The Gala Foxes continued their start to the season in the Lothian Junior League as they made the trip to the Grange, the home of the national cricket team, to take on Grange Cyclones.

With the home side opting to bat first, Gala opened the bowling with Maisie Maceira and Sam McAneny, followed by Jamie Bell. The three bowled well and restricted the Grange openers scoring rate. Then, the introduction of Gala’s fourth bowler, John Imray, brought the visitors first wicket. A fine catch off his own bowling left Grange opener Welsh going back to the pavilion.

However, other Grange opener Kidd and new batsman Vundi began to put together a good partnership and Gala had to be patient before their next wicket. John Imray eventually picked up his second, while Bailey Paterson also claimed the wicket of the home sides top scorer, Vundi (23).

Captain Robbie Paterson then picked up two quick wickets and the other Gala bowlers chipped in to restrict the remainder of the Grange batting line up with Matthew Lindores, Keiran Singhtoor and Michael Warner all bowling tightly.

Grange went onto post 81 for 7 from their 16 overs. The pick of the Gala bowlers were Robbie Paterson (2 for 6) and John Imray (2 for 15).

In response, Gala made a rapid start, scoring 16 from the first 2 overs before Sam McAneny (7) was bowled by Grange opener Welsh. Some good bowling in particular from the home sides openers restricted Gala’s scoring with Jamie Bell (5) and Matthew Lindores (0) being unfortunate wickets to fall.

A good partnership from Robbie Paterson and John Imray offered some resistance to a good bowling side, but after the pair retired, Gala left themselves with too much to do and ended up just 11 runs short of their target with Bailey Paterson and debutant Michael Warner both finishing not out. Gala ended their innings 70 for 5 from 16 overs.

All in all, the team can be proud of their efforts against opponents from one of the country’s leading cricket clubs. A fantastic experience also for the players getting to play on an international ground! Thanks again to the parents for making the journey to Edinburgh and to junior coordinator Stuart Skeldon for taking the team.

GRANGE CYCLONES INNINGS

• H.Kidd ct K.Singhtoor b J.Imray 16
• R.Welsh ct + b J.Imray 3
• K.Vundi b B.Paterson 23
• T.Jarold ct J.Imray b K.Singhtoor 3
• M.Dawson b R.Paterson 2
• T.Wake b R.Paterson 0
• G.Thomas not out 10
• D.Strudwick run out (J.Imray) 1
• F.Clark not out 2

Extras – 21

Grange Cyclones 81 for 7 from 16 overs

Gala Foxes Bowling

• M.Maceira 2-0-7-0
• S.McAneny 2-0-3-0
• J.Bell 2-0-5-0
• J.Imray 2-0-15-2
• B.Paterson 1-0-17-1
• M.Lindores 2-0-8-0
• R.Paterson 2-0-6-2
• K.Singhtoor 0.5-0-5-1
• M.Warner 2-0-8-0

GALA FOXES INNINGS

• S.McAneny b R.Welsh 7
• K.Singhtoor b H.Kidd 4
• M.Lindores b H.Kidd 0
• J.Bell ct K.Vundi b R.Welsh 5
• J.Imray retired not out 14
• R.Paterson retired not out 14
• B.Paterson not out 2
• M.Maceira ct H.Kidd b F.Clark 5
• M.Warner not out 3

Extras – 16

Gala Foxes 70 for 5 from 16 overs

Grange Cyclones Bowling

• H.Kidd 2-0-11-2
• R.Welsh 2-0-6-2
• K.Vundi 2-1-4-0
• D.Strudwick 1.5-0-25-0
• M.Dawson 3-1-5-0
• F.Clark 3-1-5-0
• G.Thomas 2-0-4-0

The 1st XI got their season off to a winning start following a tough encounter against a spirited Hawick side at Meigle Park on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Gala got off to a slow but steady start. Openers Siddhanth Siddhu and Finlay Rutherford negotiated their way through some good early bowling from the Hawick attack on a tricky wicket. Albeit, they did ride their luck with 3 dropped catches in the field in the first 9 deliveries.

The pair however moved on from this quickly and began to accelerate the home sides run rate as Gala pushed onto 86 for 0 after the opening 20 overs. Sidd Siddhu recorded his first half century of the season following a very well made 54 before being unlucky to be caught from a high full toss. His partner Rutherford (25), who also put together a well made innings, followed nearly immediately after leaving Gala 86 for 2 and the visitors with a breath of fresh air.

