Women v Watsonians at Inch Park

Edinburgh South / Stewart’s Melville  191-5 (K Fraser 68no, K Whyte 55, I Lowry 14no, C Holland 13) Watsonians  51-8

On a glorious day at Inch Park the home side were a bit too strong for a plucky Watsonians X1.

Kathryn White and Catherine Holland put together a match winning opening stand of 68 and from then on it was really a question of how big a total could be obtained in the 30 overs. Katherine Fraser cashed in  against the tiring bowlers with a sparkling 68 containing several boundaries and good contributions from Iona Lowry and Chloe Kiely helped us reach 191-5 in 30 overs.

In reply a nice catch by Emma Phipps off the bowling of Jessica Shaw dismissed Fettes girl Catherine Edwards and the remaining Watsonians batters found it tough against a very fine bowling attack. A 140 run victory was pleasing but sterner tasks lie ahead. That said I think it would have taken a good side to lower our colours on the day. It was really good to hear the thoughts on the match from our adult players and how impressed they were with our youngsters.

Catherine Holland had a fine all round game. Batting for almost an hour with Kathryn White was great experience for her and she showed no little skill in her fine innings. In addition Catherine bowled a couple of good overs and took a nice catch. As previously stated Jessica Shaw has a really bright future if she wishes. Her game awareness is good and she was the best bowler on show all day. Emma Phipps bowled 4 overs and bar 3 or 4 balls was excellent. Emma is a great member of the team and the older girls love her competitiveness.

It was a shame Emma’s mum Barbara didn’t bat as I think that will be her forte. Her enthusiasm in the field is also a great assett. Vailas Wrench also bowled 4 overs and gave very few runs away. Vaila has a really good action and will only improve. In her favour everyone loves a leftie in their bowling attack. It would be churlish to ignore the performances of Katherine Fraser and Chloe Kiely. Katherine is already a very fine all round cricketer at such a young age and Chloe is an automatic pick for our team.

Thanks to Kathryn, Hannah, Louise and Barbara for being so positive with the younger players and making our opening game in the Premier League so much fun.