Category: News

£900 raised for NHS charity

Gala Cricket Club have handed over £900 to NHS Borders’ official charity The Difference after smashing their 4k in May fundraising target.

With the cricket season postponed by the Coronavirus pandemic, players, members and supporters of the Meigle Park club decided to stay active by walking, cycling or jogging 4,000 kilometres during the month of May to raise money for charity.

The club hoped to raise £500 for The Difference but in the end almost doubled that total and also travelled more than 6,300km.

One of the Gala CC organisers, Ross Patterson, said: “We are delighted with the final total of kilometres travelled and money raised for The Difference and thank everyone who supported 4K in May in any way.

“This has been a difficult time for everyone but the club is pleased to be able to give something back to the NHS for the unbelievable service they have provided during this most challenging of times.”

Gala Cricket Club are now back training under strict guidelines, and are expected to play a number of games against Borders clubs next month, subject to Scottish Government and CricketScotland approval.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the club should visit www.galacricketclub.co.uk or go to its social media channels.

Under 12s see off Watsonians

Gala Under 12s claimed a 63 run win over Watsonians Wallabies for their second win in the Edinburgh and Lothians League.

The young Gala side scored 155 with John Imray top scoring with 35 while in reply Watsonians scored 93 with Ellie Wilkie taking four wickets and Lewis Campbell three wickets.

Thank you to Watsonians for taking the trip down to Meigle Park for the game.

Grange debut for Under 16s

Gala Under 16s enjoyed a memorable debut in the Edinburgh and Lothians League at the home of Scottish cricket.

The young side played against Grange on the same pitch as Scotland famously defeated England last year.

And while they suffered a heavy defeat, it was a great experience for the side.

Grange batted first and made 180 for 6 from their 20 overs.

Top bowler was Jamie Bell who took three wickets, while Robbie Paterson claimed two and Liam Skeldon the other.

Gala struggled in reply with Jamie Crooks – who was helping the side out due to a lack of numbers – scoring 31 not out in their total of 50 all out.

Grange Under 16s

A. Docherty ct R. Paterson b L. Skeldon 34

H Gray b J. Bell 5

F. Huddlestone ct S. Lindores b J. Bell 53

M. Brown not out 50

J. Benstead ct J. Crooks b R. Paterson 0

N. Temparey ct J. Crooks b R. Paterson 21

R. Hussey ct R. Paterson b J. Bell 4

P. Hughes not out 1

Extras – 12

Total – 180 for six wickets

L. Skeldon 4-0-34-1; M. Maceira 4-0-37-0; R. Paterson 4-0-44-2; J. Bell 4-0-26-3; J. Crooks 4-0-37-0.

Gala Under 16s

 L. Skeldon b R. Hussey 0

J. Crooks not out 31

R. Paterson ct F. Huddlestone b R. Hussey 1

J. Bell b H. Gray 4

S. Lindores b H. Gray 0

A. Robertson b H. Gray 0

M. Lindores ct & b H. Gray 0

K. Singtoor b H. Gray 0

M. Maceira b H. Gray 0

E. Wilkie b M. Brown 1

Extras – 13

Total – 50 for nine wickets

R. Hussey 2-0-17-2; N. Temparey 2-0-11-0; H. Gray 2-1-2-6; P. Hughes 2-0-14-0; A. Doherty 2-0-5-0;  M. Brown 1-1-0-1; F. Huddlestone 1-0-6-0.

Millar misses ton but still guides Gala to win

A superb knock of 88 by Duncan Millar guided Gala to a perfect start against St Boswells to their Border 2020 League campaign.

Millar smashed 10 fours and four sixes in an impressive innings before he was run out with his maiden century in sight.

But the rest of the batsmen chipped in, with Jamie Crooks (20), Rory Hancock (25 not out) and Finlay Rutherford (17 not out) helping Gala to an impressive 179 for 3 from their 20 overs.

In reply, St Boswells were behind the run rate from the off, with Scott Hunter falling to Rory Hancock.

Jordan Broom (15), Ross Graham (25) and Steven Laidlaw (13) provided some resistance for the home side but in the end they were well short of Gala’s total as St Boswells finished 82 for seven.

Ross Patterson claimed 2 for 13 and Crooks 2 for 20 from their four overs.

