JUNE OVERVIEW

Nothing is more frustrating than having a full programme of matches, arranging teams and then having to cancel because of rain or concessions by the opposition. Having said that a fair amount of cricket did take place.

The 1st XI seems to have difficulty batting at home with losses against Cramond (SCU Trophy) on slower run rate and against East Kilbride and Dumfries in the league. From reports received dropped catches have also been crucial. A spirited resistance by the School saw a drawn match on the Leavers' Open Day in somewhat damp conditions. The 1st round tie in the Rowan Cup saw Accies through on the toss of a coin at the third attempt but Ferguslie proved too strong in the next round although Andy Dodson gave them a big fright with a powerful batting display. Altogether a month to forget and the loss of skipper, Fraser Murray, with a broken thumb didn't help.

The 2nd XI {Anniesland], as predicted, came on strongly once players returned from examinations and other commitments. They recorded a satisfying win over Rouken Glen and with the assistance of a not out 119 from 17 year old Euan Sheridan they recorded a winning draw against GHK/Strathclyde. Sadly all the wheels fell off with their visit to Dumfries against Nunholm.

The 3rd XI {Alps] had a satisfying win over Crow Road [GHK 3rd XI] and with a concession of the points from Marress shot up the table. The match against Clydesdale Cavaliers was lost to the weather and a loss against league leaders Kirkstyle brought some reality back to their league placing. This is very much a development team for youngsters and any promotion to Division 4 would not help that aim [at the moment]. Bowling continues to be a real problem with little accuracy of line and length.

There's not much cricket for the Sunday Development XI but when it does take the field the opposition suffers! Fraser Murray hit 102 before retiring against GU Staff and again the opportunity for young bowlers is available. 12 year old Sam Page bowled 8 overs, 1 for 15 against an experienced Ardrossan side whilst Corrie Dick [14] took 2 for 8 in the same match. Runs have come freely to our batsmen. A good if fragmented month for the team.

There are no details available for the Midweek XI.

The U18's [Junior XI] recorded big losses against Prestwick and Greenock with the bowling being the main problem [see 3rd XI above]. Against that a 135 run victory over Uddingston included a hat trick for Ross Paton who actually managed a haul of 5 wickets in the space of 6 balls!! A tense victory against East Kilbride including a haul of 5 wickets for 1 run for Watson Briggs brought an air of respectability to results for the month but really the team is underachieving. Maybe July will see them compete.

The U17's lost their only match to Kilmarnock in the Frank Smith Trophy again by poor bowling.

The U15's [Minor XI] were beaten totally by the weather in June and didn't play a single match. The same scenario applied to the U13 XI in the B League.

The U12's only managed two outings and were beaten comfortably by Poloc with, dare I say it, the bowling .............. However an exciting match against Kelburne saw the side lose by the smallest possible margin. This is what keeps kids interested in the game! It was chaos for the last two or three overs as the crowd was urging both sides on.