An outstanding spell of bowling by Dinesh Tharanga, coupled with an excellent Gala fielding display ensured an upset win in the 1^st XI’s first competitive match of the season against Edinburgh CC on Saturday at Meigle Park.

After winning the toss, Gala skipper Josh Irvine had no hesitation in electing to bat first. Gala opened with the now established pairing of Siddhanth Siddhu and Finlay Rutherford and the pair started well, taking 16 from the opening 2 overs. However, Rutherford (3) was clean bowled by an excellent yorker from the visitors opening bowler Wadood in the third over. This brought Irvine to the crease and both he and Siddhu looked in good touch with the pair taking the score up to 43 for 1 and looking in a healthy position after the opening 10 overs. The partnership was broken however by other Edinburgh opener Yadav. Siddhu, who was again striking the ball well can count himself unfortunate, however credit must be given to Yadav who produced an outstanding piece of fielding to react and catch a low caught and bowled chance at the second attempt, sending Gala’s opener back to the pavilion for 19.

Yadav then removed Duncan Millar LBW for a duck soon after leaving Gala 53 for 3 and in a rocky position. Aashiq Rhode then joined Irvine and the pair took the score up to 79 and Gala were looking in a comfortable position once more. However, with Wadood still in the attack, he had Irvine out LBW despite the Gala batsman feeling the ball had hit the bat first. Jack Halls and Rhode then moved the score along nicely with Gala sitting on 100 for 4 at the halfway stage of the innings. In the 30^th over however Halls went back to a low delivery and was out LBW to Edinburgh spinner Farooq.

This left Gala 117 for 5 however with a deep batting line up and Rhode striking the ball well, the home side were confident in their ability to continue the scoring. Some good Edinburgh bowling however pulled them back into the game and Gala found themselves 140 for 7 after Rhode (33) and Ormiston (10), who was looking in good shape at the crease, were both dismissed in quick succession. Edinburgh continued to apply pressure on the Gala tail and despite best efforts from Dinesh Tharanga (13) and Robbie Irvine (6), Gala were bowled out in the 45^th over for 156. The home side were disappointed with their overall total after throwing away wickets at different stages. Gala knew they would need a strong fielding performance to compete in the match.

Edinburgh opened with the dangerous pair of Butt and Hussain but Gala made the perfect start after some early pressure. A mix up between the wickets led to the run out of Butt (0) and Siddhu took full advantage with an accurate throw to Millar behind the stumps. An over later Hussain then struck a full toss from Robbie Irvine to Siddhu who just about held onto the catch leaving the visitors 6 for 2.

Then, Dinesh Tharanga, like he has done so many times before, bowled fantastically well on a wicket that was becoming less favourable to the batsman as time passed in the match. Tharanga picked up the wickets of Uddin (1), Q.Ashraf (6) and A.Ashraf (5) in the space of 2 overs leaving the visitors rocked on 20 for 5. Gala were buzzing in the field and looked to maintain the pressure on the Edinburgh batsmen.

A partnership looked to be developing between Farooq and Maseed however looking to accelerate, Farooq lobbed one up to Jack Halls at mid off and Tharanga claimed his 4^th wicket of the day. Gala’s opening bowler then continued to work through his 10 overs and in the penultimate over of his spell, he claimed his first competitive 5 wicket haul of the season, having Maseed LBW for 7 and leaving the visitors 47 for 7.

Edinburgh’s Parvez offered solid resistance and struck the ball to the boundary regularly as he looked to counter attack and bring the visitors back into the game. Edinburgh took the score up to 82 without the loss of another wicket and Gala began to become slightly frustrated knowing the visitors were creeping back into the game. However, an outstanding piece of fielding from Finlay Rutherford, who took a fantastic catch running back off the bowling of Dean Moir, got the crucial wicket of Parvez for 36 and left Edinburgh 82 for 8. The visitors final two wickets were then claimed by Josh Irvine and Jack Halls and Gala won by 65 runs, bowling the visitors out for 91.