Gala

D. Millar run out 88

J. Crooks ct & b J. Broom 20

S. Evans ct S. Marshall b R. Needham 9

F. Rutherford not out 17

R. Hancock not out 25

Extras – 20

Total – 179 for three wickets

F. Blackie 2-0-15-0; S. Marshall 4-0-38-0; J. Broom 4-0-36-1; C. Paterson 4-0-31-0;

R. Needham 4-0-41-1; S. Laidlaw 2-0-15-0.

St Boswells

J. Broom st D. Millar b J. Crooks 15

S. Hunter b R. Hancock 2

R. Graham ct K. Paterson b R. Patterson 25

S. Laidlaw st D. Millar b J. Crooks 13

S. Marshall lbw F. Rutherford 2

C. Wilson b R. Patterson 2

C. Paterson run out 3

R. Needham not out 8

D. Grant not out 1

Extras – 11

Total – 82 for seven wickets

S. Evans 4-1-7-0; R. Hancock 4-0-13-1; J. Crooks 4-0-20-2; F. Rutherford 4-0-27-1; R. Patterson 4-0-13-2.

Under 16s exit Scottish Cup

Gala Under 16s were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by a classy Carlton outfit at Meigle Park.

The hosts struggled to 74 for 9 from their 20 overs, with the Edinburgh opponents surpassing the score in the 10th over.

Batting first, Gala were on the backfoot straight away when they lost openers Charis Scott and Liam Skeldon cheaply.

The returning Ben Ballantyne put up a good fight to make 17 on his return but once he and captain Harris Rutherford (8) were out, Gala crumbled to 54 for 9.

They only reached 74 thanks to a gutsy last man stand by Robbie Paterson (11 not out) and Jamie Bell (6).

Top bowler for Carlton was Hutchison who claimed five wickets for just three runs.

Carlton flew out of the traps quickly until Harris Rutherford claimed two wickets while Rory Wilson grabbed a third, but with Murray making 35 not out, Carlton were comfortable winners.

All the best to Carlton in the next round when they face Edinburgh rivals Watsonians and thanks again to Stuart Skeldon for taking the side, and our main sponsor Rowan Boland Memorial Trust, alongside other junior sponsors MKM Building Supplies and Caravan Fix.

Gala Under 16s

C. Scott b J. Beattie 8

L. Skeldon b R. McIntyre 0

B. Ballantyne lbw E. Hutchinson 17

H. Rutherford ct C. Keatinge b B. Bertram 8

F. Wilson b J. Beattie 0

L. Allan ct ? b E. Hutchison 0

M. Rutherford ct & b E. Hutchinson 0

R. Wilson b E. Hutchinson 2

R. Paterson not out 11

F. Hastings b E. Hutchinson 0

J. Bell not out 6

Extras – 17

Total – 74 for nine wickets

C. Keatinge 2-0-9-0; R. McIntyre 2-1-4-1; B. Bertram 4-0-13-1; J. Beattie 4-0-14-2; E. Hutchinson 3-1-3-5; E. Keatinge 1-0-1-0; I. Dawson 1-0-12-0; M. Mackie 1-0-1-0; F. Keatinge 1-0-8-0.

Carlton Under 16s

R. McIntyre ct ? b H. Rutherford 21

G. Murray not out 35

C. Keatinge ct ? b R. Wilson 12

E. Hutchinson ct ? b H. Rutherford 0

E. Keatinge not out 2

Extras – 5

Total – 75 for three wickets

F. Wilson 3-0-34-0; H. Rutherford 4-0-21-2; R. Wilson 2-0-18-0; F. Hastings 0.3-0-1-0.

Under 16s claim Kelso win

Gala Under 16s claimed a nine wicket win over their Kelso counterparts at Shedden Park.

Gala did well to restrict the homesters to 87 for five wickets from their 20 overs, with Maisie Maceira claiming two wickets and Robbie Paterson taking one for 5 off his three overs.

In reply, Sam Lindores (25 retired) and Paterson (14) got Gala off to a great start before Fraser Wilson and Jamie Bell finished off the job in the 16th over.

Thanks to Kelso for hosting the game.

Kelso Under 15s

J. Flannigan ct & b R. Paterson 14

K. Jackson b L. Skeldon 12

K. Edie run out (F. Wilson) 10

A. Ted b M. Maceira 22

A. George ct ? b M. Maceira 0

M. Jackson not out 0

Extras – 30

Total – 87 for five wickets

L. Skeldon 4-1-13-1; F. Wilson 4-0-22-0; R. Paterson 3-0-5-1; H. Rutherford 2-1-10-0; J. Bell 1-0-1-0; M. Maceira 3-0-18-2; E. Wilkie 3-0-14-0.

