Our Under 15 team arrived at New Williamfield,Stirling yesterday for Nat West Finals day having overcome Largo and Arbroath United in the earlier rounds of the competition. A number of the team had finals day experience having finished runners up in the same competition at Under 13 level in 2016.

After last week's cancellation due to rain it was a welcome change to be greeted by warm sunshine.

Falkland played Forfarshire in the second semi final with Grange (Edinburgh) awaiting the winners in the final having already comfortably beaten Clydesdale (Glasgow) in the other semi.

Captain Lyle Robertson won the toss and had no hesitation in inserting the opposition.It proved to be a wise decision as Forfs were soon in trouble at 19 for 4 after 7 overs. Cassius Haresign (smart catch behind by Magnus Connolly) and Lyle (bowled) with a wicket a piece and two run outs well orchestrated by Cassius and Euan Sloan. Although opener Lewis Robinson did well to keep the score ticking over he struggled for support and wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. Lewis eventually went in the 18th over for a fine 27 - 53 for 7 and the innings finally concluded with the first ball of the last over when Grant Langlands bowled the No 11 batsman. A brave effort from the young Forfs team who were well contained by the Falkland bowlers who all returned impressive figures. Robbie Disborough was the pick with 3 for 16, Grant took 2 for 10, Cassius and Lyle each took 1 for 7 and Euan was unlucky with 0 for 16.Robbie completed a fine afternoon in the field with a n accurate throw for another run out.

Euan and Robbie opened for Falkland and quickly got into their stride particularly Euan who hit four lovely boundaries in the first over. This set the tone for the innings and the 57 required for victory was reached off the third ball of the sixth over. Euan was 36 not out with Robbie playing a fine supporting role on 6 not out.

So on to the final and after a break for tea Grange won the toss and elected to bat. Off the final ball of the first over the breakthrough was made when Hood was beautifully caught by Grant at shortish mid-wicket off Cassius's bowling - 10 for 1. Thereafter a combination of some loose bowling and powerful batting by Grange's McIntosh and Cairns effectively took the game away from Falkland. Both batsmen retired having scored 50. The second wicket didn't fall until the 15th over when Layton was brilliantly caught by Emma Halliwell. 151 for 2. This seemed to give the Falcons a lift and they then produced a great fightback claiming another 5 wickets in the remaining overs. Euan with 2 of these as a result of fine catches by Grant and Magnus plus 3 run outs following some smart fielding by Cassius (twice) and Grant. Special mention to 12th man Ian Halliwell who came on as a sub fielder when Euan injured a hand and fielded like a tiger. Freddie Disborough and Peter Matthews also did a fine job in the field. Grange finished on an imposing total of 198 for 7.

With a run rate of 10 an over required Falkland changed their batting line up and Oliver Brown accompanied Euan to the middle. Oli had a right good go but early accurate bowling and tight fielding from Grange built pressure and he fell in the 4th over -12 for 1. Magnus went very next ball and from there on it was a backs to the wall job. Euan with a very good 19 and Robbie 14 not out were the only batsmen to reach double figures. To their credit the team batted the full 20 overs finishing on 67 for 9. Grange fully deserved their victory and we wish them luck representing Scotland in the next stages of the competition.

Thanks to Stirling for hosting the finals, Cricket Scotland and in particular Ramsay Allan for organising the competition, to all the mums, dads and other relatives for their brilliant support and to all the players who should be very proud of their achievement in finishing runners up. A huge well done Lyle, Grant, Cassius, Peter, Euan, Freddie D, Robbie D, Emma, Ian, Calum, Magnus. A special mention to Freddie C and Angus who couldn't make finals day but who played their part in earlier matches.