A great win for Gala against former champions of the division and a great start in the league. The game was played in great spirit by both teams. Thankyou to Edinburgh CC for the game and we look forward to the reverse fixture at Campbell Park later in the season.

GALA SCORECARD

S.Siddhu c+b B.Yadav 19

F.Rutherford b A.Wadood 3

J.Irvine LBW A.Wadood 34

D.Millar LBW B.Yadav 0

A.Rhode b A.Maseed 33

J.Halls LBW U.Farooq 12

G.Ormiston LBW A.Shabir 10

D.Tharanga ct A.Shabir b A.Wadood 13

J.Crooks c+b A.Maseed 0

R.Irvine b B.Yadav 6

D.Moir not out 0

Extras – 26

Gala 156 all out from 44.4 overs.

Fall of Wickets: 1-14, 2-43, 3-53, 4-79, 5-117, 6-136, 7-140, 8-149, 9-156, 10-156

Edinburgh Bowling

A.Wadood 6.3-0-36-3

B.Yadav 9-0-31-3

A.Shabir 10-4-16-1

U.Farooq 10-2-23-1

K.Parvez 1.1-0-14-0

A.Maseed 8-0-26-2

EDINBURGH SCORECARD

M.Butt run out (S.Siddhu) 0

K.Hussain ct S.Siddhu b R.Irvine 3

K.Uddin LBW D.Tharanga 1

Q.Ashraf b D.Tharanga 6

A.Ashraf b D.Tharanga 5

U.Farooq ct J.Halls b D.Tharanga 4

A.Maseed LBW D.Tharanga 7

K.Parvez ct F.Rutherford b D.Moir 36

A.Shabir ct D.Millar b J.Irvine 1

A.Wadood ct D.Millar b J.Halls 3

B.Yadav not out 2

Extras – 27

Edinburgh 91 all out from 32.1 overs.

Fall of Wickets: 1-4, 2-6, 3-7, 4-14, 5-20, 6-35, 7-47, 8-82, 9-83, 10-91

Gala Bowling

R.Irvine 5-1-9-1

D.Tharanga 10-2-23-5

D.Moir 7-2-23-1

A.Rhode 3-1-6-0

S.Siddhu 4-1-16-0

J.Irvine 2-0-6-1

J.Halls 1.1-0-2-1

An excellent Gala bowling performance proved to be the catalyst for victory in a low scoring encounter with Dunfermline and Carnegie 2nds at McKane Park on Saturday.

Batting first, Gala got off to a steady start on a difficult wicket with Max Hastings and Jamie Bell looking comfortably set early on. However, the hosts began to apply some pressure, with Gala looking to increase their scoring rate. Bell (6), was bowled by Dunfermline opener Brown. This sparked a flurry of wickets with the opener then going onto take a further two Gala wickets, with Stuart Skeldon and Craig Thomson both departing for ducks in quick succession.

Gala never really recovered from these early blows and despite encouraging resistance from James Boyle (7), John Imray (8) and Caitlin Ormiston (10), wickets kept falling at regular intervals and Gala’s scoring rate never really took off on a tricky pitch. Max Hastings (16) managed his way well through Gala’s innings and dug in but he was eventually removed by Leslie after being caught behind. Gala were reduced to a low total of 79 all out from 37.4 overs.

The hosts reply got off to an encouraging start and Gala  were on the back foot with openers Leitch and Spreng looking comfortable. However, Caitlin Ormiston, fresh from a 5 wicket haul last week, made the breakthrough, with youngster Bailey Paterson – making his debut – taking a great catch. Liam Skeldon, who has also been in fine form with the ball, then got Gala’s second, with dad and son combining after Stuart took a great catch off Liam’s bowling.

