizes down to 4th and also the highest scorer over 4 weeks get the Manager of the Month and wins £15. Shielsy won one last season. I run it completely myself and its not for profit so all the money in goes on prizes.

Links as follows to: the Rules, Idiots Guide, Week 1 Predictions, Season Predictions.

The dreaded rain returns after a sunny week (waaaaaaaaah!) forcing the cancellation of the Roseburn v Mufs Ones game at Roseburn. So that leaves Mufs still top with the Big Un coming up next week, with us hosting Grange 2. One simply cannot wait for it. Bring it ON.

The basement blockbuster that formed the Tale of Cross-Mufs Part 3 (Mufs 2s v HX 2s) was washed away as well, disappointing seeing that the majority of 2s team have been regular Ones in the last few seasons, that strong a line-up we had. Damn. This leaves the Twos with must-win games in the last two weekends, starting with division 4 leaders PV next week. The business end of the season has well and truly arrived.

The Tale of Cross-Mufs Part 4 (Mufs 3s v HX 3s) also met a soggy demise, leaving Elsie with a month's worth of sarnies for his lunchtimes.

And then Rain struck again.... Tuesdays friendly against Scottish Widows was also washed out, this time the weather gods had the jolly wheeze of waiting until 5:45pm before unleashing the downpour.

Received with thanks at the web newsdesk is the latest Player Profile form, this one from our triple sports internationalist, Charlotte "Pickles" Bascombe. See link to Pickles Profile and link to all the Player Profiles where you can find a form to send to us to expose your darkest secrets - there's a few newbies this year being a bit shy. C'mon chaps.

Part 2 of this weeks Mufs-Holy Cross Saga was acted out at Muirhouse last night in a 20:20 match. Mufs prevailed in another tightly fought game, having posted 85-8 (Gowtham 34, Mr Belly 17; Biswas 4-0-24-3, I Astley 3-0-8-2, Pope 3-0-12-1, McGill 2-0-7-1) Mufs then successfully defended this to win by 4 runs. Top scorers for Cross, Bainbridge with 22 and Dr Astley with 13; and top Mufs bowlers Raj Sampath with 4-0-11-2, Nasty with 4-0-21-2, Mr Belly's dobbers with 4-0-9-1, and other wicket taker Vesty with 3-0-9-1. Three stumpings for Westy. Parts 3 and 4 played out this Saturday.

On Sunday, a Mufs XI travelled to the Isle of Arran to play Sannox. However, we were met by a wall of rain once off the ferry. But where even the likes of Morton would have packed away their flippers, somewhat insanely we actually played a 20:20 in the pouring rain, after sitting in the cosy warmth and dry enjoying an impromptu pub-quiz at a local hotel. For the record, we scored 55 off 20 overs (thanks in the main to Charlotte and Big Pav), but Sannox won off the last ball. We were lucky that the Mountain Rescue/Mental Hospital had not been called out to take 22 lunatics off the hillside! Some photos of the trip below:

Games between Mufs and Holy Cross Ones have had the habit of being closely fought affairs, and the clash at Arboretum was no different. Mufs Ones opted to bat first and a season best opening stand of 77 was posted by DAFS openers of old Paul Hubbard and Ian Shiels, before Paul fell for a fine 42 (59 balls). The skipper (allegedly that fastest fat man some HX fielders have seen - I guess a complement of sorts) went on to make 57 (91 balls), Ram Boyapati weighed in with an aggressive 64 (47 balls), and Tom Wheeler with 30 part of a late flourish in the final 4 overs where over 40 runs were scored. Mufs finished on 231-9 off 50 overs - over main scorer Raj with 18.

Holy Cross started well with an opening stand of 77 as well before Charlie Ellis (33) is excellently caught by the keeping OMH off Sumanth who then traps Pickering LBW next ball. Holy Cross continue to make steady progress, reaching 114 before CA Smith (on 53) takes on Adam's arm from the deep and loses. Bates (5) departs to a fine catch in the slips by Ram off Raj and its 129-4 and Cross's flying start has been reined in. Skipper Keith Fraser and Khan take the score up to 171 to tip the balance back Cross's way before another mighty fine low catch by OMH off Raj sees Fraser dismissed for 30. Next the dangerous Khan is caught by Scotty off Tom for 38 and its now 173-6 and the game has shifted back our way. Still there's highly useful batsman left with Euan Smith at 7 and Shannon at 8. Euan is caught at deep midwicket off Tom for 20 by Raj with the score on 199 and overs running out fast. The final acts saw Dr Astley bowled by Sumanth for 1 and Millington caught by Ram off Keith for 0. Shannon finished 20 not and Biswas 4 not as HX fell 13 runs short. Another victory achieved from hard work where Mufs had to keep plugging away and applied the key pressure at the death. Not too good for poor Willie's ticker though! Mufs bowling analysis: Melv 8-0-42-0, Keith 9-1-39-1, Sumanth 10-2-31-3, Adam 5-0-21-0, Raj 9-0-40-2, Tom 9-1-35-2.

Unfortunantly more woe for Twos and Threes as both were defeated again, by Clackmannan 2 and Edinburgh 3 respectively, Twos unable to defend 154 at Muirhouse, Threes unable to chase 86 at the tricky Meadows, falling short by 14 runs. Further details on the Message Board.

Link to Unofficial League Tables

Courtesy of El Statto, Threes stats from 1989 to 2006 can be found at this link to an Excel spreadsheet for 3s Stats 1989-2006. Ones and Twos to follow from El Statto.

They say a sign of a good team is to win games, snatching victories at the death, when not playing well and indeed there was an element of a "1-0 to the Arsenal" with a injury time winner at Muirhouse. Having scratched around with bat and ball with under par performances, Mufs got their collective arses in gear in the last 17 overs of the game to take the last 6 Carlton wickets for only 26 runs and clinch victory by 6 runs.

"Victory or death" the skipper had posted before the game. Victory achieved through death bowling of the highest quality as second spells from Nasty (10-5-19-3, second spell of 5-3-2-2), Melv (10-4-18-2, 2nd spell of 3-1-10-2) and Sumi (9.2-2-22-3, 2nd spell 1.2-1-1-1) backed up at the other end by Adam Scott finding prodigous swing in his single spell of 8-4-14-0. The other wickets a couple of well executed run-outs as pressure built by Mufs told. Groundfielding was a big plus generally (big up Sutha in particular); catching was not a strong point today! Other Mufs bowlers used Raj Sampath 7-1-22-0, Ram Boyapati 2-0-5-0, Phil Rogers 2-0-6-0. Top scorers for Carlton: Adam Williams with 18, John Barnes 19, and young Ally Evans 19 not out who showed great spirit for Carlton to nearly see them home. A shameful 14 wides conceded by Mufs.

