It was a very successful trip to Edinburgh to take part in the cricket festival at Merchiston Castle School this week.
After meeting early on Wednesday morning at Newark station we arrived in Edinburgh with our development squad of U15s, U14s & U13s (13 players in total) and were met immediately by a torrential downpour at the station. When we arrived at Merchiston Castle School we were met with the news that unfortunately the earlier downpour had meant that the first day's fixtures were off but as the sun came out and the playing fields dried we were able to have an afternoon net session before making our way back to our youth hostel accommodation and before going out for an evening meal at a local pizza establishment. (As our game had been cancelled earlier in the day and as they were staying at the youth hostel too, we offered to play King's Bruton (Somerset) at corridor cricket but unfortunately they declined the offer).
Thursday morning came and before we returned to Merchiston we had an excursion to Edinburgh Castle and a brief opportunity for the boys to buy some Scottish souvenirs. Laden with their purchases our team then made for Merchiston and our game against Glenalmond School.
NHS 187-6
A solid team performance saw several of our batsmen get a good start.
Sam Storey 30
James Godrich 29
Matt Antoniak 29
The game however was taken away from the opposition by a powerful innings from Paldip Sidhu. He made 52* (61 minutes & 47 balls) including 4 fours and 3 sixes as we reached a good total in our 40 overs.
Glenalmond 135 all out (38.1 overs)
Glenalmond were undone by some tidy NHS bowling and fielding. The pick of the bowling was Grant McCarthy (8-3-8-5). He was ably supported by Paldip Sidhu (7-1-20-2) and Richard Ayling (6.1-1-15-2). Also captain James Godrich kept the pressure on the batsmen with 3 stumpings.
NHS won by 52 runs.
Man of the Match: Paldip Sidhu.
Following a fantastic tea and an equally accomplished dinner at Merchiston. We then went to a barbecue not far from the school, hosted by Mr & Mrs Godrich and the friends they were staying with in Edinburgh. Many thanks to them for a lovely evening and their support during the week. We were well supported by parents on the boundary throughout by the Godrichs Mr McCarthy, Mr Johnson & Sam Storey's grandparents - it was excellent to see them all).
After our first game and our first win on Thursday, we faced an early start and a match against our hosts, Merchiston.
NHS 194-6 (40 overs)
Once again a good batting performance saw us post a good score for our opponents to chase. The third wicket partnership of 133 between James Godrich and Sam Storey was the highlight of the innings.
133 runs in 100 minutes and 168 balls.
James Godrich 70 (107 mins, 88 balls, 7 fours & 2 sixes)
Sam Storey 52 (111 minutes, 100 balls, 4 fours)
Merchiston 115 all out (33.5 overs)
As we battled to win the game before the rain returned, Merchiston struggled against a fine performance in the field.
Arun Johal 4-2-2-2 (also 2 catches)
Paldip Sidhu, Grant McCarthy, Sam Johnson, Jon Newell, Alex McDonald and Neil Patel all taking one wicket each. Jamie Hahn & Richard Ayling also bowled well but were wicketless.
NHS won by 79 runs.
Man of the Match: James Godrich.
An excellent couple of days cricket before the rain returned as we began our journey home. It was an excellent trip and all the boys enjoyed the experience and were a great credit to the school. This excellent attitude was typified by our
Man of the Tour - Jamie Hahn.
He gave 100% at all times both on and off the field and was always looking to help staff and was very positive at all times.
Many thanks also must go to our hosts, Merchiston Castle School. They looked after us well and made us very welcome. We were well fed at all times. (The shortbread biscuits were particularly excellent).
Many thanks also to Scott Boswell for organising our participation in the festival and to Ian Rose for his coaching skills as usual. It was an excellent experience for all which we all enjoyed.
Next year in Somerset.
Mr Grant