Gala Under 15s

S. Lindores retired 25

R. Paterson ct ? B. Sinclair 11

F. Wilson not out 22

J. Bell not out 6

Extras – 22

Total – 88 for one wicket

E. Stevens 2-0-3-0; J. Gibson 2-0-15-0; A. George 2-0-5-0; F. Mason 2-0-11-0; B. Sinclair 2-0-9-1; A. Alfie 2-0-8-0; A. Angus 2-0-17-0; K. Eddie 1.2-0-13-0.

Local firms back club once again

Gala Cricket Club will look the part this season thanks to the continued support of three generous local firms.

Galashiels-based cashmere accessories brand Sinclair Duncan is the Meigle Park club’s main sponsors for the fourth successive season, and along with Keith Irvine Plastering and Channel Salon Hairdressing have helped provide Gala with new training tops.

The trio’s logos will also continue to be worn with pride on the playing shirts and jumpers of Gala’s senior cricketers this season as they compete in East Division One, Division Seven in the Development team, East Sunday League and Border 2020 League.

Gala CC Secretary Kenny Paterson said: “We are indebted to all three companies for their fantastic support of the club in recent years, which continues this season.

“We continue to try to make strides both on and off the pitch, with a ladies come and try day later this month, All Stars Cricket returning on 24 May, our junior sides having more fixtures against Edinburgh and Lothian sides this season and three Scotland female representative games at Meigle Park in July and August.

“The backing of Sinclair Duncan, Keith Irvine Plastering and Channel Salon is a huge boost to our efforts to keep trying to improve and become a more integral part of the local community, and the players are honoured to wear their names again in 2019.” 

Sinclair Paterson, Director of Sinclair Duncan, added: “We are delighted to support Gala Cricket Club for the fourth season in a row and wish the club every success for the remainder of the year.”

Gala CC still has sponsorship opportunities this season. Any company or individual who can support the club – with packages starting at just £20 – can find out more or request a sponsorship brochure from Kenny Paterson ([email protected] or phone 07913767871), or the brochure be downloaded from the club’s new website – www.galacricketclub.co.uk.

Photo – back row, left to right, Keith Irvine, Debbie Paterson of Sinclair Duncan, Gala CC Secretary Kenny Paterson with two year old supporter Freya Paterson, Claire Barry of Channel Salon, and overseas amateur player Scott Evans; front row, Gala Foxes junior players Bailey and Leo Paterson modelling the new training tops.

About Sinclair Duncan

Sinclair Duncan is a luxury cashmere accessories brand, selling to over 50 stores in the UK and exporting to over 15 countries including Japan, USA and France.

Established in 2012 by Sinclair and Debbie Paterson and based in Galashiels, the Sinclair Duncan ethos is to support independent manufacturers and reinforce the area’s strong reputation for high quality textile manufacturing.

Sinclair Duncan have their new collection out now, which features beautiful lightweight cashmere stoles and sophisticated wool/silk scarves, all made in Scotland.

Find out more at www.sinclairduncan.com

About Keith Irvine Plastering

With 30 years of experience, Keith Irvine Plastering offers a range of services including rough casting, tiling and plastering.

Phone 07773142226 or visit www.facebook.com/keithirvineplastering for more information.

About Channel Salon

Channel Salon Hairdressing is conveniently located in the centre of Galashiels within Channel House on Channel Street. They offer a range of services including colours, cuts, styling, wedding-day hair and semi-permanent straightening, all within an upbeat and contemporary salon.

Phone 01896 758531 or visit www.channelsalon.co.uk

Females encouraged to get fit and try cricket

Females of all ages are invited to come and try a new sport later this month at Gala Cricket Club.

The club already has two Scotland female internationalists Caitlin Ormiston and Charis Scott, alongside upcoming Eastern Knights squad player Maisie Maceira.

And Caitlin and Charis will help lead the sessions which will be run at under 13 and senior age group on Friday 31 May.

There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the various social events at the club and enjoy some food and drink after the sessions.

Caitlin Ormiston added: “The sessions will be fun and are open to any female of any age or ability or fitness level to try.”We will have music and the bar will also be open afterwards so it would be great to see as many people there as possible.”

“You do not need to want to play cricket competitively to come along and the sessions will predominantly be softball cricket to try and get some exercise.”

The evening begins at 6pm to 7pm for under 13s and 7pm to 8pm for senior age group with more information from [email protected].

Hancock and Crooks Gala heroes in tense Musselburgh win

Rory Hancock and Jamie Crooks proved the Gala heroes in a nail-biting win at previously unbeaten Musselburgh.

Hancock took 5 for 25 to restrict ‘Burgh to 132 all out before teenager Crooks kept his cool to score the winning runs with just three balls to spare to make it three out of three wins for the Braw Lads in Division One.

