As the Ashes comes to a conclusion so the Dumfries season finished in fine fashion at Nunholm on Saturday. The annual club day saw 3 good matches and a quality BBQ.

In the morning the under 12s treated us to an insight to the future with several snippets of talent and some impressive performances. Harith’s team finished the winners thanks to two of the best innings of the day – himself and Lachlan helping their side to what transpired to be a total just out of reach of Billy’s team. Billy’s own personal 2 wickets for 3 runs could not prevent a winning total and in reply his magnificent 22 was nullified by Harith holding his nerve bowling the final over.

Harith’s team 69; Lachlan 16 ret, Harith 10 ret, Cory 6 ret, Billy 2 wkts for 3 runs, Thomas 1 for 0
Billy’s team 65; Billy 22 ret, Jacob 11 ret, Lachlan 1 wkt for 2 runs, Harith 1 for 12, Roma 1 for 12

At lunch-time the under 15s treated us to an excellent 6-a-side 15-over match. James Little’s team were the winners thanks in part to his own contribution. His undefeated 29 added to his demolition of his opponent’s top order proved too much. However it could have been different. The quick 5 wickets allowed Sean Thornely to play a captain’s innings as “last-man-standing”. So perhaps it was the bowling of Vaughn Staples which earned the win – his 1 for 9 from the mandatory 3 overs was by far the most economic.

The reply was comfortable – a steady opening partnership laid a base for the quality batting of James and Max Corbett-Byers to make the target with an over to spare.

Sean’s team 109 for 5; Sean Thornely 64*, Fergus Bainbridge 14, James Little 3 for 20, Vaughn Staples 1 for 9, Matthew McBurnie 1 for 23
James’s team 111 for 4; James Little 29 not out, Max Corbett-Byers 26 not out, Sean Thornely 1 for 13, Orla Montgomery 1 for 27

After the matches the Junior and Youth awards were made.

At under 13 there were several candidates for the player of the year award. Fergus Cubbon was easily the top run scorer with 111 and Mathew McBurnie by far the leading wicket taker with 11. Katy Anderson, as expected, featured by being the most economical bowler and second highest wicket taker. Max Corbett-Byers featured with both bat and ball.

Aiden Goodin was the final choice for Junior Player of the Year though. Opening the innings he was the second highest run maker and his canny bowling got him 4 wickets. Added to his mature captaincy it made Aiden a worthy recipient of the award.