Under 16s Win Moray Development League Grand Final

On Sunday our U16s made the long journey to the picturesque Castle Park in Huntly to play good friends Arbroath in the Grand Final of the Moray League.

A bright and sunny if somewhat breezy day greeted both teams and the many parents and relatives who had made the trip.

Arbroath by virtue of finishing the league in first place were given the option of batting or bowling on what looked like an excellent pitch and a fast outfield.

Arbroath chose to bowl first so it was Euan Sloan and Robbie Disborough who opened up the innings for Falkland.Both batsmen didn't waste much time in getting the scoreboard ticking over punishing anything lose with boundaries aplenty. The score raced to 75 in the 11th over when Robbie fell to a good delivery from Ben O'Mara for an excellent 33 (6 fours). This brought Donnie Westwood to the crease who began very cautiously whilst Euan continued to attack at the other end. Euan had reached a well deserved 59 (10 fours) before chasing a wide one from Abbie Hogg and was excellently stumped by Hayden Evans - 106 for 2. This proved to be a turning point as Chris Westwood went very next ball quickly followed by Cassius Haresign run out to a super piece of fielding by Daniel Salmond (109 for 4) and Arbroath very much back in the game. Lyle Robertson and Donnie then began a repair job before Donnie was clean bowled by Daniel - 120 for 5 in the 21st over. Lyle was joined by Ryan Jennings with the pair adding 20 before Lyle had a rush of blood giving Abbie her second wicket - 140 for 6 in the 26th. Logan Briggs came in at No 8 but only 3 were added when Ryan got a good one from Megan McColl and was clean bowled.Peter Matthews was No 9 and he and Logan took the score to 178 before Peter was caught. At No 10 was Freddie Disborough who then provided great support to Logan who started to hit out. Logan finished on 23 not out with Freddie on an undefeated 2 as the Falkland innings closed on a respectable 196 for 8 after their 40 overs. Well bowled Abbie Hogg who took 3 for 21 from her 8 overs. A competitive total and key that the full 40 overs were utilised.
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After a lovely tea the Arbroath innings began with Hayden and Jamie Russell opening up. Chris and Lyle opened the bowling and Lyle made the breakthrough in his first over bowling Jamie. This brought the dangerous Ben O'Mara to the crease and it wasn't long before he and Hayden got going. A run rate of 6 an over took the score to 72 (12th over) before Logan trapped Ben (21) LBW. Daniel was next in and Falkland knew this was a key partnership. They took the score to 113 in the 18th when Logan struck again bowling Daniel (16). A fourth wicket fell immediately as Lyle returned to the attack bowling R Nicol. Then in the next over the key turning point of the match when Logan bowled Hayden who made an excellent 67. On the same score 118 Logan picked up the 6th and his 4th wicket with another LBW as he trapped Matthew Salmond in front. The remaining Arbroath batters put up a brave fight but the introduction of Robbie Disborough (3 for 10) extinguished any hope they may have had. Pete claimed the final wicket in the 27th over with Arbroath finishing on 146 all out. Bowling - Logan 4 for 40, Robbie 3 for 10, Lyle 2 for 32, Pete 1 for 4.A good overall fielding display with a special mention to 12th man Hamish Wood who came on as a sub fielder.

Man of the Match - Logan Briggs - 23 not out and 4 for 40.

A win for Falkland by 50 runs but a game that ebbed and flowed which could have gone either way. A fantastic advert for junior cricket with exciting talent on show from both teams.

Thanks to umpires Steve Scott and Steven Murphy.

Thanks to all the parents and relatives who have supported the team throughout the season and to all the players who have contributed.

Many thanks to Neil Nicol and Huntly CC for being great hosts and to the Moray Development League Management committee.

Updated 13:05 - 30 Aug 2019 by Paul Watson