The only other batsman for the hosts to make any real impact was Miller (11) who was eventually bowled by Ormiston as she made her way to 4 wickets in the match. The Gala bowlers then took wickets at regular intervals, with Maisie Maceira (2 wickets), Craig Thomson (1 wicket) and James Boyle (1 wicket) also chipping in for the visitors while Stuart Skeldon again took a catch off the bowling of Liam Skeldon. It was Craig Thomson who took the final Dunfermline wicket as the hosts finished 58 all out from 26.1 overs, and Gala winning by 21 runs.

*Header photo courtesy of Guy Moffat (Dunfermline and Carnegie CC)

GALA 2^ND XI SCORECARD

M.Hastings ct S.Forster b E.Leslie 16

J.Bell b B.Brown 6

S.Skeldon b B.Brown 0

C.Thomson b B.Brown 0

R.Paterson st S.Forster b E.Leslie 5

J.Boyle b I.Barron 7

M.Maceira b G.Coles 1

J.Imray b G.Coles 8

C.Ormiston b D.Cooper 10

L.Skeldon b I.Barron 0

B.Paterson not out 0

Extras – 26

Gala 79 all out from 37.4 overs.

Dunfermline and Carnegie Bowling

B.Brown 8-3-8-3

J.Parsonage 8-1-22-0

E.Leslie 7-1-12-2

G.Coles 6-0-19-2

D.Cooper 5.4-1-8-1

I.Barron 4-1-9-2

DUNFERMLINE AND CARNEGIE 2^ND XI SCORECARD

A.Leitch ct S.Skeldon b L.Skeldon 7

J.Spreng ct B.Paterson b C.Ormiston 7

D.Miller b C.Ormiston 11

D.Cooper LBW M.Maceira 0

J.Parsonage b M.Maceira 2

I.Barron b C.Ormiston 6

S.Forster ct J.Imray b J.Boyle 1

B.Brown ct S.Skeldon b L.Skeldon 0

G.Coles b C.Ormiston 0

E.Leslie ct L.Skeldon b C.Thomson 0

J.Parsonage not out 0

Extras – 21

Dunfermline and Carnegie 58 all out from 26.1 overs.

Gala Bowling

C.Thomson 5.1-1-11-1

L.Skeldon 6-1-15-2

C.Ormiston 8-1-18-4

M.Maceira 5-2-8-2

J.Boyle 2-0-5-1

Gala produced a dominant performance over fellow Border club Peebles in a 20 over warm up match on Thursday evening ahead of our Border T20 cup fixtures.

Having won the toss, Gala captain Josh Irvine elected to bat and opened up with the attacking pairing of Duncan Millar and Dinesh Tharanga. The pair got off to a blistering start with the ball going to the boundary at regular intervals. With the run rate going at just over 7 an over at the halfway stage of Gala’s innings, the home side were in the ascendancy. However, Peebles struck at a good time, with the visitors second change bowler Burns bowling Millar for a well made 40.

This brought Aashiq Rhode to the crease who joined Tharanga. The quick scoring rate continued and Gala accelerated to 132 in the 14^th over. Tharanga eventually retired having produced an excellent half century filled with some hard hit boundaries including two 6’s and five 4’s. This brought captain Irvine to the crease but his stay at the crease was short lived as he was bowled for 1 by Peebles’ Stewart.

Siddhanth Siddhu then came in at number 5 and he and Rhode again took the game to the visitors, with both playing some powerful shots around the ground. Gala moved up to 183 for 2 from their 20 overs with Rhode (47*) finishing just 3 shy of his first half century since returning to the club and Siddhu, looking in great touch following a 50 in his previous match, finished unbeaten on 26.

On the field, Gala got off to a positive start with Duncan Millar, who was on fine form behind the stumps, taking a catch off the bowling of opener Robbie Irvine to dismiss Peebles number two Brand for a duck. Youngster Liam Skeldon, who was opening the bowling following his excellent form with the ball for the 2nds, continued in this vein as he dismissed Peebles number three James (2) after he was stumped by Millar.

