Issue 69

On Sunday 14 July, Alison Amin reports, Carlton was asked to get a couple of girls down to Grange Loan to be interviewed by the BBC for a piece on girls’ cricket to be broadcast live from Lord’s as part of Woman’s Hour on Radio 4, on 17 July. Eight excited participants turned up and took part. Keira, Elsie, Lindsay and Abby were lucky enough to make the director’s cut! They were a credit to themselves and to Carlton. The U15 girls team are having a great season. So far they have played five games, won 2 and lost 3 (all close losses apart from last week against MDAFS, however our team was a bit short due to holidays!). They have played against Lomond Lynx, Stew Mel, RHC, Watsonians, and MDAFS. Before the end of August will meet Stew Mel and Watsonians again, and Westquarter & Redding. The girls are a lovely bunch, ranging in age from P7 to S4, with the majority around the age of 12/13yrs. They love playing together and have developed close bonds and friendships through playing together. They are learning all the time and some are regularly selected to play in the Women’s 2nd team; a few have been selected for WPL games, which is a great opportunity for the youngsters. Sam Haggo and Sarah Beith are very encouraging and supportive of the girls. GIRL POWER We are very grateful to the wonderful parents who volunteer to coach and take the girls for their matches. Thank you to Anish, Alan, Ian Scott, Graeme, Gareth, Ajitha, Kartic, and Kelly for coaching tips, enthusiasm, scoring, and umpiring. The under 15s recently took on the over 15s and gave them a run for their money.

GIRL POWER The Woman’s Hour programme was presented from Lord’s to mark the T20I between England and New Zealand taking place that evening. It was therefore a pity the producers seemed unaware that in the NZ squad (although not in the starting XI) was Leigh Kasperek whose cricket career began at Carlton. Following the end of the tour, Leigh returned to Edinburgh where she coached the Eagles Squad in the recent Women’s Super Series. Super Stuff Congratulations to Charis Scott (top right) on a fine all round performance for the Stormers against the Eagles in the Women’s Super Series last week. She scored 97 and then took 6-30 off 7.2 overs to bring her team to victory in the second of the three match series. The Stormers won the series 2-1. Other Carlton participants in the series were Sam Haggo, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Maisie Maceira and Gabriella Fontenla. While the Girls’ Hardball Squad in its present form is a relatively recent development, Carlton has a long history of promoting girls’ cricket. As was described in Newsletter Issue 25, a debt is owed to John Boyd and Eric Edwards in initiating girls’ coaching sessions at Grange Loan over 10 years ago.

Many years before the WPL, the Challenger League or the current u15 Hardball and u12 squads, girl cricketers were made most welcome at Grange Loan. The archives recall matches in the distant past between Carlton and Craigmount Girls’ School (which was situated in what is now Wyvern Park). While the school had its own playing field in Oswald Road (now covered in flats) they also made use of Grange Loan and a challenge match became a regular feature. With some allowances made (Carlton’s leading batters were required to bat left-handed) these matches were enjoyable competitive. The school moved to the Borders in 1952 and closed in 1966. Above - a contemporary advertisement for Craigmount School - identifying Physical Culture among its offerings. Below left - the end of the Craigmount innings in 1924 - they scored 137 before bowling the men out for 122. Below right - the Craigmount Team of 1924 at Grange Loan. Bottom - the girls from Craigmount also regularly swelled the ranks of spectators on match days. GIRL POWER - 1920’s style

BOY POWER U15 Disappointment Hopes were high that having captured the Scottish ECB u15 Trophy, Carlton’s u15 could successfully defend the national title. However, despite convincingly overcoming Benwell Hill and Carlisle (photo above), things didn’t go so well in the Northern Region Finals at Neston on 29 July. In the semi-final against Nottinghamshire side Cuckney CC, they made a valiant attempt but narrowly failed to chase down the total of 125, finishing 12 runs short. In the third place play-off they found Didsbury CC too strong, but proudly went down fighting. They did the club proud. Cuckney narrowly lost the final to Yorkshire club Wykeham CC, who go on to the next round as worthy Northern Champions. Neston CC is a splendid place to play cricket, but it seems to be an unhappy hunting ground for Carlton. This is the third regional final that Carlton has played there - in 2021 and 2022 the u13s similarly failed to progress.