Overnight rain in Musselburgh area had put the game in some doubt but a morning pitch inspection saw the match be given the green light.

Gala captain Dinesh Tharanga won the toss and decided to bowl on a Lewisvale pitch which is notoriously tricky and proved so again as both teams scored at less than three runs an over.

The visitors made a good start when Nick McIntyre had Ahmed caught behind by Duncan Millar with the score on just two.

Tufail and Howe rebuilt the innings well, putting on 51 runs before Howe was run out by Graeme Ormiston for 13.

Musselburgh then collapsed from 59 for 2 to 61 for 5 as Hancock struck three times to put Gala on top.

Verma led a fightback with an aggressive 23 before being caught by Finlay Rutherford off Hancock’s bowling.

Further wickets fell as Gala reduced their opponents to 101 for 9 but last wicket pair Middlemass (16) and Khalid (17) showed plenty fight to drag Musselburgh to 132 and gave them a fighting chance.

Gala openers Sid Siddhu and Rutherford put on their second successive 50 partnership, before the latter was stumped for 32 with the score on 72 off 23 overs.

Siddhu fell soon after for 39 but Millar and Ormiston looked to be taking Gala to a fairly comfortable win.

Even when both departed, Gala needed 21 runs off eight overs which in normal circumstances should be have been straightforward.

However, up against the slow wicket and a disciplined Musselburgh bowling attack led by Middlemass (2 for 19) it went two to the last over with two runs needed to win.

But up stepped youngster Crooks (22 not out) who show maturity and patience to wait until the third ball of Verma over to score two needed and give the Meigle Park men all 20 points.

Musselburgh

A. Ahmed ct D. Millar b N. McIntyre 2

A. Tufail ct G. Ormiston b R. Hancock 34

G. Howe run out 13

S. Praneel ct G. Ormiston b R. Hancock 3

E. Eyre b G. Mein 8

V. Deveraj lbw R. Hancock 0

H. Verma ct F. Rutherford b R. Hancock 23

E. Gatner ct R. Hancock b G. Ormiston 3

V. Ramasubramani ct J. Crooks b V. Ramasubramani 3

C. Middlemass b D. Tharanga 16

H. Khalid not out 17

Extras – 9

Total – 132 for ten wickets

N. McIntyre 9-1-22-1; D. Moir 7-1-25-0; S. Evans 9-3-32-0; D. Tharanga 3.3-1-5-1; R. Hancock 9-2-25-5; G. Mein 4-1-7-1; G. Ormiston 2-0-7-1.

Gala

S. Siddu b C. Middlemass 39

F. Rutherford st V. Deveraj b V. Ramasubramani 32

D. Millar lbw b C. Middlemass 16

G. Ormiston run out 8

J. Crooks not out 22

D. Tharanga 3

Extras – 9

Total – 133 for four wickets

H. Khalid 7-2-17-0; E. Gatner 6-1-17-0; V. Ramasubramani 9-1-28-1; H. Verma 7.3-1-28-0; C. Middlemass 9-2-19-2; V. Deveraj 5-2-18-0.

Finlay Rutherford’s maiden 1st XI 50 guided Gala to a late night seven wicket win over Edinburgh 2nds.

The youngster scored 59 not out as the Braw Lads made it two wins from two games in East Division One.

But it was far from straightforward as a series of rain breaks and a slow over rate by Edinburgh meant the match never finished until 7.50pm.

The visitors batted first and after a strong start with Adnan Jeffrey scoring 30, Rory Hancock ripped the middle order of Edinburgh’s innings apart with 4 for 19 to leave them 73 for 7.

But Irshaad Aziz (27 not out) batted well, alongside some wayward bowling at times which led to 31 wides, as Edinburgh posted a competitive 151 for 8.

In reply, Sid Siddhu (44) and Rutherford put on 59 for the first wicket in quick time but when Josh Irvine (15) and Ross Patterson (0) fell soon after, the game was in the mix at 78 for 3.

But Rutherford led from the front, supported well by captain Dinesh Tharanga (26) to take the homesters to victory.

Meanwhile, Liam Skeldon took all four wickets as a young Gala/Hawick development fell to a six wicket loss to Stewart Melville’s fourths at Inverleith.

Gala/Hawick scored 101 all out with Stuart Skeldon (32 not out) and Scott Paterson (21) leading from the front.

In reply, Liam Skeldon took four for 27 but the total was not enough to deny the hosts who got past the Gala/Hawick total in the 22nd over.