Jamie Crooks starred with bat and ball to guide Gala’s Sunday XI to a 16 run friendly win over Melrose at Huntlyburn.

A hastily arranged game saw Gala put together a side which mixed youth with experience.

Batting first, Gala got off to a decent start with the returning Robbie Pringle (24) and Crooks (30) and there were then useful contributions from Graeme Ormiston (13) and Ross Patterson (12 not out) as the Braw Lads posted 110 for 8 from their 30 overs.

Conor Young claimed 2 for 21 for ‘Rose.

In reply, Young looked to be taking his team to victory again – after scoring a half century last season in a 2020 win over Gala – but Crooks crucially bowled the opener for 36.

Melrose remained in the game and were well up with the required run rate but regular wickets meant they fell short on 94 all out.

Crooks (5 for 19) was supported by wickets for Ajith Sujan, Patterson, Craig Thomson, Pringle and James Boyle.

Thank you to Melrose for hosting this friendly match.

Gala Sunday XI

F. Rutherford b C. Young 5

R. Pringle b C. Young 24

J. Crooks ct M. Barr b D. Crawford 30

C. Thomson b G. Lindsay 1

S. Anderson run out 2

J. Purves lbw R. Williams 1

G. Ormiston ct ? b H. Mallart 13

R. Patterson not out 12

J. Imray ct ? b K. Farnish 4

J. Boyle not out 0

Extras – 18

Total – 110 for 8 wickets

M. Barr 4-0-16-0; C. Young 5-2-21-2; G. Lindsay 4-2-7-1; R. Williams 4-0-13-0; D. Crawford 4-1-18-1; H. Mallart 4-0-17-1; A. James 3-1-10-0; K. Farnish 2-1-6-1.

Melrose

R. Brett b A. Sujan 1

C. Young b J. Crooks 36

D Crawford ct C. Thomson b J. Crooks 12

H. Mallart ct & b R. Patterson 1

J. Ward ct & b J. Crooks 0

A. James ct L. Skeldon b J. Crooks 4

D. Crawford ct R. Pringle b J. Crooks 10

M. Barr b C. Thomson 10

G. Lindsay ct J. Imray b J Boyle 3

K. Farnish ct S. Anderson b R. Pringle 0

R. Williams not out 12

Extras – 5

Total – 94 for ten wickets

L. Skeldon 3-0-29-0; A. Sujan 2-0-9-1; J. Crooks 6-0-19-5; R. Patterson 4-0-13-1; C. Thomson 5-1-16-1; R. Pringle 3-1-8-1; J. Boyle 0.4-0-2-1.