A Hard Day’s Work on the Wirral Big shots….big wickets… Big discussions …and, despite everything, big smiles…

Congratulations to John Beattie on his performance as Oberon in the Edinburgh Acting School’s recent production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Arrow’s theatre critic was there: ‘While there is much to enjoy in this updated production, for the cricketer interest is limited. The set in which the action takes place is barely recognisable as a cricket ground. The Carlton audience is used to Mr Beattie’s performances relying on sound, if unspectacular, defence. It was thus unprepared for his innings as Oberon. Donning a costume which would not look out of place in the IPL, he swings at every delivery. In this flamboyant mood he might even be tempted to run three, a factor could be behind his disagreement with his partner Titania which is part of the play’s convoluted plot. Meanwhile around the boundary a group of cricketers from what seems to be the Mechanicals CC engage in net practice. The cricketer’s interest rises when one of them proclaims ‘I, be Wall.’ but in truth his characterisation bears disappointingly little resemblance to Raul Dravid, and the prospect of a match saving innings recedes. ‘The course of true love, the poet tells us, never did run smooth. But neither does an innings of the Carlton 5th XI, and it was perhaps an opportunity missed that this production, despite its many other merits, was unable to shed light on the mysteries of ESCA Div 7. ‘ Lord what fools these cricketers be…….. ‘Ill met by moonlight proud Titania…’ John in rehearsal, calls his partner for a quick single.

488 - Jamie Beattie 7 May 2016 Senior Debut Carlton 5 v Holy Cross 3 10 years, 11 months, 19 days 23 June 2024 First XI Debut Carlton v Aberdeenshire Congratulations First XI - New Caps 489 - James Stronach 26 May 2019 Senior Debut Carlton 5 v Penicuik 2 10 years, 4 months, 26 days 13 July 2024 First XI Debut Carlton v Meigle

Starting Young The record books were out again when James made his First XI debut. At 15 years, 6 months, 14 days could he be Carlton’s youngest ever First Teamer? Recent Young Pretenders Cheeky, Harris, Rudi were all older. But James just fails to knock Fraser Watts off the perch. When Fraggle made his first appearance for the First XI on 9 July 1994, against Watsonians at Myreside, he was 15 years, 1 month and 4 days young. It was not a great debut - Fraggle batted 8 and was run out for 1 as Carlton were dismissed for 167. Skipper Andy Macpherson was Carlton’s top scorer with 51. Carton’s total was far short of what was required and Watsonians overtook it with 5 wickets to spare. Remarkably in those far off days when photographs were rare, Fraggle’s publicity machine was well-oiled (even at his tender age) and a Scotsman photographer snapped his dismissal. T Getting told I would be playing for the 1st XI was not what I was expecting to hear from Dan when he came over to chat to me after training on Thursday. I couldn’t believe it, but was delighted. When I got to Victory Park (Meigle’s ground) I was both nervous and excited but the nerves quickly faded away when all the team welcomed me to the 1s. After bowling them out for 159 I didn’t think I’d be required to bat as I was originally down at number 9 but with 10 runs to win, Lewis and Dan both agreed to put me in at number 6 so I had a chance to score my first runs for the 1st XI. I went in to bat with Angus who was on 59 and I managed to score a couple of runs before he hit a six to win the game. It was a great experience and really good fun and I can’t wait to play for the 1s again. While Fraggle remains the youngest debutant There is still scope for James to overtake Fraggle’s other records: 1st 1st XI - 50 30 August 1997 - 68 v Freuchie (18 years, 2 months, 25 days) 1st 1st XI century - 29 August 1998 v Falkland - 104 (19 years, 2 months, 24 days) Fraggle first played for the Second XI on 25 July 1992 at the age of 13 years, 1 month, 20 days and scoring his first Second XI 50 against Stenhousemuir on 28 August 1993 aged 14 years, 2 months, 23 days. But he is not the youngest Second XI debutant. That honour falls to Angus Beattie who made his Second XI debut on 12 May 2013 v Edin Accies aged 12 years, 10 months and 19 days. Angus opened the bowling with skipper Brad Mackay, and took 1-11 off 5 overs. James describes his First XI debut

