Academical Report 2015

 

This was a historic year for the Edinburgh Academical Cricket Club, marking the 160th Anniversary of the Club and Andrew (A.J.) Cosh (EA 1994–2003) as 1st XI Captain, following in the footsteps of a Cosh family history that has produced a strong lineage of Academical cricketers. Andrew is the grandson of Major Hunter (S.H.) Cosh MBE (EA 1930–38), who was the Scotland cricket captain and won 42 caps between 1950 and 1959.

A wicket-keeper and opening batsman like his Grandfather, Andrew Cosh spearheaded the 1st XI in the East of Scotland 1st Division, scoring a century on his debut as Captain, accumulating over 700 runs with an average of 59 and was the highest run scorer in the league. Andrew also took 15 catches, the most in the League. A huge thanks to Andrew who stepped into the captaincy role after a preseason injury to Harry (H.E.I.) Paton (EA 1992–2005).

The Accies 1st XI had a highly successful season with the bat, averaging 200 runs per innings. Yogesh Khanchi scored over 376 runs with an average of 37 and took 13 wickets. Stuart Cosh (EA 1994–2004) opened the batting with his brother and scored 234 runs with an average of 30. Lawrence Mann, Club Treasurer, and Tamal Banjeree took 14 and 16 wickets respectively. Coinneach (C.D.G) Carmichael (EA 2001–12) scored 49* on his return from a sporting scholarship at Millfield School, and opened the bowling, achieving a 5-wicket haul against Watsonians. Accies reached the Presidents’ Cup Semi-Final and are scheduled to play Gala, a team that they defeated by 5 wickets in the League.

The 2nd XI had a hard-fought season and were enthusiastically captained by Ankit. Remarkably, wicket-keeper David Black took the most catches in the division with 14. Early season player availability led to an inconsistency in results, however, there were some excellent wins and the 2nd XI secured a mid-table position in Division 5.

This year saw the first contest, that we know of, between the EACC and EAFC since their inception. The Accies Trophy, established by Andrew Cosh and James (J.D.) Munro (EA 1997–2010), brings both of the Academical Clubs together for a celebratory annual T20 cricket match and was narrowly won by EACC, with a bottle of champagne going to Paul (P.D.M.) Loudon (EA 1993–2006) of the EAFC. The match was a highly successful event that invigorated the Accies 1st XI season with appearances from Accies 1st XV Rugby players James (J.D.) Munro (EA 1997–2010), James Pearse and Josh Swanepoel.

Alastair (A.G.W.) Carmichael (EA 1968–80), past 1st XI Captain and President, who has been with the Club for 30 years was presented with an engraved silver cricket ball commemorating countless economical deliveries. Alastair’s sons, Coinneach and Finn (EA 2002–), both play for the Accies 1st XI. We wish Alastair all the best as he relocates for his role as Sheriff of Dundee.

Other current and former Academy pupils to represent Accies this season include Ali (A.J.H.) Colam (EA 1996–2009), Nick (N.J.) Keyden (EA 1998–2007), Club Secretary Ross (R.M.) Low (EA 1996–2009). Hector (H.W.) McFarlane (EA 1993–2006), Jack Mackinnon (EA 2000–13), Jack Mann (EA 2004–) and Alex Ramsay (EA 1996–2009).

Again a huge thanks for the continued support from the School for allowing EACC to use of Newfield while the redevelopment at Raeburn Place takes place. Special thanks to George Sutherland and Harry Paton for their support throughout the season.

Charles Robertson (EA 1972–85), President