Issue 10

Angus Beattie was the youngest member of Carlton’s Cup Final Team in 2017. What was the day like for him? Sitting at the boundary edge during our innings had been nerve-wracking enough, but being in the field was a different level of intensity. We were immediately under pressure when the Watsonian openers got off to a strong start, and when their partnership passed fifty the game threatened to slip away. Fielding at deep square-leg when Evo decided to bounce out the batters was terrifying as I might be in the game at any moment. When the ball was nailed to me in the deep, I was as relieved as the Carlton supporters sitting behind me that I held on to the catch. It was much easier when I was bowling*, as I could focus on my plan, not worrying about the overall game. However, until Carson and Munsey were out it seemed very likely that they could chase our target. I got Carson out with a quicker ball, cueing some very strong celebrations. After he and Munsey were gone, we were ruthless and so pumped up - when it mattered, we were mentally stronger and fought harder. The run out to win the game was an incredible moment, as was walking off the pitch and lifting the cup. However, the best part was sitting in the changing room, still slightly in disbelief, as a team. The celebration was great (including drinking out of the trophy) and lasted until I collapsed onto my bed in the wee small hours, for the first day of school the next day. *AEC Beattie 8-1-38-3 The 2017 Scottish Cup Final was undoubtedly the greatest game of cricket I have played in my life. Just watching the highlights to write this report gave me chills and I was instantly taken back to that scorching August day. I only found out I was playing during the warm-up when we decided to play a third spinner, but from then on, I was concentrated on the match. Batting first, each over felt like an eternity as we slowly struggled in our innings. Despite batting eight I was in after 30 overs with a small total on the board. I was out for nothing much, but in the middle I was struck by Ali Shah’s calmness and composure. It was he and then Evo and Cheeky’s partnership that gave us something to defend in the second half, the highlight being Evo hitting their international bowler for three consecutive sixes.

Longest day: A second team fixture away at RH Corstorphine was by far the longest day I spent in a Carlton shirt. We toiled away for 50 overs as the hosts made 239-2 before I was clean bowled second ball of the innings. Not the best afternoon I’ve ever had. Embarrassing moment: Getting hit in the head by Drummo in the nets was a particular low point, especially as he only came in off 5 steps! To make it worse it was during a “live net” and I was adjudged out. Cricket can be so unfair at times. Best thing about Carlton: I loved my time at Carlton and was made to feel welcome immediately by all. The level of cricket on offer is fantastic and the training and coaching was second to none. It was also great to get the chance to play at Grange Loan, although judging any catch up that hill is something I still can’t figure out! What about now: I’ve now settled back into life in Newcastle with my wife and we are expecting our first child in September. I play for Stocksfield CC in division 1 of the NTCL. I remember my time in Edinburgh fondly and still wear the kit with pride - you can’t get rid of good stash! Great to hear from you Chris - good luck with the baby. I joined Carlton having moved to Edinburgh for University - I walked past the ground every day. What a great decision! Favourite Match: As a batsmen, scoring runs always make the games memorable and therefore I struggle to recall too many! However, a home game against Leith FAB where I got my first Carlton 50 must get a mention. Favourite away ground: I can’t quite remember where the ground was but I’m pretty certain we headed north over quite a big bridge?! Anyway, it was surrounded by trees and had a McDonald’s on route, what could be better! Chris Paterson tells how he enjoyed his time at Carlton Get ready! Cricket’s coming back! See Fraggle’s statement on the Club website