Carlton is proud to welcome the arrival of a new bench at Grange Loan. It has been donated in memory of, and tribute to, Sandy Scotland. It recognises Sandy’s long service to Scottish cricket over 37 years as an umpire and administrator. Sandy retired from umpiring in 2019 when, freed of the official’s need to unaffiliated, he joined Carlton. As he remarked at the time, and observed in the Arrow Issue 24 , even though retired he found himself umpiring more frequently as he stood in many junior and lower XI matches. Sandy died in August 2022, and in recognition of his unique contribution, and his friendship with Carlton his ashes were spread at Grange Loan.

Early morning Grange Loan sunshine greeted the players for the much anticipated Primary School parents v players encounter. The coin toss, conducted by special guest umpire Martin Firth in the presence of captains Stevie and Sam Gilmour, resulted in the parents batting first. Ruthless sixes by Carlton legends Neil Kirk and Stevie were soon cancelled out when both holed out to Aaradhy off the bowling of Ross Kirk. These were the only wickets taken in a steady batting performance that was restricted well through accurate bowling and skilled fielding by the youngsters. The young batters were never quite able to keep up with the required rate despite some impressive skills, including Arjun reverse sweeping his dad for 4. A thoroughly good natured, competitive and enjoyable occasion ended with adults preserving dignity, hamstrings and shoulder joints, well aware that a year from now the result would probably be very different. PLAYERS V PARENTS The ever popular and highly competitive end to the Primary School XI season

As the school holidays begin, so ends another all too short but busy Primary School team season. An impressive record of 9 wins from 11 games was founded on the team’s relentless bowling which produced almost 100 wickets in the 11 short games. The moment of the season came at the end of a game against GWC. With the scores tied and one ball remaining, Arjun, with one of his trademark, left arm, late dipping top-spinners, clean bowled the batter to create the minus5 runs that resulted in a tight victory and enthusiastic (while good natured) celebrations. Another highlight has been the highly successful, inaugural fixtures arranged with a state school team set up by Murrayfield DAFS. Hopefully this will continue to be a fruitful relationship that has a significant impact on promoting grass-roots cricket. A huge thank you, again, to all parents and supporters who have transported, helped and backed the team throughout the season. Sadly it is the end of an era for a strong cohort of players who have represented the Primary School team so impressively over the last few years as they move on to Secondary school. That does leave room for the promising group of youngsters who are already filling those roles and ensuring a bright future for this special side. PRIMARY FUN Many thanks to Euan Sweet for giving Carlton’s Primary Team another successful year.

I joined Carlton 20 years ago this year when there were only 3 XIs, the current pavilion was still being planned and the nets were old and prone to random bounces. Since then I have managed to stay at the club as it has conveniently kept adding XIs accommodating my level of cricket. These XIs were created under thoughtful captains such as Bob Irvine and the Murray brothers. They all brought a similar philosophy which was that we were to be serious and competitive but the main goal of the “senior” players in the “lower” teams was to help and support the juniors in their entry into senior cricket and to make it fun. So why do I I keep coming back now that I am into my 60s? Well, there is always the camaraderie that comes from a team sport where all members work together to support each other to achieve a collected goal. But for me it is the pleasure in helping the younger players come along. They arrive barely being able to hit the ball off the square and progress to plundering 6s in a few short years. They remind me why we all got into sport in the first place. It is all about the joy of taking part, the optimism and conviction that we will get better and having the inexhaustible energy and passion to achieve it. I try and tap into that every season and while I hope we “senior” players do help the juniors progress up the ranks they should know it is a joy and a privilege to share their youth and enthusiasm which helps us cope with with our journey back down! The good days in cricket tend to stay with you and the bad days are soon forgotten. Boom Boom - Mike Kennedy The 4th of July is an historic date for many reasons. For Carlton fans it is honoured as the day the legend of Boom Boom Mike Kennedy was born. Mike scored 103, with 11 6s and 5 4s, for the Fourth XI at Peebles. He became the first batter to notch a century for the Fourth XI. Mike had not played at Peebles since his great innings. But the 5th XI met Peebles in a league fixture earlier this season. Mike was on the team sheet - Carlton aficionados keenly anticipated a repetition of the whirlwind innings. So did Mike. Sadly it didn’t quite happen. Mike’s cricket cricket philosophy is based on the belief every ball should be hit for six. He reflects on what Carlton means to him.