The Hawick attack continued to bowl good line and length and put the Gala middle order under a great deal of pressure. A combination of this as well as the visitors enthusiasm in the field led to a flurry of wickets leading to a big Gala batting collapse with only the captain Josh Irvine being the other batsman to reach double figures. Gala eventually slipped to 135 all out from with 2 overs remaining in their innings. The visitors would have been confident going into their batting innings following an excellent bowling display.

The pick of the bowlers for the visitors were Huisamen and Justin Tait who both picked up 3 wickets.

Gala made a positive start in the field and early wickets fell leaving Hawick 20 for 3. Aashiq Rhode, in his first match since his return to the club, claimed the wicket of the dangerous Stuart Hair. Dinesh Tharanga, bowling with his usual accuracy and consistency then claimed the 2 early wickets of Justin Tait and Huisamen.

This brought Phil Mactaggart and Evan Alexander to the crease. The pair began to form a good partnership leaving Gala needing some inspiration to change the course of the game. Sidd Siddhu was then handed the ball and claimed the wicket of Alexander with an excellent delivery.

Gala began to restrict the run rate of Hawick, with Gareth Welsh and Euan Hair both departing quickly to the bowling of Jack Halls. However, Mactaggart remained at the crease and was joined by Ryan Johnston. The pair put on a good partnership and increased the visitors run rate significantly leaving Hawick at one point needed 30 from the last 4 overs.

Gala were thankful when Johnston ultimately chipped up to Josh Irvine off the bowling of Halls, while the former then went onto claim the final two wickets resulting in a Gala victory of 18 runs.

Hawick were always in the game and will take great confidence into their league campaign after their performance. Gala will be disappointed with their batting display and will look to gain form ahead of their opening championship match against Heriots 2nds at Meigle Park this Saturday.

Many thanks to Hawick for the game and all the best for the season ahead.

GALA INNINGS

• S.Siddhu ct C.Huisamen b G.Welsh 54
• F.Rutherford ct E.Hair b J.Tait 25
• J.Crooks ct E.Alexander b C.Huisamen 4
• J.Irvine ct E.Alexander b C.Huisamen 14
• D.Millar ct E.Hair b S.Hair 6
• J.Halls b R.Johnston 5
• D.Tharanga run out 9
• A.Rhode ct E.Alexander b M.Tait 0
• G.Ormiston not out 3
• J.Gammie ct E.Hair b M.Tait 0
• J.Bell ct E.Hair b C.Huisamen 0

Extras – 16

Gala 135 all out from 38 overs

Hawick Bowling

• R.Johnston 7-0-20-1
• S.Hair 8-1-23-1
• M.Tait 8-1-25-2
• G.Welsh 8-0-37-1
• J.Tait 4-0-17-3
• C.Huisamen 4-0-12-3

HAWICK INNINGS

• S.Hair ct S.Siddhu b A.Rhode 5
• J.Tait LBW D.Tharanga 3
• C.Huisamen b D.Tharanga 1
• P.Mactaggart not out 43
• E.Alexander b S.Siddhu 17
• G.Welsh b J.Halls 0
• E.Hair b J.Halls 1
• D.Solley ct D.Millar b J.Crooks 4
• R.Johnston ct J.Irvine b J.Halls 17
• M.Tait ct A.Rhode b J.Irvine 0
• B.Mactaggart b J.Irvine 1

Extras – 18

Hawick 118 all out from 39.4 overs

Gala Bowling

• A.Rhode 4-0-10-1
• D.Tharanga 8-4-7-2
• G.Ormiston 3-0-28-0
• S.Siddhu 7-1-27-1
• J.Halls 7-0-14-3
• J.Crooks 6-0-19-1
• J.Irvine 5.4-2-13-2

Gala were well beaten by a stronger Melrose side in the 2nd XI’s opening pre-season match away at Huntlyburn on Saturday.

Batting first, the home side got off to an excellent start with Crawford and Wojcik putting on a good partnership to frustrate the Gala bowlers. The pair went on to record a 50 partnership for the 1st wicket.

However, the introduction of youngsters Liam Skeldon and Maisie Maceira turned the tide as Melrose went from 50 without loss to 64 for 6 in the space of a few overs. The Gala pair bowled excellently as they both went onto claim 3 wickets each from their 8 over spells.