Earlier with the bat, Mufs struggled on a typically challenging (to the batter) Muirhouse deck. Skipper Sicknote might have been rueing his decision to bat first as wickets tumbled early on. Mufs slumping to 49-5 with only the skipper notching a score in double figures (a dour 19 to see off the opening attack including the dangerous Charlie Stronach). But Tom had gone for a goldie, Hubbard for a battling 8, Raj for a bemused 7 (still trying to work out how to bat on this deck), Ram for a scratchy 8. Not for the first time in Mufs recent history, the second half of the Mufs batting line up had to dig us out of a hole. Phil and Sutha steady the ship for a while and then pressed on before both fell for 21, Scotty had nicked behind for 4, Nasty Keith hit a valuable 12, and then Melv (3 not) and Sumi (1 not) scampered some runs at the end - priceless runs given the final reckoning of a win by 6 runs.

Next week, the Mufs War Machine advances to the Battleground of Arboretum for more hand-to-hand fighting against old enemy Holy Cross who won yesterday. Afix bayonets. Heriots and Grange also won.

Dazza 50 in Vain

Meanwhile the Twos took on Watsons 3 at Myreside - getting treated to the main deck too. Which the Watsons batsman obviously enjoy too as when asked (???) to bat first they posted 249-6 (P.Kolte 71, A. Gibson 55, Steve Lockhart 47) with main Mufs wicket takers Chris Banks with 2-27, Stuart Coull 2-45, and Martin Ward 1-36. In reply Mufs started well with Regan (22) and Dazza, the Tennants swigging loon hitting a half-century before falling. Best of the rest of the Mufs line-up, Norman Baikie, posting 38 on his comeback. In the end Twos posted 167 off 42.3 overs to lose by 82 runs. Twos now in serious trouble and need to dig deep in the remaining 4 games to save their Division 4 lives.

Narrow Loss for Threes

Threes played at Muirhouse on Sunday against Dunfermline Wanderers, re-arranged due to some game at Murrayfield involving some minor Spanish team on Saturday. In the end a 1 wicket loss for Mufs as we posted 79 ao but could not force victory as the Wanderers tail wagged to see them home.

Another PB for Claypole

Meanwhile, A Mufs XI travelled to the very scenic Bamburgh for a friendy match at the ground next to the Castle. And Claypole's golden touch with the bat continued as acting skipper for the day Phil extended his personal best with the bat again, this time to 93 having virtually carried his bat through the whole innings. Piccie below:

Chris Banks weighed in with 40 as Mufs posted 182 from 40 overs on a slow track. Bamburgh were 4 down for 20-odd (??) when the rain became too heavy. Next year hopefully we'll manage a full match. After the post-match beer, an intrepid band of Muffers went in search of fish and chips, lured down the coast to Seahouses only to find a town full of closed chippies. Respite was found courtesy of the Castlegate chippy in North Berwick.

More photos can be found at the Photo Gallery page or direct from this link to Mufs v Bamburgh 2007 photos. Next Sunday Mufs are off to the Isle of Arran for a friendly v Sannox.

With an innings of savage brutality, Phil Rogers' 80 runs ensured Mufs posted a target out of the reach of Leith FAB at Leith Links on Wednesday evening. Phils innings contained 5 sixes and 6 fours and was 2 runs short of his PB before he got run-out in the last over in a somewhat comical fashion (it defies description - you had to be there). Other "main" scorers for Mufs, Mr Belly with 14 and Tom with 11. Despite a spirited home team reply, Mufs total of 145 was effectively put out of reach of the Leithers by Melv Clench's spell of 3 overs for 9 runs (1 wicket). Leith finished on 112 all out off their 20 overs. Other bowlers: Ali (4-0-17-2); Paul L (4-0-25-0); young Mike McClean with 3-0-13-1; the return of JNB with 2-0-14-1; Tom W with 2-0-15-1; Chris Banks with 1-0-7-0 and Sutha with 1-0-6-1. And at last a game played in some sunshine. Hurrah!

The weather did not let up for long though... heavy rain on Thursday afternoon saw the Chastity Belt Challenge between Mufs and Bots cancelled.

The Livingston ground, marshy at the best of times, has not recovered from recent wet weather and so a wicket could not be prepared. So the Ones trip to Livy is off, and a chance for revenge denied. Grrrrrrrr.

Meanwhile, the Twos managed to complete a quick victory over Grange 4, the visitors scuttled for 54 ao thanks to a splendid demolition job from The Simpson Nightbus with figures of 5-21 from his 10, ably supported by Stormin Norman with 2-11 from 9.4 overs, Tom Wheeler with two wicket maidens and Daddy Coull with the other wicket. Dazza (17) and Regan (21) saw us close in quickfire fashion before Bicycle Towns (5*) and Super Sutha (7*) wrap up a 8 wicket victory before it totally chucked it down. As Wardy notes on the Message Board, a thanks to the Grange 4 lads for perservering in the rain.

Threes had posted a commendable 157(?) at Musselburgh before rain caused the abandonment. Threes latest stats now posted - see Stats page

Melv Clench, with a PB of 48 not out, ensured Mufs defeated Kirkbrae at a soggy Double Hedges in a friendly match. Melv had earlier posted figures of 3-2-4-2 to de-rail the Badgers' innings. Other Mufs wicket takers: Paul Leonard with 2-0-9-2, Neil Yelland 2-0-8-3, and Tom Wheeler 3-0-23-1. Kirkbrae finishing on 97-9 off 20 overs. Mufs started brightly with Gowtham and Phil Yelland before both fell for 6. Ali was run out dozily for 8, so at 26-3 some work to do on a sticky wicket and in the descending gloom. Enter Melv Clench, with 5 fours in his 48 not, and the rather more sedate Mr Belly with 17 not to see Mufs home with 9 balls to spare.

Midweek Mufs beat HBOS XI at Pfeffermill by 18 runs in a 20:20 match. Batting first Mufs posted 109-6 with Skipper Nasty scoring 27 (retired) and Chris Banks 21. HBOS, featuring Adam Scott, were restricted to 91-6 off their 20 with the returning Norman Allan the star with the ball with 4-0-11-2 including 2 CnBs (one the prize wicket of Scotty) and another catch. Neil Yelland also took two wickets. Also returning to cricketing action was DAFS veteran Freddy Robson.

At last a return to League action for some of us and even an appearance of that sun thing in the sky, though spare a thought for the unlucky Twos who's game away v Kismet was called off at 10-45am. Mufs Ones march on at the top of the League with a hard fought win over Glenrothes by 16 runs, but the Threes lost at Roseburn by 4 wickets, posting only 55 but having SMRH3 six down in the chase.