Boom Boom Mike Kennedy TRAVELLER’S TALES Mike is an enthusiastic traveller. He is currently unavailable for the Fifth XI being on a kayak expedition to view Arctic whales, and will be pedaling around Norway for most of August. Mike has cycled across every continent. In 2012 during his cycling trip around India he reported back to Carlton on how he joined some enthusiastic local cricketers: “Had my first "game" yesterday. The wicket was the pavement of a 14th Century fort, the stumps a 600 year old fence and the boundary the 30ft high fort walls. I was bowled 3rd ball with a rubber ball using a paddle like bat. I think I made the wee boy’s day! They are all SO keen and play on any piece of earth with any type of bat & ball. This is true grass roots cricket but without the grass!” ‘Got in another "game of cricket" today against the Coffe XI (see pic below) and managed a six first ball and then "retired" a few balls later to allow them to continue their game. I feel a bit better about my spring "training" now!’ A STICKY START Before becoming a regular at Carlton in 2004, Mike had guested on a few occasions. His first recorded outing for Carlton was on 2 August 2002. The Carlton 3rd XI played Crammond CC at Roseburn. It was not a great day for Carlton - or for Mike. They lost by 4 wickets, having slumped to 38 all out. Mike batted 4 and failed to trouble the scorers. Also in the Carlton ranks that day were a number of familiar faces - Brian Forrester, Dave Carter (who snaffled 3 wickets) and 13-year-old Ali Evans. Mike winds up in characteristic fashion.

There was disappointment as Carlton lost out in the final of this year’s Masterton trophy, failing to add to their record 16 victories in the competition. This was Carlton’s 24th appearance in the final - also a record. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of their first Masterton success. While the competition started in 1964, Carlton did not enter until 1968. It took them 6 years to reach their first final in 1974, and their first title. They needed two attempts to get their hands on the trophy. The match against Royal High FP was evenly balanced when it was abandoned in the rain. The teams returned to Ferryfield two nights later when Carlton made 113-4 in their 25 overs, largely thanks to Fraser Dall’s 60*. RHSFP could only manage 98-8 and skipper Alun Davies held the trophy aloft for the first time. 50 Years of Carlton Success The Masterton Final Through The Years Jamie Kerr holds the trophy after the 2007 victory over Grange. Jamie has most appearances for Carlton in the Masterton with 61. He also played in the National Finals on four occasions.. Carlton First XI in 1974, the first Grange Loan team to win the Masterton

