Blend of youth and experience the key to Freuchie’s progress

LAST weekend it was a real family affair for Freuchie as they got their Baillie Gifford ESCA Championship campaign off to a flyer and today they travel to Campbell Park to take on Edinburgh.

In 2014, led by 50 wickets by pro Rizwan Akbar, Freuchie finished fourth in the division, but, with the seam bowler leaving for Glenrothes and others moving on, this summer was set to be quite a challenge.

However, the club is served well by a group of experienced players who have played a lot of first-team cricket while their youngsters are growing in confidence all of the time and now new pro Kashif Daud has arrived from Pakistan.

Seven days ago, in a match shortened to 35 overs per side due to rain, an unbeaten century by stalwart Robbie Birrell helped them post 160-4 batting first against Holy Cross.

The bowling unit then all performed well to restrict the visitors from Edinburgh to 111 all out in reply.

With the ball, it was Birrell’s 17-yearold son Greg who was the star with four wickets.

Birrell senior said: “It was a good day for the family, I was pleased to get my own season off to a decent start with some runs, while Greg bowled well.

“However, overall it was just a good team performance and that was pleasing given that we have had to reshape the team somewhat over the last couple of years and bring young players into the side.

“This summer, those young players will have to take on a bit more responsibility, but it will be a good opportunity for them all to show what they can do in the Championship.”

Edinburgh were promoted last year and lost to SMRH last week, but they will be tricky opponents for many in the coming months. Talking of SMRH, they take the short trip to Roseburn to play Murrayfield DAFS, with Brad Moses looking to continue the form that saw him hit a 50 and take five wickets seven days ago.

After a great start, Glenrothes are unchanged for the visit of Marchmont to Gilvenbank. The visitors, who got a win last week after being promoted, bring Euan Granger and Savan Panchal into the side.

Holy Cross are hosting Carlton II at Arboretum while, on Sunday, Mazars Grange II, without regular captain Stuart Davidson, take on Stuart & stuart Penicuik.