The Ones posted 148 at Muirhouse, which could, and perhaps should, have been 20-30 more with wickets needlessly surrendered at times, but a par score plus given the conditions. We started poorly with Chris castled by Madiseng for a duck, and Raj bowled by Mike Boyd for 9. Mr Belly had dug in to support Ben but with the score on 44 tried to steal a run to mid-off but his legs couldn't quite get that belly over the crease in time and a smart direct throw sent a rueful skipper to the hut for a dogged 11. Ram came and went in a flash, holing out unnecessarily to mid on for 1 off Neil, when a innings rebuild was needed. That we got with Phil Rogers joining Ben and another 38 runs added before the track does for Ben as he lobs one up to short midwicket just three runs short of a watchful half-century that contained 3 fours and 2 sixes. Sutha hits a quick 8 but holes out off Slocomb, then Claypole, on a dashing 18, hits a full toss from M Sampson to deep square but picks out his fielder wonderfully. Now we are 111 for 7 and in some bother.

Fear thee not, as Nasty Keith and Adam steady the ship to add a vital 21 runs for the 8th wicket, before Keith falls to Madiseng for a whiplash 15. Sumanth is caught off Hopcroft for a duck, and now Melv reaches the crease in the 44th over. Can we make use of our full allocation? Sadly not as -shock horror- Melv is dismissed for the first time this season for 2 by Hopcroft, leaving Scotty stranded on a well-grafted 15 not out, but there are 19 deliveries scandalously spare. 22 extras (10 wides and 10 no balls) helped our cause though to get us up to 148. So at a (magnificent) Tea the game is well balanced.

A good start was needed as Glens are a tough ol' unit - and we got it, as Melv induces the edge off M.Samson 4th ball with Ram taking a smart catch to part redeem earlier misdemeanors with the bat, and 3 maidens pass before Glens open their score. Then came a stand of 32 between G Samson and Honeyman before Sumanth takes out Samson's off peg for 14. Honeyman and Tiro Madiseng take the score to 56 when Raj, who had bowled great lines and lengths, got the crestfallen Honeyman to hole out to Ram at deep square with perhaps his worst delivery of his spell! But most effective! Funny old game, innit. Khan joins Madiseng in the middle and after drinks they start to increase the run rate. At 93-3 it looks like Glens have the advantage but up steps the Glens nemesi of last season - the Scott and Rogers double act, the best swingers in town? Khan is bowled by a pumped up Claypole for 21 (93-4), then Tiro is induced to clip one to Ben off Adam (94-5). Now the balance has shifted our way but dangerous batsman remain in the Glens line up to come. Boyd, with one boundary to his name, pushed one off Phil straight to Keith and now its 109-6.

The big-hitting Hopcroft could still swing it back Glens way, but having clattered a couple of fours, he is despatched by Adam for 12. Job done big time by Phil and Adam in a crucial phase of the game. But now time to unleash Melv and Sumi onto the Glens tail to secure the points. As so they did in the most clinical manner as Melv takes 2 wickets and concedes just 7 runs off his final 3 overs, Sumi unhittable as he bowls out 2 consecutive maidens. 25 now to win with just a single Nasty over left and victory is ours as Glenrotehs finish on 132-9. Bowling figures: Melv 10-3-16-3; Keith 7-3-25-0; Raj 10-1-36-1 (one spell); Sumanth 10-3-20-1; Adam 7-1-20-2; Phil 6-1-11-2.

This was how cricket should be - a hard fought game where the winning team has to graft for a victory over a tough opponent. And some sun too! Some inevitable rust in the Mufs machine after such a long lay-off, but overall a very encouraging performance as the season reaches the business end. More darn hard work, application and mental strength should see us suitably rewarded come the season end.

Next Friendly Fixtures

Next week sees games v Edin Uni staff on Tues at Pfeffermill and on Thursday v Kirkbrae at Badgerland, Double Hedges, Liberton - availability to Keith Lawrence. Next Sunday sees a away trip to scenic Oban - availability to Martin Ward.

Not content with bamboozling opposing batsmen with his floaty tweakers, our own Tom Wheeler is about to bamboozle theatre-goers with his acting "skills". Tom is taking to the stage this week in the play "Rhapsody in Red" by Robert Salvin, in a production by the Holyrood Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS). He tells us that he's only got a small part (stop sniggering at the back) but does get to don a large false moustache and put on a dodgy Russian accent.

The play is taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the High Street at 7.30pm from Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 July. Tickets cost £6 and are available from the venue or by calling the box office on (0131) 556 9579. More information can be found on the HATS website.

Another weekend, another wash out. Threes managed 5 balls and 2 extras in their match before the heavens opened. Forecast does look better though for coming week ....

Due to the torrent of rain that fell at midday, the CS Trophy fixture between Mufs and Irvine was settled by a bowl-out which involved 5 bowlers with two deliveries each. We were beaten by a country mile (6-2 I think) as Mufs were looking for an invisible batsman to edge behind while Irvine honed in on the timbers. Pizza Hut are reputably seeking to make contact with some of our chaps to star in another series of adverts.

All Mufs Saturday games fell foul of the weather but at least we got a bit of cricket in before getting washed out! Mufs Ones were 90-8 off 36.3 at Muirhouse against Freuchie 2, Twos had Largo 146-9 (5 wicket haul for Raj) and Livy 2 were 70 odd for 2 versus the Threes before all the games were abandoned.

Mufs were sunk by Leith FAB at Leith Links where both teams sportingly braved the wet weather to ensure a conclusion to this Parks Trophy tie. Mufs batted first and shed wickets at an alarming rate - the running between the wickets was pretty sloppy with two avoidable run outs not helping our cause. In the end we were indebted to Ram with an excellent 52 supported only really by Danny with 21 and Tom with 14 not, plus the soap like properties of the ball, to see us to what was a competitive total of 102 for 8 off 18 overs given the conditions.

Melv (superb figures of 4-1-9-1) and Ram bowled excellently at the start with but the Leith middle order all chipped in with runs as the Mufs attack struggled with getting the ball in the right areas. Leith got home with an over and 3 wickets to spare. Good luck to Leith in their next tie against either Trinity or Standard Life.

Rather frustratingly (to say the least) DYC have gone somewhat AWOL so Wed's game v them bit the dust.I guess we will think long and hard before trying to arrange a future fixture against them in future!