Year Opponent CCC Score Opp Score 2024 L Grange 177 for 5 180 for 6 2023 W RH Corstorphine 143 for 5 102 all out 2022 L Heriot’s 187 for 4 187 for 7 2021 W Grange 152 for 5 127 for 8 2018 W RH Corstorphine 132 for 7 104 all out 2014 L Grange 127 for 9 128 for 7 2012 W Watsonians 137 for 6 96 for 8 2011 W Grange 129 for 2 124 ao 2010 W Grange 127 for 9 115 for 8 2009 L RH Corstorphine 125 for 7 129 for 5 2008 W Grange 147 for 9 104 for 8 2007 W Grange 108 for 7 79 ao 2006 W Heriot’s 160 for 8 142 for 7 2001 W Penicuik 154 for 5 137 for 7 1995 W Heriot’s 190 for 5 145 for 7 1994 W Watsonians 175 for 4 166 for 8 1993 L Grange 115 for 4 142 for 5 1992 W Grange 143 for 6 141 for 9 1988 W Heriot’s 113 for 4 111 for 7 1987 L Stenhousemuir 80 all out 82 for 2 1983 L West Lothian 129 for 6 130 for 4 1982 W Stenhousemuir 108 for 8 87 all out 1977 L Edinburgh Accies 116 for 8 117 for 7 1974 W Royal High FP 113 for 4 98 for 8 The Masterton Final - Carlton’s Record J Carlton v Grange Carlton and Grange have met in the Masterton final on 9 occasions, with Carlton coming out on top 6 times. Carlton’s most recent victory over Grange was at Grange Loan in 2021 when Tom Simpson’s 70* was the foundation of Carlton’s total of 152-7. A strong performance in the field, with a unforgettable match-winning catch by Arun Pillai (below) and 3 wickets for Angus Beattie, held Grange to 127-8. By a strange coincidence 127 was the total Carlton put on the board in their previous final against Grange in 2014, also at Grange Loan. Fraser Watts scored 50 but none of the other batters could get going and, despite 4-19 from Chayank Gosain, Grange overtook the total with 3 wickets in hand. But 127 was a winning score against Grange in 2010, photo below. Of Carlton’s 8 losing finals, 3 have been to Grange, who are second in the line of all time winners with 12 victories.

Carlton’s total of 177-5 in this year’s final was the third highest total in their 24 finals. Their highest was 190-5 in 1995, powered by 76 from David Ponniah, which beat Heriot’s by 45 runs. In 2022, unusually batting second, Ali Shah’s 92* meant that Carlton equalled Heriot’s total of 187 but agonisingly lost out having lost more wickets. Carlton’s lowest winning total in the final was 108-7 in 2007 against Grange, who were then dismissed for 79 with Ali Evans taking 3-15. Carlton have twice won the Masterton three years in a row - between 2006-8 and 2010-12. On each occasion they have been losing finalists in the subsequent year. In only 5 of their 24 finals have Carlton batted second. 2 of these have ended in victory. In 2011 they dismissed Grange for 124, New Zealand amateur Jason Trembath taking 4-13 and, with Fraser Watts scoring 60*, won by 8 wickets. Their other victory chasing was in 1988 at Portgower Place when, having held Heriot’s to 111, David Ponniah’s 42* ensured victory by 6 wickets. Ponniah finished the match in style with a big six in the last over. More Masterton Final Facts National T20 In 2008, the National T20 Finals were inaugurated, known initially and until 2019 as the Murgatroyd T20 Cup. The winners of the regional T20 competitions played off for the title of National Champions. Carlton were the first winners of this title - photo right. Rain on the August Finals day at Poloc meant that play was abandoned after the semi-finals. The final itself was postponed to a chilly day at Grange Loan at the start of the 2009 season. A strong all round bowling performance, including 3 wickets for Cedric English, held Dunfermline to 92-9. Although Carlton lost 3 quick wickets, a solid partnership between Bryn Lockie (24*) and Stevie Gilmour (44*) saw them home to win by 7 wickets. Carlton have won the National Title a record 5 times and been runners up once. Current champions Forfarshire, who overcame Carlton in last year’s final to win their fourth title, have been runners up 3 times, twice to Carlton. Another 6 for Ali Shah, Trembath, Ponniah, Evans

