team photos

v Merchiston (24 overs)

Merchiston 133 for 8
EA 71 for 7

Despite extremely cold conditions, the team handled the task of fielding with cold hands and a wet ball with excellent commitment and enthusiasm. Some fine bowling from Melvin-Farr, Mackay and Simpson combined with magnificent catching by Christie (taking 3 catches at mid-wicket) restricted Merchiston to 133 for 8. In reply, the Academy lost 2 quick wickets but Mackay steadied the ship with a spirited defence and led the team, with partnerships with Christie and Troup, to a respectable 71 for 7 from the full 24 overs. A fine first effort, boys! Well done! Thankyou to all who braved the cold to support the team.

v Watson’s

1sts: EA – 213 for 16,
Watson’s – 236 for 8

2nds: EA - 147 for 12,
Watson’s - 242 for 8

Some fine fielding and bowling kept the teams in the games but the batting and especially running between the wickets gave away too many wickets and runs in the end.

v Ardvreck (24 overs)

Ardvreck 78 all out
EA     79 for 5

On a beautiful afternoon the Academy elected to field and proceeded to bowl some excellent line and length balls to skittle Ardvreck out for 78 in 19 overs. The fielding was kept tight despite losing 34 runs to extras! All the bowlers contributed with nearly everyone taking a wicket!

In reply a solid foundation was set by Dent and Mackay reaching 24 without loss. Ardvreck then took 2 quick wickets and Kinghorn came in to steady the ship with a hard hitting 21 before being caught and bowled. It was then up to Troup (15no) and Melvin-Farr (2no) to reach the winning line with 5 wickets to spare in 21 overs.

This was an intelligent display of accumulating runs with good running between the wickets and some excellent striking of bad balls for 4. Great effort! Well done, everyone! Thank you to all who supported the team.

v Fettes (20 overs)

EAJS 107 for 6, Fettes 38 all out

On a very wet and overcast morning the Academy were, unsurprisingly, put into bat on a very soft pitch. Fettes opening bowlers immediately put the pressure on taking 3 quick wickets leaving the Academy reeling on 18 for 3. In came Mackay(15) once again to steady the ship with a fine display of driving half volleys and taking quick singles. With some excellent running and hitting bad balls, partnered with Troup (7), Christie (14) and Simpson (13), the score moved to a creditable 86 for 4 before Mackay was caught at mid-on trying to accelerate the score further. This brought Afshar (16 n.o.) and Simpson together to produce a superb cameo partnership of 21 including some fine driving and pulling for 4!

With a total of 107 to defend, the Academy duo of Kinghorn (4-0-19-3) and Melvin-Farr (4-0-10-1) set about the Fettes openers, bowling with pace and accuracy to demolish the top order to 25 for 5. This brilliant start was then contributed to in fine form by Lopes (2-0-3-2), Milne (2-0-4-0) and Peters (0.3-0-0-1), reducing Fettes to 38 all out and to bring a decisive victory by 69 runs! A fantastic team performance! Well done, everyone! Thank you to all who braved the weather to support the team.

v Belhavenhill (24 overs)

Belhavenhill 104 for 5 (Carr 37, Rogers 17no) EAJS 38 all out (Troup 7no)

The Academy won the toss and elected to field against a well drilled Belhavenhill outfit. An excellent opening spell of bowling by Lopes (4-1-8-1) and Melvin-Farr (4-0-17-0) kept the opposition openers in check at 17 for 1. This was followed up well by Kinghorn (4-1-17-2) and Mackay (3-0-21-0), despite some excellent opposition batting taking the score to 70 for 3. On came Simpson (4-2-4-2) for a magnificent spell including 2 consecutive wicket maidens to reduce the score to 75 for 5.

Despite a good finish it was felt that 104 was reachable by playing defensively against the opening bowlers and playing the ball by its merits! Unfortunately, a drastic collapse ensued against an excellent pace and spin bowling attack reducing the Academy to 38 all out! The team agreed that shot selection needed work in practice. Who said that ‘sport was a great leveller?’ Thank you to all who played and supported the team.

v Craigclowan

EAJS 50 all out, Craigclowan 53 for 2.

On a sunny morning the Academy were put in to bat on a green wicket and were immediately put under pressure by some fine swing bowling. Despite a spirited defence from Afshar (7) the Academy slumped to 50 all out including 34 extras! It was always going to be tough to defend 50 but the Academy put in a spirited effort bowling with some excellent control and swing. Opening, Simpson (4-0-7-1) took the much needed early wicket backed up by Lopes (4-0-10-0). Melvin-Farr (4-2-6-1) then displayed excellent ability in swinging the ball and with a good line and length really put pressure on the opposition. Troup, Mackay and Afshar all tried to make a breakthrough but, unfortunately, the 26 extras lost made defeat inevitable. The team spirit in the field and level of commitment was excellent. Well done, boys! Thank you to all who supported the team.