More bloody rain puts paid to all Saturday fixtures again including the top of table Game of Death between Mufs Ones and Heriot's FP 2s. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Next week sees a friendly v Scotsman on Tues at Muirhouse, 6pm, (availability to Keith Lawrence 07834 817546)- UPDATE - NOW CANCELLED AS OPPOSITION CANNOT RAISE TEAM; a friendly v DYC on Wed at Muirhouse, 6pm (availability to Stuart Coull - 07967 330979); and, the next round of the Parks Trophy away at RM Leith FAB at Leith Links, 6pm (availability to me, Ian Shiels - 07730 074174).

With all this rain, here's a reminder of what blue skies and sunshine looks like... some photos for your delectation from Mr and Mrs Belly's trip to Jordan and Egypt have been posted up at Flickr.com - see Egypt and Jordan Photos or, to get into a "slide show" mode use this one:- Photo Slide Show - if wanting descriptions/commentary in this mode for each photo click on them.

There is also a Flickr Group for Mufs Photos. If wanting adding to the Group then let me know. Some photos from Muftas 2005 and Bamburgh Game 2006 (more rain there though I recall!) posted.

Talking of bellies in the making.... Big Pav has answered the call for more Player Profiles.... find his at this link to Profiles. Well done Pav, but as a certain celebrity chef might say, let's be having more of you.

And already answering the call to arms (well profiles) there's one hot of the press from Scotty at the Profiles page now posted. Some shocking relevations.... Plus even Mufs Mascot, Reggie Shark, has got in the act!!

While here, a reminder... but we could really do with more Availability Forms returned... come on give your captains some help with player planning... see news item down below a bit for the form.

In his latest attempt to find ridiculous season-threatening injuries ("tempting fate", chapter 2), Mr Belly is participating in a Scottish Executive Team in a charity Tug-O'-War contest on Thurs 21 June at Holyrood Park. This also featuring teams from the main political parties, banks and Barnados. The heaving starts from 6pm - Labour v SNP contest will be interesting!! Proceeds raised to Barnados. Anyway let's see what a diet of curry and pies can do for a man...

Update - I survived, but by god one was sore in the evening/morning. A rather large bunch of agricultural Tories won but we didn't disgrace ourselves pound-for-pound. Maybe we could do an after season ESCA Inter-Club T-o-W challenge for charity? Given the size of some of our lot surely we'd be favourites!!

Our next Parks Trophy game will be played away against (deep breath) Redpath & MacLean Leith Franklin (Academical?) Beige CC at Leith Links on Thursday 28 June. 6pm start. Availability to me please at ian_shiels@hotmail.com or text 07730 074174.

The DYC game set for this Wed has been postponed due to a mix-up at their end with their travel plans. Possibility of rescheduling to the following Wednesday so can you let Stuart Coull know of your availability for afternoon and/or evening of the 27th June on 07967 330 979 or stuartcoull2000@yahoo.co.uk.

Also, HX have said they cannot raise a team at short notice for Wed so we cannot even re-surrect the original Mufs v HX friendly either. Apologies for inconvenience/ disappointment all round but events not really under our control

All the club's Saturday 16th June fixtures have fallen foul of the atrocious wintry weather including the glamour clash for the Ones away at Grange, even despite covers. Soooo frustrating. Next week sees a double header of afternoon and evening games v Desert Youth Club of India - availability to Stuart Coull on 07967 330979 - now probably back at Muirhouse. Next Sunday at Muirhouse also sees Mufs take on Irvine in the CS Trophy.

Mufs defeated Musselburgh by 59 runs at a chilly Roseburn to advance to the next round of the Parks Trophy and a trip to Leith FAB. Choosing to bat first Mufs posted 160-8 off 20 overs with Ram Boyapti top scoring with an aggressive not out 45, Jeya 31, and Ben and Danny with 23 apiece. Musselburgh were never in the hunt following an opening spell of 3-1-5-0 from Melv and 4-0-17-2 from Nasty. Spirited resistance came from V Kumar 26 and in particular H Verma 54 not -though we did gift him a few lives- but the run rate soon went well out of reach. Ram shed a bit of rust with 4 overs costing 29 but was unlucky to be wicketless, Junaid bowled well for 3-0-16-2, Ben also promising with 4-0-19-0 and Sumanth with 2-0-9-1 picking up a wicket right at the end. So Musselburgh finished on 101-5 and Mufs progress through but will need to cut out some sloppiness in the field. We'll generously put the lack of sharpness down to the cold and the state of the game!

See News Update above

The Desert Youth Club of India (a touring team) are back in Edinburgh and we are attempting to line up a game against them for Wed 20th June - probably a game starting in the afternoon but precise timing and format yet to be determined. What the format and start will be partly depends on what our player availability is like for Wed 20th - so over to you - please let Stuart Coull know (at Stuart.Coull@g2legal.co.uk ; stuartcoull2000@yahoo.co.uk; or phone/text Stuart on 07967 330979) if you are available and from when on Wednesday so we can best judge when we can start playing them! It will also influence whether we keep or scrub the evening 20:20 v HX that night.

Photos of our last game against them in July 2003 can be found at DYC Photos

Please find attached an updated Fixtures and Player Availability Form covering the remainder of the system - there has been a few changes to Sunday and midweek fixtures.

The ESCA Tables have been updated and this confirms Mufs Ones on top of Division 1. Please find a link to a screenshot of the ESCA Website Div 1 Table (to print out and frame if you wish!!) as this is also a moment of club history, as we believe (?) no other team (including pre-merger teams) has ever hit top spot in ESCA Division 1.

Top Dogs we may be... but with tough games coming, and they won't be taking us lightly this time, we need to be Dogs of War to stay there. Up the Mufs !

Mufs hosted the first of a series of coaching sessions with children from St Serf's school at Roseburn Park this (Wed) afternoon. For most this was their first taste of cricket, and from what we saw they enjoyed it (bar the odd chipped nail for a couple of the girls from fielding practice!). Hosting the coaching sessions were Ian Shiels, Martin Ward and Henry Collin - ably supported by Don Wilkie who has been instrumental in setting up this relationship with St Serf's. Long may it continue. The next session is next Wednesday 20th June - from 1:30pm - extra volunteers most welcome, particularly anyone who would like to try their hand at coaching.

Wow. What a game this was. A run-fest at the Sunday friendly played at Livingston where the home team posted 234 for 5 off 40 overs (Heaney 82 not; Crichton 78) with Tom Wheeler taking all 5 wickets for 32 off his 8 overs as the rest of the Mufs attack took a battering. With Mufs reply at 58-3 after 17 overs, needing to score what seemed to be an unlikely 177 off the remaining 23 overs, Jigar was joined by Junaid at the crease - Junaid having had a golden in his first game for Mufs 2s on Saturday proved how fickle a game this can be. 16 overs later Junaid had been dismissed for a savage 108 (15 fours, 4 sixes) as he an Jigar put on 153 runs for the 4th wicket. Picture of Junaid below...