The early 90s were a period of Masterton dominance for Carlton. They were finalists each year between 1990 and 1996 winning 3. In 1994, as the Scotsman’s report below makes clear, their 9th capture of the trophy win owed much to skipper Andy Macpherson’s unbeaten innings of 75. In 37 Masterton innings, this was Andy’s highest score. The photo right shows Andy with the trophy and then fiance Karen after the match. (The eagle eyed might spot the young Fraser Watts behind the pillar on the right.) Andy recalls a tense final. The Masterton Trophy win in 1994 remains a vivid memory - though scary that it is some 30 years ago! A sunny evening attracted a big crowd against local rivals Watsonians. We batted first. Tim Bunker swung the ball early on and I was lucky to survive until, thankfully, he finished his spell and disappeared to fine leg for the rest of the innings! Class act David Ponniah gave the innings real momentum hitting a number of forceful boundaries (quick singles or hard run twos were not "Poon's" speciality!) and went on to score a quick fire 49. Upping the tempo towards the end, we posted a challenging 175. Watsonians responded well from the start and were up with the rate for a large part of their innings. Seamer Richard Bannerman, made for Masterton matches with an ability to bowl "yorkers" at will, again took key wickets, bowled tightly at the end and ran out Scottish internationalist Kenny Scott. A young Duncan Hodge, of future 2000 Calcutta Cup glory for Scotland, showed his promise as a cricketer before Bannerman dismissed him for a gallant 45, that had taken his team to the brink of a tremendous run chase. We fielded well towards the end and a key runout by Alan "Spike" McLeod meant they fell only 9 runs short, keeping the large crowd on their toes to the end. Both teams enjoyed a few beers afterwards in the late evening sun with Tim Bunker giving me a hard time about my early innings good fortune. Such is cricket! Masterton Final 1994

Andy Macpherson played a key role in another Carlton final victory. In 1988, the club’s 125th Anniversary year, he took 3-34 and executed a quick thinking run out which limited Heriot’s to 111-8. While Andy was at the crease at the moment of victory, the Carlton innings owed much again to David Ponniah with an undefeated 42. (The pictures of Andy in action are not taken from this match.) MASTERTON MACPHERSON

Going Big The total of 265-3 against Edinburgh Accies in the Masterton tie on 21 May this year is Carlton’s highest score in the competition. However Chris McBride’s 163 (off 65 balls with 14 4s and 11 6s) fell narrowly short of the record Carlton innings in the competition. In May 2018, newly arrived Australian pro Michael Castle blasted 181* off the hapless Edinburgh CC attack. He faced 75 balls, hitting 18 4s and 12 6s. Carlton’s total of 249-2 was at the time the highest total in the competition. Carlton won by 93 runs. Carlton went on to win the Masterton that season overcoming RH Corstorphine, who had Majid Haq in the line up, in the final at Grange Loan. Castle couldn't quite repeat his mighty innings, falling early for a mere 1. The Carlton total of 132-7 owed much to Hugo Southwell’s watchful 58. Castle then took 2 wickets for 7 runs as Carlton bowled RHC out for 104. Chris’ century is the 5th by a Carlton batter in the competition. In addition to Mike Castle, Hugo Southwell twice scored 102 - in 2018 v Edin Accies at GL (52 balls 13 4s, 3 6s) and in 2021 v Watsonians at Myreside (41 balls, 7 4s 8 6s. Arun Pillai scored 110* v Penicuik at Kirkhill in 2022, 58 balls, 11 4s 6 6s). High Totals Carlton first topped 150 against Watsonians in 2009, scoring 169-3 at GL - Gordon Drummond 78*. They first went past 200 in 2017 when they scored 241-2 against Musselburgh, with Tom Simpson (below) scoring 97 and Ali Shah 87*. They then bowled Musselburgh out for 20 - winning by 221, the highest margin of victory in the competition. Carlton’s total of 265-3 against Edinburgh Accies this season is the first time they have topped 250. Heriot’s are the only club to have gone higher, having done so on two occasions. In 2023 they scored 295-3 against Edin Accies (with Ryan Brown scoring 174), bettering the 270-2 they scored the previous year against Edinburgh CC. Low Totals Carlton are responsible for inflicting the competition’s two lowest totals on opposing teams. In 2001 they bowled Musselburgh out for 15, Gavin Lowrey taking 6-4, and as mentioned above bowled the same club out for 20 in 2017 (Michael Herdman 4 for 0, Omar Ahmad 3 for 9) Carlton’s lowest total was in 2016’s semi-final when they were all out for 36 to Grange at Portgower Place. They lost by 10 wickets. Carlton Records in the Masterton