Gala looked to be on the front foot at this stage but a crucial lower order partnership between Melrose’ Gregor and Euan Lindsay helped bring the home side up to a challenging total. Gala managed to bowl out the home side, who sit 4 divisions above the 2nd XI, for 142 in the 39th over. Other wicket takers included Craig Thomson and youngster Robbie Paterson who took 2 wickets each. Gala would be pleased with their efforts during their fielding performance.

The Gala response never really got going, with the home side bowling very tight lines and making life difficult for the Gala opening pair of captain and vice duo Ross Patterson and Max Hastings. Some excellent bowling from Lindsay and Williams proved to be too much for Gala as they both went onto claim 3 wickets each. It was only really Patterson (16) who could offer much resistance to the well drilled home side as Gala were bowled out for 52, losing the match by 90 runs.

Nonetheless, there were plenty of positives to take from the match for the youthful Gala side, in particular the bowling performances of Liam Skeldon and Maisie Maceira. Well played to our hosts Melrose and we wish you the best of luck for the season.

The 2nds take on Edinburgh South 3rds away this Saturday in their first league match of the season.

MELROSE INNINGS

• D.Crawford ct A.Sujan b M.Maceira 36
• J.Wojcik b L.Skeldon 17
• R.Williams LBW M.Maceira 0
• S.Hosny LBW L.Skeldon 2
• O.Phillips b M.Maceira 0
• G.Lindsay b R.Paterson 36
• A.Scott b L.Skeldon 0
• R.Brett st M.Hastings b R.Paterson 0
• E.Lindsay not out 27
• K.Farnish ct R.Paterson b C.Thomson 1
• R.Johnson b C.Thomson 0

Extras – 23

Melrose 142 all out from 38 overs

Gala Bowling

• S.Paterson 7-0-9-0
• C.Thomson 7-0-23-2
• L.Skeldon 8-0-15-3
• M.Maceira 8-0-26-3
• R.Paterson 4-0-41-2
• J.Boyle 4-0-17-0

GALA INNINGS

• R.Patterson ct K.Farnish b R.Williams 16
• M.Hastings b G.Lindsay 4
• J.Imray b G.Lindsay 2
• C.Thomson b R.Williams 6
• A.Sujan b G.Lindsay 0
• S.Paterson ct A.Scott b O.Phillips 5
• S.McAneny ct S.Hosny b R.Williams 2
• R.Paterson b R.Brett 2
• J.Boyle LBW R.Brett 1
• L.Skeldon LBW K.Farnish 0
• M.Maceira not out 0

Extras – 14

Gala 52 all out from 33.1 overs

Melrose Bowling

• O.Phillips 6-0-7-1
• S.Hosny 8-3-10-0
• G.Lindsay 8-2-15-3
• R.Williams 7-2-14-3
• R.Brett 4-1-5-2
• K.Farnish 0.1-0-0-1

Dear supporter
Please find the latest information from Gala Cricket Club.

Membership 2021 and prize draw

Gala Cricket Club is pleased to attach its membership form for 2021.
Last year we received fantastic support from members and the wider community in face of the Coronavirus pandemic, with the club introducing a special £5 rate for all members to reflect the reduced season.
This year, with our new league season set to begin on Saturday 22 May, we are introducing a new membership structure which was approved at our 2020 AGM (prior to COVID) and aims to encourage more members of families who do not currently come to the club to become members.

To reward our members for their support, anyone who has paid their membership by 30 June 2021 will be entered into a prize draw to win £100. 

To become a member this year please either:

• Complete the attached form on your laptop/mobile device, save the form and return to membership secretary Lorna Blake – lorna.blake4@outlook.com – while confirming you have bank transferred the membership fee
• Complete the membership form by downloading it at https://galacricketclub.co.uk/2021-membership-form/ and returning and paying in same way as above
• If unable to use electronic version, pick up a printed version of the form, available from Lorna or from clubrooms, and return to Lorna, paying the membership fee by bank transfer or with coins/notes if you do not use online bank services.

For juniors, we would ask you to complete this form as above, as well as a specific junior registration form which will provided at the next junior training session alongside printed copies of the membership form should you wish to complete this way.

If you have any queries, please contact membership secretary Lorna Blake (lorna.blake4@outlook.com) who will also be able to assist with any queries. 

Sponsorship opportunities 2021

We have a number of sponsorship opportunities for this season, starting from £30. Our 2021 brochure is attached and is also available from our website https://galacricketclub.co.uk/club-sponsors-and-opportunities/
Please contact galacricketclub@gmail.com to discuss further or for more information.