Still at 211-4 there was work to do and some very nervous players from 7 to 11 as out strode the skippering Donimator. With a mix of a scampering President and solid shots from Jigar then we got home with 2 overs to spare. Jigar finished with an excellent 70 not out and Don with 4 not. Great game and great hospitality at Livy. Picture of Don and Jigar after clinching victory...

Mufs Ones played their get-out-of-jail card on Saturday as a dodgy batting performance was rescued by the bowlers to beat a spirited Roseburn by 40 runs. Invited to bat first Mufs posted only 103 all out, with Monty West digging in with a battling 31 and Danny a quickfire 21 to see us at least to three figures as good bowling and some iffy strokeplay cost us. Roseburn faced a tricky 30 mins before tea, and with Melv and Sumanth bowling superbly in that mini-session, lost 3 early wickets to put us firmly back in the game. Tom and Adam put the squeeze on the Roseburn middle order and took 3 and 1 wicket respectively as the pressure mounted and Melv returned to finish off the tail. Roseburn top scorers Vora (14), Patel (20), and Dave Breach (13 not). Mufs bowling figures: another "Bridie" for Melv Clench with 8.4-1-16-4; Sumanth Eadala 9-3-18-1; Adam Scott 8-2-12-1; Tom Wheeler 7-2-11-3 plus one run-out for Scotty.

With Carlton 2 defeating Heriots 2 (8pts) wee ol' Mufs sit proudly on top of Division 1, clear by 10 points I think. Great work by the guys but we will need to work even harder to make sure we stay there.

Link to Unofficial League Tables

Meanwhile the double-header versus Holy Cross turned into a double dose of misery for Mufs 2s and 3s. 2s posted a sorry 98 all out at the Arbo with Regan Black scoring 25, Chris Banks 19, Ali 13. Holy Cross lost 4 wickets in chasing down the target with Cyzeik posting 51 not. Aadil Baig 2-14, Stuart Coull 1-17, Jai Kapila 1-25.

Mufs 3s put in a great shift in the field to restrict HX3 to 88ao. Tony Simpson 1-23, Martin Pretorious 1-10, Sandeep Modi 3-16, Paul Leonard an excellent 4-8 and Boom Boom Boris an inspirational 1-0. But inspiration with the bat was sadly lacking as only Graham Watson made double figures with 13. Things are real tough right now for Twos and Threes - need to dig deep, rally round each other and work hard for the victories that will come.

Today a Mufs XI play a friendly at Livingston.

Next round of the Parks Trophy is on Thursday 14th June, 6pm, at Roseburn Park (on the artificial) v Musselburgh. Availability to Ian Shiels please.

The Mufs Treatment Room has returned with a fresh batch of in- and out-patients; some new, some more familiar crocks and walking wounded. See this link to Treatment Room or use the link on the side nav bar.

Also we have set up a dedicated page for the Fantasy Mufs League.

A reminder that the Club has outdoor nets at Roseburn Park, next to Murrayfield Stadium on Mondays from 6.00pm (weather permitting). Attendance has varied from overflowing to somewhat spartan, and of late has been dominated somewhat by Ones players... given recent results I think we should be seeing more Twos and Threes players at practice!!

An additional Sunday has been arranged away at Livingston for this Sunday - 1.30pm start. Availability to Martin Ward please. Chav trousers a necessity... indeed can you do any better than this ASBO-attracting set of kegs from Mr Belly, purchased in Berwick??...

Incidentally while here, a few photos from the 2006 Muftas have been posted now at last... see this link to 2006 Muftas News Story.

A message from Nasty Keith Lawrence....

I'm missing next Saturday's game to take part in the WaterAid Munro Challenge (9th June) to raise money for WaterAid. I have to climb Sgurr an Doire Leathain, in Glen Shiel (Western Highlands).

I'd really welcome your support if you feel so inclined! It's really easy to sponsor me - you can donate online at: http://www.justgiving.com/kkk

WaterAid are fab & really deserve our support - you know you want to (even if it's just a pound or two, that'd be great)!

PS: All donations are secure and sent electronically to WaterAid. If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your behalf, so your donation is worth even more.

Cheers! Nasty

A Mufs XI travelled to the picturesque ground at Berwick-upon-Tweed for a Sunday friendly match. Previous results had been tight, none more so than last year's marvellous tied game, and this game proved true to type as Berwick won by 3 wickets with 4 balls to spare. Earlier Mufs posted 169 with Gowtham scoring 39, Tom Wheeler 35 not out and Mr Belly 29 (sporting a most chav-tastic pair of tracky bottoms he had to buy en route); top bowlers for Berwick: Martyn Elliot with 8-4-12-3 and K Golightly with 8-2-29-3.

After a marvellous tea, Mufs took to the field, somewhat laden with extra jumpers and perhaps a cake or two too many. But sluggish the Berwick openers were not and Middlemist in particular savage on anything loose before being trapped by Tom LBW for 52. The other opener Elliot took up the mantle before being caught off Wardy for a fine 67 as Mufs fought their way back into the game. But the Berwick youth held their nerve at the end despite some tight bowling at the death by Gowtham and Mr Belly. Mufs bowling: Keith 8-3-22-0, Vesty with 8-1-40-1, Gowtham 5-0-20-0, Tom with 6-0-27-3, Mr Belly 7.2-0-19-2, and Neil Yelland with 5-0-31-1. As in previous years' a very pleasant day out though a little chillier this time!!

Gowtham prepares for battle...

...and strides out with Monty

Mufs Ones fine start to the season continued with a hard fought victory over arch rivals Holy Cross at Muirhouse but more woe for Twos and Threes.

Having been invited to bat on a tricky damp Muirhouse surface, Mufs posted 155 for 8 thanks in main to a 96 run stand between Ben Higgins (58) and the Skipper (41 - yes you read that right) - a batting version of Beauty and the Beast perhaps... but rather disappointingly the mid-order didn't fire in the face of tight bowling from Cross (Doctor Astley with 10-4-25-2). Holy Cross fell 45 runs short with chief destroyer Melvyn "Victor" Clench with 4-26 including prize scalps of Fraser and Ellis (Charlie trapped with Melv's very last ball). Nasty was meaness in the extreme with 7.1 overs for just 5 runs, as was Ash 10-4-18-1 and The Rocket 10-2-21-0, and Scotty bowled excellently in the final phase with 6-0-22-2 as the Cross innings folded under pressure (shades of what Livy did to us). Excellent outfielding (concentration levels kept up well) and 3 run-outs achieved - some super stuff from Jey in the deep.

Heriot's 2 beat Livy 1 so the Ones stay 1 point behind the Goldenacre crew at the top of the table.