Batting 1971 - first innings over 50 - Alun Davies 54* v Leith Accies, GL - 41 balls, 8 4s 1974 - first innings over 75 - Fraser Dall 81* v West Lothian, Boghall - 72 balls, 8 4s 1999 - first innings over 90 - Craig Bulloch 97* v Edin Muslims, GL - 55 balls, 9 6s, 3 4s 2018 - first innings over 100 - Mike Castle 181 v Edinburgh CC, GL - 75 balls, 18 4s, 12 6s Fraser Watts is Carlton’s highest run scorer in T20 with 1097 in 40 innings. He scored 7 half-centuries and his top score is 97*, against Penicuik in 2005. Watts is closely followed by Bryn Lockie with 1074 runs in 47 innings, 6 half-centuries and top score 81*, and Jamie Kerr 1057 (59 innings), 9 scores over 50 and a top score of 91. Hugo Southwell is the only other player to have over 1000 T20 runs (1005 in 36 innings) - two centuries and 5 half-centuries. Bowling By taking 5-23 against RHC in this year’s semi-final, Lewis O’Donnell (below) became the 17th Carlton bowler to bag a Masterton 5-fer. But he is only the second to do so in a final. The other is Shujaa Khan with 6-12 in the 2023 final. George Innes (below left) took 5 Masterton wickets 4 times between 1972 and 1984. Jim Govan did it twice in 1988 and 89. Peter Aspinall (below rt) was the first, with 5-14 against Watsonians in 1968, the first year Carlton entered the competition. Despite his efforts Carlton lost. Prior to Lewis and Shujaa’s hauls, the most recent 5-fer was by Ali Evans, who took 5-10 against Heriot’s in 2021’s semi-final. In addition to Shujaa Khan, 3 Carlton bowlers have taken 6-fers: Gavin Lowrey - 6-4 v Musselburgh in 2001 Arun Pillai - 6-14 v Edin Accies in 2022 Charles Stronach 6-20 v Stenhousemuir in 1996. George Innes is the leading wicket taker with 84 wickets in 48 matches - well ahead of his nearest rival Alun Davies who took 42 in 46 matches. Of more recent bowlers, who have to operate with tighter restrictions on numbers of overs, Ali Evans has 56 wickets in 53 ties and Arun Pillai 42 in 46. Carlton Records in the Masterton Clockwise from top left: Davies, Southwell, Watts, Bulloch

Castle’s arrival at Grange Loan for the 2018 season had been delayed by an administrative snarl-up over his visa. He had finally got to Edinburgh and on the day of the Masterton tie against Edinurgh was fresh off the plane. It had been planned to let him rest before a spot of junior coaching the following day. But a late withdrawal from the selected team meant that he strapped on his pads to open the innings blast his way to 181* and enter the record books. In the Masterton he played 7 matches and scored 391 runs and took 12 wickets with a best of 4-20 against Grange in the semi final. In 14 league and cup matches he scored 563 runs with a top score of 90 against Watsonians at Myreside and 3 other half centuries. He took 16 wickets with a best of 5-17 v Arbroath at Lochlands. An enjoyable aspect of Mike’s tenure at Grange Loan was his delegation of nets management and training to his wife Lisa. Castle had previously played in NSW for Penrith CC, also home to present Aussie skipper Pat Cummins. He may be better remembered in Australia for his part in a controversial incident a few years earlier when he was skipper of another suburban Sydney side Parramatta. In late 2014 Australian skipper Michael Clarke was fighting to overcome hamstring and back injuries. To prove his fitness to selectors ahead of the first Test of the summer against India he opted to play for Grade club Wests in a 2 day match against Parramatta. Castle was stunned when Wests captain asked him at the toss to let his side bowl first, in order for Clarke to bat on the second day of the match having an extra day to rest his injury. Castle disregarded the request and sent Wests into bat and was even more stunned when when they declared at 17-0. Annoyed, Parramatta considered declaring themselves when they reached 18, but soldiered on to 140-2, securing vital first innings league points. Following an investigation, Cricket NSW, who disputed the the suggestion that they had pressured Wests to ensure Clarke batted, criticised Wests’ skipper for putting an individual before the game. Clarke was deemed fit enough to be selected for the First Test and led Australia to victory. During his innings his back injury flared up again and he retired hurt on 61 returning the next day to score 128 (below). It was his final test on Australian soil and the last of his 28 centuries. MICHAEL CASTLE