However, the visitors did offer some strong resistance following Gala’s early pressure. Other Peebles opener Caddick (26*), who ended up carrying his bat through the innings, and number four Mather (29) put together a strong partnership to take Peebles up to 52 for 2. This was ended however by Rhode who had the latter stumped again by Millar. This led to a Peebles collapse as they went from 52 for 2 to 63 for 7 in the space of a few overs. Rhode went onto collect another 2 wickets on his way to a 3-fer and Caitlin Ormiston and Siddhanth Siddhu also chipped in with one wicket each and bowling very economically as well. Peebles ended their innings on 63 for 7, 121 runs short of their target.

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

GALA SCORECARD

D.Millar b N.Burns 40

D.Tharanga retired not out 53

A.Rhode not out 47

J.Irvine b C.Stewart 1

S.Siddhu not out 26

Extras – 16

Gala 183 for 2 from 20 overs.

Peebles Bowling

N.Mather 4-0-20-0

E.Ogilvie 4-0-24-0

B.Ogilvie 3-0-41-0

N.Burns 4-0-33-1

A.James 3-0-37-0

C.Stewart 2-0-21-1

PEEBLES SCORECARD

P.Caddick not out 26

E.Brand ct D.Millar b R.Irvine 0

A.James st D.Millar b L.Skeldon 2

N.Mather ct D.Millar b A.Rhode 29

B.Ogilvie st D.Millar b A.Rhode 4

C.Stewart ct S.Siddhu b A.Rhode 0

N.Burns ct F.Rutherford b S.Siddhu 1

J.Brophy ct G.Ormiston b C.Ormiston 0

R.Wilson not out 0

Extras – 1

Peebles 63 for 7 from 20 overs.

Gala Bowling

R.Irvine 4-0-12-1

L.Skeldon 4-1-14-1

A.Rhode 4-1-19-3

F.Rutherford 3-0-12-0

C.Ormiston 3-0-4-1

S.Siddhu 2-1-1-1

The Gala Foxes picked up their second win of the season on Wednesday night following a 23 run victory over Kelso at Shedden Park.

Batting first, Gala’s opening pair of  Jamie Bell and Robbie Paterson looked promising before both fell in fairly quick succession to the bowling of Kelso’s Flannagan and Keddie. This brought Maisie Maceira and Ellie Wilkie to the crease. The latter was unfortunate to be bowled for 2 and Ashley Robertson (4) followed soon after as Gala found themselves 4 wickets down with not many runs on the board.

However, Maceira remained at the crease and batted well, playing a range of shots and eventually making her way to a brilliant 34 not out before retiring. Other notable Gala contributions included 11 runs each from Samuel Lindores and Finlay Skeldon, both of whom were looking comfortable before having their innings cut short by some good Kelso bowling and fielding. Ruaridh Anderson and debutant Magnus Church seen Gala through to their allotted 20 overs as the visitors posted 121 for 6.

In reply, Kelso got off to a quick start despite losing opener Sinclair for a duck. Other Kelso opener Flannagan and number 3, Keddie struck the ball well and put pressure on the Gala bowlers. With Flannagan eventually retiring for a blistering 31 not out, Gala seized the opportunity with Robbie Paterson, Ruaridh Anderson and Matthew Lindores all picking up wickets in quick succession. Making his debut, Magnus Church then got the other danger player of Keddie (26) a few runs short of a retirement score. Some tight bowling and an improving fielding display seen Gala restrict their hosts to 98 for 7 from 20 overs, 23 runs short of their target.

Another good win for the junior side. Next week, we travel to  Edinburgh to take on Watsonians. Thanks again to the parents for making the journey and to our junior coaches for taking the team. Also, a thanks to Kelso for hosting us.

A big congratulations to Magnus Church and Gilbert Green for making their debuts for the Foxes! Well done guys!

GALA SCORECARD

J.Bell b J.Flannagan 7

R.Paterson b K.Keddie 6

M.Maceira retired not out 34

E.Wilkie b K.Jackson 2

A.Robertson LBW C.Hunter 4

S.Lindores LBW K.Keddie 11

F.Skeldon ct K.Keddie b B.Sinclair 11

R.Anderson not out 1

M.Church not out 2

G.Green did not bat

M.Lindores did not bat

Extras – 46

Gala 121 for 6 from 20 overs.