Twos and Threes were both beaten by Clackmannan and Edinburgh 4 respectively. Clackmannan made 214-8 with Daddy Coull taking 3-32, Tom Wheeler 2-39, and Aadil 2-40. Mufs Twos made only 113 all out with Jai 27 not out and Tom Wheeler scoring 21. Threes chasing 160? odd fell well short at Roseburn.

A small band of Muffers celebrated the Ones success in the Star Bar on Sat... others stayed at home to lick their wounds.

Tales of joy in the main for most in this link to Mufs Ones Statistics for the 2007 season to date.

In his retirement, Willie Ritchie has taken to posing for the greeting card industry...

Latest scores on the doors for all ya Fantasy Mufs manager available at this link to Fantasy Mufs spreadsheet.

Even before the deluge... we're waiting on Musselburgh to sort out when they want to play us as (we think!) they are the home team in our next round clash. Originally we had earmarked tonight to play ... but might have ended up a dampy squid. When we know when we are playing we will let you all know.

A magnificent century from Ben Higgins (pictured by ump-cam in action above) helped Mufs Ones to victory in a top of the table clash against Carlton. Ben finished with 116 as Mufs posted 250-9 at Grange Loan with Akshay also chipping in with 33. Then the Mufs attack of Melv and Keith demolished the Carlton top order, at one stage 4 wickets down for 2 runs, before some spirited resistance from Williams, Choughley and Ohmad (18 each) got Carlton up from 28-8 to 71 but still short of a batting point. A thumping 179 run victory for Mufs with Melv finishing on 8.2-3-15-4, Keith 9-5-14-3 (pictured below batting), Sumanth 5-0-25-2 and Akshay 4-1-15-1. Heriots had been defeated by Glenrothes but gained 9 points (rather than the 6 points that the man from Final Whistle had said) so we sit a clear second in the table, 1 point behind Heriots. It was nice celebrating being top for a while, doh!! Next up is the auld enemy, Holy Cross.

However, the Ones joy was tempered by news of more defeats for Twos and Threes. Twos had Watsons 3s 187 all out with Chris Banks taking 4-6 and Tom Wheeler 3-31. A cracking start from Dazza (38) saw us at 58 off 10 overs then it went horribly wrong as we ended up 122 all out. Threes lost by 14 runs to Dunfermline Wanderers who posted 155 all out off 42.5 overs, top bowlers Sandeep Modi with 5-1-27-3, Henry Collin 7.5-3-29-2 and Dion Piggott 9-3-19-2. Mufs reached 141-6 off their allotted 45 overs with Scott Taylor (57) and Ali Amjid 19* and Nick Hill 19 top scorers. Fuller report on our Discussion Board.

Link to Unofficial League Tables

A crew of Muffers celebrated/drowned sorrows in fine style at the Halfway House... though style, in a fashion sense, was being tested by these two dodgy geezers...

Members of Murrayfield DAFS Cricket Club have been invited to join Dunfermline Cricket Club celebrate 150 years of the formation of their club. The club are holding a 150th Anniversary Dinner with the Guest Speakers being ex-Derbyshire and England spinner Geoff Miller and "Mr Dunfermline" Jim Leishman. The dinner is at Lauder College, Halbeath, and starts at 7.30pm prompt on Friday 6th July (Smart Dress) - the Club is also taking on the Scottish Saltires during the day.

Tickets are £35 and are available from Nancy Gibson at nancygibson481@hotmail.com

A reversal of fortunes from previous weeks sees Threes win by 1 wicket chasing 100 against Musselburgh 2, Twos handed a walk-over win as Grange 4 could not raise a team on Sunday, but Ones disappointingly fell 21 runs short chasing Livingston's 167-9, but remain joint second in Division 1.

Mufs play Old Contemptibles CC on Thursday - availability to Keith Lawrence. Next Sunday sees a friendly game against Dunfermline Carnegie at Muirhouse -availability to Martin Ward (Now CANCELLED as Dunny can't raise a team.)

Ben Higgins starred with 43 with the bat and figures of 4-8 with the ball to help send Mufs through to the next round of the Parks Trophy at the expense of a spirited Morton. Mufs batted first and posted 140 for 5 from 20 overs with Danny (27) and Andy Lacey (22*) also in the runs. Amis top bowler for Morton with 2-19. Morton started steadily and were at one point up with the rate with some belligerent batting from Miers (18) and Beukes (14) but with Sumanth (4-0-14-2) and Ben (3.3-1-8-4) bowling in tandem the last 7 wickets fell for 24 runs. Melv and Nasty both had earlier claimed a wicket apiece and there were two well executed run-outs. A good performance from Mufs with only a couple of blemishes to sort out for challenges further ahead.

Mufs also played Kirkbrae on Thursday in a friendly match at Muirhouse with Mufs emerging victorious.

ESCA (in line with Cricket Scotland) has adopted the new ECB Disciplinery Code (see attached document). Please ensure you are aware of this code ESCA Disciplinary Code (3 Mb file so may take a while to download) and act accordingly of course. This code already has been enacted... a FLAB player has received a 2 game ban for aggressive appealing and verbal abuse of the umpire. See the ESCA website news.

The merger of Murrayfield CC and DAFS CC seven years ago was and has been a resounding success in my opinion, and much new blood has been injected into the club ever since. This season has seen a milestone reached which in some ways demonstrates the successful expansion and recruitment progress made by the Club. By my reckoning, for the first time since the merger the Ones Team for the season opening Freuchie match contained no players from the former Murrayfield club; and, with Mr Belly unable to travel far tomorrow due to evening commitments, the Ones team for the game against Glenrothes contains no players from the former DAFS club. End of an Era? Or Dawn of a New Order? Or just Father Time catching up with us "oldies"!!

Thursday's rain saw the wash-out of our game away v Morton in the Parks Trophy. This has been re-scheduled to next Thursday 17th at Roseburn (on the artificial) - Morton could not book the Meadows. While on the subject of the Parks Trophy, as announced by Elsie on the Mufs Discussion Forum, Hill and Trail Garden Design and Construction (our very own Nick Hill's company, which also employs Melvyn) are sponsoring The Edinburgh Public Parks Cricket Association (EPPCA) three EPPCA Competitions - the Parks Trophy, The Terry Newcombe Trophy and the Brunswick 6's. Jolly well done chaps. Please see this link to the Hill and Trail website.

Next Thursday we also have scheduled a home (Muirhouse I guess) game versus the Badgers of Kirkbrae. So with two sets of XIs to get out on one midweek night we need bodies!! Andy Cook has kindly offered to help organise and captain the friendly fixture. Contact Andy (07709-400424) or any other club official if you want to play.