*Touche - In Issue 1 of this Newsletter Gavin was nominated by Alan McLeod as one of the angriest players he had played with. My time at Carlton was a good one, I'd arrived in 1998 and played 5 seasons having moved up from the North East of England and walked into a season where it was the organisation of the teams into the SNCL, so your place in your qualifying group determined which division you were in the following season. It was also Cedric English's first season as Pro which was a massive boost for the club. I found the East/West divide between teams give a bit more of an edge to the fixtures, and made it very similar to the Durham Senior League that I was used to playing in. We did well and landed a spot in the Premier Division, finishing second to West of Scotland in Group B Over my 5 seasons we always did well but never really went on to push for the league title. Gavin Lowrey has Carlton’s best bowling figures in the Masterton with 6-4 against Musselburgh in 2001. Between 1998 and 2002 the medium pacer played 82 First Team matches, taking 99 wickets. In 11 Masterton matches he took 17 wickets and had his highest score at the crease 58*. He was Best Bowler in 2002 with 27 wickets at 14.96. The camaraderie was great around the team and playing with the likes of Cedric English, Bryn Lockie, Jamie Kerr, Naz Hussain, Jason McCarthy, Dave Ponniah, Rob Thornton ,Scotty Baker and the world's angriest spinner Alan 'Spike' MacLeod* certainly made my time there a great one and were responsible for many a night out. I always liked playing in the Masterton Trophy as it was fun and unpredictable and I am lucky enough to have the club’s best bowling figures in the competition with 6-4 against Musselburgh. It’s all a bit of a haze, but I remember thinking when we arrived at their ground that it was a definite "Win the toss and bowl wicket" if you could put the ball in the right place, you'd get the rewards, and fortunately I did. We won the trophy that year so it was nice to have played some part in that triumph for the club. I only played one more season after that, as my body was beginning to fail me and me opening the bowling off five paces while Cedric hurtled in off his long run certainly baffled and amused the opposition while not exactly filling them with fear That final summer was a good one as I won the club’s bowling trophy and was in the top 10 for the league averages so it was certainly nice to sign off on a high, even if I didn't exactly scare the opposition! Below: Gavin (far left) looks forlornly out of the GL windows as rain forces the abandonment of Carlton’s match with Greencock in July 1999 GAVIN LOWREY

If you’re planning travel, holidays, insurance, getting a take-out, doing an online grocery shop, buying clothes, buying a computer, buying a washing machine, or buying anything, then please remember You can raise money for Carlton - at no extra cost to you. Click through from the Easyfundraising website or app to get to your chosen retailer. CARLTON SOCIAL CALENDAR FRIDAY 2 AUGUST - Junior social event SUNDAY 11 AUGUST - Junior 6s with BBQ FRIDAY 30 AUGUST - Junior End of Season Event with Prizegiving SATURDAY 31 AUGUST - Senior End of Season Event SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER - Senior Prizegiving Fifth XI Mega-star Martin Robertson is rumoured to be wielding a new bat this season. Despite his old timber having served him by taking him to a maiden century two seasons ago, reports are that he has splashed out on what is believed to be the most expensive bat it is possible to buy. Will the investment give the returns Martin hopes for? A few years ago Fantasy Bob faced a similar dilemma and described the challenges for the senior cricketer in having to justify such a late career investment to a scptical partner: ‘…..Anyway,' said Mrs FB, 'how much did this geegaw set you back?' Sotto voce FB confessed. Mrs FB's eyebrows rose. 'Based on your recent performances that could be about £50 per run.' ‘Exactly,’ thought FB to himself, ‘a bargain.’ BATS

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