Kelso Bowling

J.Gibson 4-0-21-0

J.Flannagan 4-0-26-1

K.Jackson 4-1-29-1

K.Keddie 4-0-17-2

Kristian 2-0-12-0

C.Hunter 2-0-10-1

B.Sinclair 1-0-6-1

KELSO SCORECARD

B.Sinclair b M.Maceira 0

J.Flannagan retired not out 31

K.Keddie b M.Church 26

C.Hunter b R.Paterson 0

K.Jackson LBW R.Anderson 2

I.Robertson run out 0

Kristian ct R.Paterson b M.Lindores 7

Hayden run out 0

J.Gibson not out 10

H.Murray not out 2

Extras – 20

Kelso 98 for 7 from 20 overs.

Gala Bowling

J.Bell 3-0-6-0

M.Maceira 3-0-35-1

R.Paterson 3-0-12-1

R.Anderson 2-0-6-1

F.Skeldon 2-0-4-0

M.Lindores 2-0-3-1

E.Wilkie 1-0-1-0

M.Church 1-0-5-1

G.Green 1-0-5-0

S.Lindores 2-0-7-0

Please find the latest update from Gala Cricket Club.

Bonus Ball

Our third bonus ball competition takes place on Saturday (29 May) and we still have a number of opportunities to enter and win a cash prize. If you would like to enter please contact Josh Irvine (07891 108681). Thanks to all who have entered so far for your support.

Beer Garden

Our beer garden is due to open this weekend as we host Edinburgh CC in the ESCA Championship on Saturday from 12noon. Should you wish to attend, we strongly advise you book a table, with full guidance and details available here

If anyone was willing to give the club some support with the bar this summer – which could be any task from doing one bar shift this season, helping serve drinks or help recycling bottles – please let us know, it would be hugely appreciated. Training can be provided as required.

Membership

If you have yet to become a member this season, you still can and if you do before 30 June you will be entered into a draw to win £100. Membership form is available here

Sponsorship

A huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored the club so far. There are still lots of opportunities to support us from just £20. Our sponsorship brochure and up to date list of sponsors is available here

Should any sponsors need support from the club for anything please get in touch.

Ryan’s 24 Hour Run

Ryan Small is running for 24 hours up and down Meigle Hill and Mossilee Hill in memory of his cousin and to raise money for Poppy Scotland on Friday 25 June to Saturday 26 June. His run will start from the Cricket Club with anyone willing to run a mile or two with Ryan welcome, or you can donate here

A brilliant maiden five wicket haul from Caitlin Ormiston and a pivotal 48 runs with the bat from Stuart Skeldon laid the foundations for a Gala 2nds win in their first league match in over 25 years at Inch Park on Saturday against Edinburgh South 3rds.

Having won the toss, captain Ross Patterson elected to field. The hosts made a steady start with the bat before Craig Thomson claimed the first wicket of the day, trapping South opener Llangovan LBW for 7. A good partnership then developed between Edinburgh South’s Griffiths (18) and Smith (36), with the pair also increasing the hosts scoring rate. However, it was Thomson again who broke the partnership after bowling the other opener. A second wicket in what was a fine spell from Gala’s opening bowler, who ended up conceding only 12 runs from his 8 overs.

Throughout the remainder of the hosts innings, Gala continued to bowl well and the other batsmen struggled to reach double figures. Some good bowling from Jamie Bell, Robbie Paterson and Maisie Maceira ensured each picked up a wicket for their efforts. Liam Skeldon can count himself unlucky not to have picked up a wicket however he bowled very economically, only conceding 10 runs from his 8 over spell.

