After heavy rain overnight Livingston’s ground is waterlogged.

Carlton 284 for 7 (50 overs); Stewart’s Melville CC 98 all out (39.2 overs)

After last week’s abandonment the 1st XI’s 2019 league campaign got underway against Carlton at Grange Loan. Unfortunately our attempts to secure an early win were undone by a raft of bank holiday withdrawals and Scotland quick bowler Ali Evans. Stew Mel won the toss and chose to bowl in dry but very cold conditions. Professional Shaylen Pillay and Hayden Sweet captured the wicket of Carlton opener Kyle Macpherson and restricted Carlton to two runs an over in their opening spell but after they were removed from the attack Carlton’s batsmen settled down to building a significant score aided by no less than 57 extras including 46 wides which will have Alan Veitch searching his books to see if this is some kind of unwanted record.

In the Stew Mel reply Greg Bissett was an early dismissal and the first of four Evans’ wickets caught at slip via a rebound. Thereafter Ben Wilkinson played a cameo innings of 15 with some exquisite shots and Hayden Sweet stuck around for a while for 12. No one else made double figures and the best that can be taken from this performance is that we were missing some important players who might add to the all round capability of the side.

Next Saturday sees our first home league match of the season against promoted Stoneywood Dyce who have surprised most by winning their first two matches.

Thanks to Malcolm Rennie the day’s match ball sponsor who was present to offer his support to the team.

View scorecard – click on link below

https://www.stewartsmelvillecricket.com/1st-xi-undone-by-scotlands-ali-evans/04-05-19-scorecard-carlton-v-smcc/

Only one over was possible in the 1st XI’s opening league match of the season against Aberdeenshire at Mannofield on Saturday. Weather forecasts earlier in the week suggested Aberdeen would escape the worst of the forecast rain. In the event the opposite was the case. Overnight rain gave way to a light drizzle but with the outfield saturated play was delayed until 2 pm. ‘Shire won the toss and put us in to bat. Kyle McCallum faced Shire’s Kiwi left arm pace bowler Callum Mackaness who took wickets in the corresponding match last season. Two trademark blows from Kyle and two wides and we were off to a flier, 9 for no wicket. Before the players could take their positions for the second over the drizzle became heavier and the umpires took the players off. This was followed by persistent rain and the inevitable cancellation came at 3.30pm.

Club President, Lawrance Reilly was the day’s ball sponsor and was present to witness the very limited action.

Next Saturday the 1sts are at Grange Loan to play Carlton who were somewhat surprising losers to Stoneywood Dyce.