Bar reopening/assistance

We are currently making plans to reopen our bar which we are planning will happen this month. Further details on the arrangements will be provided next week. 
We are planning to hold another bar training session online next week, and it would be fantastic if any supporters/members were able to take part and help club with a bar shift over the summer, please email galacricketclub@gmail.com 
Likewise, if able to assist in any other way – such as helping to set up/clean bar area or assisting with serving drinks – it would be hugely appreciated – again please get in touch to let us know.

Fixtures 2021

Full list of senior and junior fixtures is now available at our website. Currently spectators are not allowed into Meigle Park for games but we expect an update to be received on this from governing bodies very soon.

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards
Gala Cricket Club

The Gala Foxes made the away trip to face Edinburgh Southmuir Sharks at Inch Park on Monday night for their first match of the season.

Batting first, Gala made a positive start before losing opener Ellie Wilkie who was bowled by Kiely for 3. Keiran Singhtoor and Robbie Paterson then put on a good partnership, with both players playing some nice shots before Singhtoor was dismissed for a well made 16.

A boundary filled partnership then took place between Paterson and new partner Sam McAneny. The pair both went onto retire not out following excellent scores of 31 and 39 respectively.

This brought Maisie Maceira and Ruaridh Anderson to the crease who put on a good partnership, with Maceira making a well made 16 unbeaten. Finlay Skeldon was unlucky to be bowled for 1 and Fred Leslie finished the innings not out.

In reply, Edinburgh South got off to a good start with batsmen Khadsy and Kiely putting on a good partnership and playing some nice shots between them before retiring not out. However, Gala fielded well and though some good bowling, managed to break through and take some wickets later on. Bailey Paterson and Finlay Skeldon both picked up 1 wicket each. However, it was Fred Leslie, making his debut for the team along with his brother Will, who was the pick of the Gala bowlers, taking 2 wickets for just 4 runs from his 2 overs. Gala managed to restrict the home side to 44 for 5 from their 16 overs, winning the match by 76 runs.

Many thanks to the parents of the players for making the journey to Edinburgh and to Stuart Skeldon for coaching the team.

Scorecard

GALA FOXES INNINGS

• E.Wilkie ct A.Khadsy b S.Kiely 3
• K.Singhtoor ct S.Kiely b A.Khadsy 16
• R.Paterson retired not out 31
• S.McAneny retired not out 39
• M.Maceira retired not out 16
• R.Anderson not out 0
• F.Skeldon b K.Miller 1
• B.Paterson not out 0
• F.Leslie did not bat

Extras – 13

Gala Foxes 120 for 3 wickets from 16 overs.

Edinburgh South bowling

• S.Kiely 3-0-7-1
• S.Zia 3-0-17-0
• A.Khadsy 2-0-15-0
• O.Henderson 3-0-33-0
• A.Khadsy 2-0-22-1
• S.Rawat 1-0-10-0
• D.Fletcher 1-0-11-0
• H.Miller 1-0-4-1

SOUTHMUIR SHARKS INNINGS

• S.Zia run out 3
• A.Khadsy retired not out 11
• S.Kiely retired not out 12
• O.Henderson b B.Paterson 0
• A.Khadsy b F.Skeldon 1
• D.Fletcher b F.Leslie 0
• H.Miller b F.Leslie 0
• D.Richardson not out 0
• S.Rawat not out 0

Extras – 11

Southmuir Sharks 44 for 5 wickets from 16 overs.

Gala bowling

• B.Paterson 3-0-10-1
• E.Wilkie 2-0-6-0
• R.Anderson 2-0-13-0
• F.Skeldon 2-1-6-1
• F.Leslie 2-0-4-2
• R.Paterson 2-1-3-0
• K.Singhtoor 1-0-3-0
• S.McAneny 1-1-0-0
• M.Maceira 1-1-0-0

A Gala XI welcomed visitors Heriot Watt University to Meigle Park on Sunday in our first pre-season match of this year.

Batting first, Gala made a composed start opening with 1st XI opener Finlay Rutherford and experienced batsman Graeme Ormiston. The pair were going well until a small mix up resulted in Rutherford being run out. Ormiston was joined by other first team opener Siddhanth Siddhu who also started well but was then caught for 11 trying to accelerate. Robbie Irvine also departed cheaply leaving Gala 3 down.