The pick of the Gala bowlers however was Caitlin Ormiston, who claimed the crucial wicket of Smith (36) before ripping through the lower order of the hosts. A good catch from Ajith Sujan ensured Ormistons 5^th wicket and the end of Edinburgh South’s innings as they posted 122 all out from 39.1 overs.

The Gala response got off to a faltering start, losing Patterson and John Imray early on. With the hosts bowling well, a good partnership began to develop between Stuart Skeldon and Craig Thomson, with the former playing an anchor role and the latter looking to increase the scoring rate. The pair took the score up to 60 for 2 before Thomson was bowled for 12. The experienced Skeldon however remained at the crease and despite losing partners at regular intervals, kept a cool head to guide Gala towards their target. He was eventually caught just 2 short of his half century leaving Gala requiring 4 runs to win from the final 3 overs. A situation the could have been nervy. However, Gala junior players Jamie Bell and Maisie Maceira kept cool heads, with Maceira eventually hitting the winning runs off the bowling of the hosts opening bowler with 2 overs to spare and giving the 2nds a win in their first competitive game of the season.

EDINBURGH SOUTH 3RDS SCORECARD

P.Griffiths b C.Thomson 18

M.Llangovan LBW C.Thomson 7

G.Smith b C.Ormiston 36

D.Holland b R.Paterson 1

S.Willis b M.Maceira 5

J.McEwing b C.Ormiston 0

A.Suriyapperuma ct J.Boyle b C.Ormiston 0

O.Henderson not out 9

F.Shafiq b C.Ormiston 12

S.Govindam ct L.Skeldon b J.Bell 9

J.Singh ct A.Sujan b C.Ormiston 0

Extras – 25

Edinburgh South 122 all out from 39.3 overs.

GALA BOWLING

C.Thomson 8-3-12-2

J.Bell 7-0-31-1

L.Skeldon 8-3-10-0

R.Paterson 6-0-27-1

C.Ormiston 6.3-1-23-5

M.Maceira 4-0-11-1

GALA 2NDS SCORECARD

R.Patterson ct J.McEwing b F.Shafiq 3

J.Imray ct O.Henderson b J.Singh 7

S.Skeldon ct S.Govindam b M.Llangovan 48

C.Thomson b A.Suriyapperuma 12

J.Boyle c+b M.Llangovan 1

A.Sujan b M.Llangovan 5

R.Paterson run out 4

L.Skeldon b J.McEwing 4

J.Bell not out 1

M.Maceira not out 3

C.Ormiston did not bat

Extras – 35

Gala 123 for 8 from 36.1 overs.

EDINBURGH SOUTH BOWLING

S.Govindam 6.1-1-15-0

F.Shafiq 3-0-12-1

O.Henderson 4-0-18-0

J.Singh 8-3-12-1

M.Llangovan 8-0-35-3

A.Suriyapperuma 4-0-20-1

J.McEwing 3-1-6-1

Dear member

It may not be the weather for it today, but we are pleased to announce that our beer garden will be opening for the first time this season this weekend, as the club hosts Heriots 2nds in the ESCA Championship on Saturday, and Aberdeenshire on Sunday in our first Scottish Cup tie for over 25 years.

This is an important occasion for the club and we would ask anyone wishing to attend to please follow the strict COVID rules which we have in place.

–          Beer garden will be open from 12noon

–          It is strongly advised you book via galacricketclub@gmail.com providing your name and size of your party

–          Groups of up to eight people can book as per Scottish Government guidelines

–          Members can attend but are limited to tables in beer garden only

–          When you arrive, you must sign in using QR code available on each table

–          Table service will be in operation

–          No access to pavilion apart from toilet use – when accessing toilets facemasks must be worn

–          Cash only – we are introducing a card machine in coming weeks

If you have any further questions, please contact galacricketclub@gmail.com.

There is additional burden on the club this summer, so any member who can assist with operation of bar/beer garden over the weekend, and throughout the summer, would be greatly appreciated, even if just for one afternoon. If you can help please contact us via email address above.

Regards

Gala Cricket Club

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