The first full month of the 2019 cricket season brought mixed fortunes and weather-related frustrations for both TPVCC teams.
The first team were unable to follow up their strong opening day win over Grange 3s (more on that later) with victory over Marchmont 2nd XI, slipping to a 79 run defeat at Cavalry Park. However, they were able to bounce back in Round 3 with a comprehensive 5-wicket home win over fellow East Lothian side, Dunbar. Gregor Brunton (9-2) and Dougie Russell (16-2) were instrumental in restricting the visitors to 82-8 from their 40 overs, before Dave King (20) and Prince Barker (38) helped TPVCC knock the total off inside 34 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. That result sees the 1s currently sitting 4th in the Division 3 table on 45 points, just behind Heriots 3s on 46.
It was a similar story for the 2’s who fell to a disappointing 3-wicket defeat against Stewart Melville 3s at home in Round 2 (despite a devastating 4-wicket spell from Gregor Brunton), but they rebounded well against Glenrothes 2nd XI on their road trip across the bridge to Fife. Some highly disciplined bowling which saw all bowlers amongst the wickets, lead by Sabu Mathew’s unplayable 8-5-5-2, ensured the 2’s would be chasing a round 120 for a welcome victory to kickstart their season. After a nightmare start which saw 4 wickets fall for just 16 runs, patient batting from Scott Russell (41) and Saurabh Sethi (20) eventually saw their side over the line with just one over to spare. The win lifted the 2nd XI up to 7th in Division 6 and out of the relegation zone on 30 points.
In addition to the on-field results there was reason for celebration during the 1s first league game of the season against Grange 3's. Local councillor Lachlan Bruce played his 100th game for the club, and in doing so became our 24th capped player (seen here being presented with his hoopy by club captain Aiden Hoenigmann). He also played a vital part in the win with a resilient rearguard defensive display for the final wicket too. Congrats Lachie!
Unfortunately that’s all there is to report from May. Due to the dreadful weather in the latter-half of the month a total of 7 fixtures across all teams were either abandoned without result or cancelled without a ball being bowled, including both sets of ESCA league games in Rounds 4 and 5. Hopefully June will bring better luck with the weather!
Next up for Tranent and Preston Village is Round 6 of league fixtures. The first team will take a trip down to the Borders to play Selkirk, whilst the 2s will face Marchmont 3s at Polwarth.