Sebastien Loumeau then came to the crease and he and Ormiston put on a fine partnership, with the latter retiring after a well made half century. Loumeau began to play some big shots on his way to an excellent 49 not out. The Gala tail was well restricted by the visitors and Gala finished on 153 for 7 from their 35 overs.

In reply, Heriot Watt never got going and the Gala bowlers restricted runs and took wickets at regular intervals. Tight bowling from Scott Paterson and Liam Skeldon in particular proved troublesome for the visitors as they went on to claim 3 wickets each in a pair of excellent bowling spells. Other bowlers chipped in too, with James Boyle, Sidd Siddhu, Seb Loumeau and Robbie Irvine all taking 1 wicket each.

*scorecard names not complete due to lack of score book info.

Scorecard

GALA INNINGS

• F.Rutherford run out 12
• G.Ormiston retired not out 50
• S.Siddhu ct unknown b unknown 11
• R.Irvine LBW unknown 10
• S.Loumeau not out 49
• S.Paterson run out 0
• H.Rutherford b unknown 4
• C.Thomson not out 0
• R.Paterson ct unknown b unknown 0
• J.Boyle
• L.Skeldon

Extras – 8

Gala 153 for 7 from 35 overs.

HERIOT WATT UNI INNINGS

• Devon ct F.Rutherford b S.Paterson 1
• Dan LBW S.Paterson 0
• Dylan b R.Irvine 0
• Fahmad b S.Paterson 1
• Lachlan b S.Siddhu 32
• Ben b L.Skeldon 1
• Adarzh LBW L.Skeldon 0
• Srivath b L.Skeldon 10
• Ben run out 14
• Cav not out 0
• Archie not out 0

Extras – 6

Heriot Watt Uni 54 all out from 18 overs.

Gala Bowling:

• S.Paterson 3-1-2-2
• R.Irvine 2-0-2-1
• L.Skeldon 3-1-5-3
• R.Paterson 3-0-20-0
• C.Thomson 2-0-13-0
• J.Boyle 2-0-12-1
• S.Siddhu 1-1-0-1
• H.Rutherford 1-1-0-0
• S.Loumeau 1-1-0-1

We will be running a fantasy cricket competition throughout this season for anyone who wishes to take part.

Entry will cost £5 per person and the prize will be determined by the number of entries.

HOW TO PLAY:

• Pick 6 players to play in your team
• Spend £35 million to make up your team
• The players in your team will score points if they score runs/take wickets & catches
• Players will lose points for poor performance e.g. a duck
• The winner is the team with the most points at the end of the season!

The club is happy to announce it will host a free All Stars Cricket come and try session on Friday the 7th of May from 5 to 6pm.

All Stars Cricket is a summer programme aimed at introducing children aged 5 to 8 years old to a new fun activity. All newcomers are welcome as are those who have already signed up for this year’s programme. It is a good opportunity for your child to see if they would like to join the programme this summer!

No sign up is required on the day, simply turn up! Parents are also more than welcome to stay and join in the session!

We are offering parents of children 5 to 8 years old the chance to win a free place for their child for this years All Stars Cricket programme being ran at the club.

To enter, please go to our social media pages (can be accessed from our homepage) and like, share and tag two other people in the comments to spread the word!

Please note that if you have already booked a spot for your child you may still enter the competition. For more information about all stars cricket please go to: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – The Official Website of the ECB

Training Information

Training for Gala CC senior players will start on Monday the 12th of April with COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures in place. Training will be from 6:15pm to 8pm and will take place every Monday and Thursday evening from the start date next week.

New members and players are always welcome at the club. If you are a cricket player new to the area or a local looking to try out a new sport, then you are more than welcome to come along or contact us for additional information.

All players attending training are encouraged to re-familiarise themselves with club guidance and instructions related to COVID-19. This can be viewed through the file below.

Teams/Fixture Information

The club is still awaiting full confirmation of its fixtures for all senior sides for the 2021 season. The club however will continue to field 3 senior sides this year – the 1st XI who will compete in the ESCA Championship, Scottish Cup, Border T20 and T20 Murgitroyd competitions; the 2nd XI who will complete in ESCA Division 7 and the Sunday Development XI who will play in the ESCA Sunday League.

It is hoped that fixtures will be fully confirmed soon, including the prospect of friendly warm-up matches before any league matches.