Update on fixtures... SMRH4 v MDCC3 on 12 May is being played at Roseburn but remains a SMRH4 home fixture. A Sunday friendly at Carlisle, Edenside (a very nice ground!) has now been confirmed for 1 July provided there is no cup involvements for either club.

Nick Hill has now been appointed our formal Club Child Protection Officer following completion of the relevant courses. Well done Nick.

Sources close to Mufs have yet to confirm or deny speculation that has shocked the cricketing world ever since wild rumours broke out last night that Sicknote has allegedy "scored runs in a cricket match". Sightings of the Mufs skipper having a celebrationary huge plateful of nosh at the Toby Carvery on Monday lend credence to this frankly disturbing story. "F**k me!" G. Boycott remarked.

On Sunday a Mufs XI (err X... err then IX... finally VIII) of variable strength was totally outgunned by a Dunfermline team in a friendly match at Muirhouse. There was not a lot to cheer as we watched the ball being mercilessly bashed to all parts by the Dunny Pro in particular, worse when ten men were reduced to 9 due to injury. Sub fielder on offer? Didn't seem to cross anyone's mind. Anyway some bright spots in the field were promising signs from new recuit Watham Alami (not sure that's the exact spelling) with the ball (4-1-10-1) before a back injury meant he had to leave the field; and a spell of 6-1-13-2 from Mr Belly. There was also a top-drawer catch on the boundary by Vesty too. Dunfermline finished on 267 from their allotted 40 overs with their Pro, Waqar, 100 retired off 59 balls. Gowtham had made 10 runs before being run out.

Mufs started solidly in reply, taking advantage of some rather silly field placements to pick up the runs on offer in the quest to salvage some pride. New boy Regan Black showed good promise partnering a dogged Mr Belly but was hampered by a leg injury and was out for 33. Sasid was in fine touch and hit a quickfire 29, but then Cameron Anson (0), Jon Nicholls (1), Chris Donaldson (5) and the Donminator (0) quickly departed. Mr Boycott-Belly finally ground his way past 50 (51 not off 118 balls in the end, but at least some blessed time in the middle with a bat in hand at long last) and finally Vesty was caught by Gowtham (boo hiss) for 4 at deep midwicket. Westy had needed to leave early and by this time Watham was at the Western Infirmary so that was our lot and so 154 ao posted off 36.3 overs at a chilly Muirhouse.

If we are going to repeat this fixture next year then we need to have a much stronger team out as this particular game was of dubious value to both teams to be frank.

On Thurs, Mufs play Morton in the Parks Trophy at the Meadows.

Mufs Ones continued their excellent start to this League season with another strong performance in a 104 run win over Watsonians 2 at Muirhouse. Ben Higgins posted a stylish 75 and Siva Jeyahanathan 56 to set up a score of 213 all out after being invited to bat on a slightly tricky Muirhouse deck. Akshay (20) and Danny (18) the other main contributors. Watsons were dismissed for 109, and that only after a last wicket rally of 39 with skipper Ross Brooks hitting 25 not after Mufs have reduced them to 70-9. MacDonnel top scorer with 29. Sumanth Eadala bagged another 4 wicket haul in a superb spell (9-2-30-4) and Adam weighed in with 2 wickets (7-1-25-2). Earlier Melvyn (7-3-11-1) and Keith (7-0-23-1) had removed the Watsons openers. The stubborn last wicket stand was ended by Akshay (2-0-10-1) with a smart catch behind by Westy. A good performance too in the field - Sutha's ground fielding at mid-off was particularly excellent and a flying Mr Belly amongst the catches again.

However, more woe for Twos and Threes as poor performances with the bat saw both teams lose again. Mufs Twos were dismissed for just 72 by Kirkbrae at Double Hedges (Chris Banks with 20; Mort 4 for 15, Lynch 3 for 12) and lose by 6 wickets ("Daddy" Coull taking 2-29). At Roseburn Mufs Threes posted only 86-6 off their 45 over allocation and lose by 7 wickets against Penicuik.

Mufs bade farewell to the Masterton for another year suffering defeat at the Arboretum against Holy Cross. The gloom descending on the ground at the end of a well contested tustle matched the Mufs mood as a fine bowling (special mention to Tom for a super spell) and fielding display, and a promising position in chasing Cross' 101 came to naught as we fell 6 runs short in the end. Now what fool opted to bat second and chase.... But another lesson learnt - get to the game on time eh chaps. Good luck to Cross in the next round.

Details pinched off ESCA Message board (ta Charlie)...

Mixed fortunes on the season opener for Mufs with the Ones only emerging victorious but close run defeats for Twos and Threes, but some fine perfomances by our debutants.

Ones beat Freuchie (9 pts) by 80 runs, posting 235-9 with debutant Ram hitting 42 and Akshay 37 to dig us out of some trouble before a superb 107 run 6 wicket partnership by Adam (65) and Sutha (60 not) set up the victory platform. Mel and Keith kept things tight with the ball in the opening spells and other debutant Sumanth then bowling a fine spell of 10-2-27-4. Ram and Akshay took a wicket apiece before Keith and Mel ended some stubborn Freuchie resistance at the end, particularly from their skipper Cowan who scored 54. "Nasty" finished with 2-28 and "Baldy" with 2-21.

Twos (7 points) lost to Largo 2 (20) by 1 wicket at Roseburn, scoring only 118 ao off 33.2 overs and this only due to a fine knock by another debutant Ben Higgins of 70 not after an abysmal start. Chris Banks scored 20. Largo 2 got to their target off 37.3 overs but with just the one wicket left, with this last wicket stand of 34 frustrating Mufs. Ben capped a supreme all round effort with 4-10, other wicket takers Wardy 3-27 and Tony Simpson 2-24.

Threes lost by only 2 runs at Livingston. Livingston scored 126-9 (Asghar 35, Hodgson 25; Aadil Baig 3-19, Paul Leonard 2-21) and Mufs 3 reached 124-9 with Scott Taylor posting 37, Aadil Baig 29, and Nick Hill 20; for Livy Anwar taking 3-24 and Asghar 3-19.

Please note that Mr and Mrs Belly will be on their holidays from Sun 8th to Thurs 26th April so the website will not be getting updated - please check the Mufs Discussion Forum for any news updates.

In my absence Keith Lawrence, newly appointed Ones Vice-Capt, will look after Mufs Ones' Team matters.

It gives us great pleasure to announce the appointment of Keith "Nasty" Lawrence to Ones Vice-Captain in place of Gowtham Rai who, as many of you know, will be plying his trade in the National League this summer.

