Haddington take 20 points on Sale or Return

B/R/U/L/O Player of the Match Rob Hiley. Loafers - model’s own.

Haddington Cricket Club got their 2022 East League Division 3 challenge off to a winning start away at Heriots 3rd XI in a thrilling contest. The Nails are intent on returning straight back up to Division 2 after a disappointing 2021 campaign, and fielded a strong XI, with Scotland internationals in the firsts bolstering squad numbers. Winning the toss, they batted in a reduced 30 over contest. Boundaries flew across the quick outfield to a very short boundary on the Inverleith side, with 11 runs coming from the first over. Tom Proctor though, growing into the role of a new-ball staple, dried things up. This allowed Tim Blades to eventually find the right length and he begun to trouble the openers, plucking out 3-27, eventually winning an engaging battle with Colin "Coco" Thomson, who played some thrilling strokes in making 33, before chopping on.

Ash Kumar was shown immense respect in his 6 overs, picking up 2-10 as the rate slowed. Heriot’s old boy Stephen Litster began to unfurl his array of powerful off-drives as wickets fell around him, but was cleaned up by a peach from Rob Hiley, and the innings was in peril at 99-7. With a couple of half chances missed and edges not going to hand, Chris Jones (21) and Bala Palanisamy (36no) feasted on the 5th & 6th bowlers and raised 134. Chris Sale kept very well, facing his former club, claiming two grabs with the big gloves. A total which was below par at lunchtime, made tricky by a spruced-up wicket, and an outfield slowed significantly by the rain...

League debutant Rich Hoddinott biffed a four and a huge six - which might have travelled all the way to his native Taunton - to get things moving, but gloved one behind for 10. Alan Cruickshank was as steady as ever and, joined by Hiley, kept up with the rate. Dave Arbuthnott picked up the mantel and powered an enormous six out of the ground off the left arm spinner Toby Douglas, who deserved more luck in a probing five overs - with one curiously unused in his spell. His four boundaries started to take the game away but Naresh Podugu shot through his defences in a game-turning spell. Haddington needed 40 from 7 overs. The seconds and Gala had given in on the main square. The 22 here were sheltered from the relentless weather by a collective tension. The climax watched by the evergreen David Chalmers and the honourable president Colin, and our treasurer - menacing with his card reader, ready to take match fees and penance.

Hiley, starved of the strike, played magnificently for his 42 but fell to Dave Speak, who took a remarkable 4 wickets in 6 overs and threatened to snatch the game at the death. Scott Logan (10) and James Shaw (10no) combined well, and reduced the target to 7 from the final over. With Andy Bell getting off strike smartly, captain Shaw powered Podugu over long-on for four, then whipped the penultimate ball for another boundary through square leg to spark celebrations for the visitors.

Thanks go to B/R/U/L/O for supporting the match - their alcohol free beers are a great way to promote inclusivity with a delicious, local product.

Saturday 7th May - Haddington welcome Selkirk to Neilson Park with a 12pm Midday Start - all spectators welcome to watch, and to join both sides at The Tyneside Tavern afterwards.

A special guest dropped by to watch…