With the season drawing near we would be grateful for your help in letting us know your availability for our pre-season and League, midweek, Sunday fixtures. A comprehensive and full programme is on offer and thanks of behalf of all Mufs for those who have been beavering away sorting these out! So please find a link to a 2007 MDCC Fixtures and Availability form.

Fill in as much as you know (you can update and re-submit later of course!!) -remember to put your name on it, also if you have moved address, changed phone numbers etc then please include a note of these too. Either print the completed form out and hand in to a Club Official, or email it to murrayfield-dafscc@uk2.net email address which will auto-fwd to a number of club officials.

Please note the friendly game v St Michaels CC (Dumfries) has now been switched to Roseburn on Sunday 22nd April because unfortunantly St Michaels have had their pitch vandalised.

Message from Iain Martin which you should have had sent to your email address anyway...

"Not long now until the league season begins. Before then we have a few more pre-season events for you which we need your participation for.

More Indoor Nets

Firstly, we have 2 more sessions of indoor nets at Cricket Scotland, (Mary Erskine School, Ravelston Dykes Rd) on Tuesday April 10 and Tuesday April 17 between 7pm and 8pm on both nights. Spaces are limited so please apply for a space to me, Iain Martin by text 07973 105818 for the April 10 session and by email to ijmartin@talk21.com or text for the 17th session. Cost of the nets is £3 per person. If you don't book a place you may be turned away.

Pre-Season Games

Secondly we have arranged 4 pre-seaon matches as follows:

Saturday April 14th 1pm start Interclub match. Please let Keith Lawrence AND me know if you are able to play on this date

Saturday April 21st 1pm start, 2nd team friendly vs Stirling @ Roseburn Park. Please let Martin Ward AND me know if you are able to play on this date

Saturday April 21st 1.30pm start, 3rd team friendly vs Cask & Barrell (Div 6). Please let Martin Ward AND me know if you are able to play on this date.

Sunday April 22nd 1pm start, 1st team friendly vs St Michael's CC of Dumfries. Please let Keith Lawrence know your availability for this one - note this has moved from Saturday and will now be at Roseburn.

Please do not be put off by the team grades ie 1st, 2nd etc - let us know your availability and we will select the appropriate teams.

Please make every effort to make these dates - only with your particpation can we take our club forward... and remember the league season starts on April 28 with 3 league fixtures so please return your season availability forms (see above! -web-ed) as soon as possible.

Key Contacts:

Keith Lawrence: keithl007@yahoo.com (m) 07834 817546

Martin Ward: mggward@blueyonder.co.uk (m) 07917 732757

Iain Martin: ijmartin@talk21.com (m) 07973 105818

Best wishes, Iain Martin, MDCC Club Secretary"

The 2006 Season Muftas Awards and Dinner was held on Friday 16th March at the Murrayfield Hotel - the winners of the main awards and the voted for (mainly silly awards) can be found at the attached Awards Winners word document. Some photos at last.....

A starter of figs in something or other...

T-Bone steak... needed a bit of sauce!...

The assembled Muffers and Mufs WAGs get stuck in...

Player of the Year Trophies up for grabs..

The famous voting system at work..."Worst Dressed Muffer Award"... landslide victory to candidate No.3, Mr Ward, of course.

Your chance to manage a Mufs Dream Team and win cash prizes. With thanks to Nasty Keith, please find a link to this MLF 2007 excel spreadsheet that explains the 2007 Fantasy Mufs League Rules and contains the entry form which you need to send to Keith before the start of the League season.

Please find attached in the following link (word doc) the 2006 AGM Meeting Minutes. Apologies for delay in posting these.

2007 Club Membership Subscriptions are due. Please bring cash or cheque to nets for those who have not already - or send your cheque made payable to Murrayfield Dafs CC to Club Treasurer, Paul Hubbarb, at 42 South Gyle Wynd, Edinburgh EH12 9HJ. Full member subs are £60. Reduced sub is £25 for yoof/unwaged. Remember members can attend club nets for no cost - £5 fee will now be due for non-members attending indoor nets bar new attendees on their first session.

Apologies to those who turned up for only 1 hr or less of nets rather than two last Saturday (17th)- another apparent cock-up at EA with bookings.

Remaining Mufs Nets sessions are:

There are also the Open Nets on Sunday at EA from 6-8pm for those who need an extra fix of cricket.

The First Round Draw of the SCU Trophy 2007 has been made:

East Kilbride (bye)

St Boswells v Huntly

Strathmore v Meigle

St Modans v NoSCA

Murrayfield-DAFS v Irvine

Kelburne v Hillhead

Holy Cross Academicals v Galashiels

Matches to be played on Sunday 24 June (reserve date Sunday 1 July). The draw for the Quarter Finals will be made on Monday 25 June

Subsequent rounds will be played on the following dates:

The Final will be played at Freuchie CC

The first of our Club Nets start on Saturday 10 February from 1pm to 3pm at the Edinburgh Academy Junior School Indoor Sports Centre, off Arboretum Rd. Note the Saturday 17th session will be held from 2-4pm. Nets thereafter are:

Click here for location map for Edinburgh Academy Indoor Sports Centre

Sunday Open Nets are now 6-8pm at EA.

A tale of romance at this link to a cutting from That's Life magazine - or alternatively, a warning to the cricketing batchelors amongst you to keep yourself off the Mufs website. One can pick up this tale (as IJM states) "in colour at any good newsagent, supermarket or even buy it for just 68p...." No bunnies were boiled, thankfully.

Mufs play Morton (away) in our opening Parks Trophy match on Thursday 10th May.

Pre-season friendlies are being arranged by your committee. A Mufs "Ones" XI have a 21st April trip to St Michaels CC (Dumfries) now lined up.

The ESCA League Fixtures were recently republished (see ESCA Fixtures Webpage) - no changes as far as I can see to Mufs fixtures. Also please find a link to a combined fixture list for our Mufs teams.

Pre-season friendlies are being arranged. Ones have a 21 April trip to St Michaels CC (Dumfries) lined up.

An update on the situation with Mufs Indoor Nets. We felt that the single hour allocation from MESC was not that useful and given that we could get the whole hall at Edinburgh Academy for a similar price then this is what your Committee opted for. So we have booked the Edinburgh Academy Junior School Indoor Centre for weekly sessions on Saturdays from 10 Feb to the end of March. 1-3pm most weeks - more precise details when I have them. A reminder that the Open Nets on Sundays from 4-6pm are up and running at Edinburgh Academy, where there is a strong Mufs attendance.

The 2007 League Fixtures have been published by ESCA now - see link to ESCA 2007 Fixtures. The Season kicks off on Saturday 28 April with Mufs Ones starting with at trip to Freuchie 2s, the Twos hosting Largo 2, and the Threes have a trip to Livingston 2.