TO celebrate the start of 2018 Peebles County Cricket Club played the annual New Year's Day match in good conditions under clear skies despite a slightly damp outfield.

Richard Common from Hawick and his partner in crime Matt Egginton were elected skippers and duly picked teams by a process known as odd and even numbers. We helped Matt who specialises in chemistry!

Rio Bhattia (run out 7) made a solid start well supported by Molly Pace (3) and Sandy Anderson (1). Skipper Common (no 18) melted some enormous sixes being ably supported by Rob Wilson (no 12) and Pete Caddick (no 8) setting a challenging target of 58 for Matt's happy band. Bowling honours went to Alfie Pace and the evergreen Charles Cormack. In reply Rick quickly set about the total with a swashbuckling 22 including two sixes. Molly will need to sort her bowling before the season gets underway! Rajiv Bhattia (1) , under pressure from Rio, and big C (2) perished quickly leaving Alfie (7) and Julian (4) to hang around as Matt chased down the total. With the scores level Matt hit a regulation catch to Rob at point who spilled it seeing Matt's team take the New Year's honours by a whisker.That cricket phrase "Rob you've dropped the ashes!"

Some excellent bowling displays , a screamer taken by Caddick with the tennis ball and a drop by Anderson all adding to the entertainment. The crowd enjoyed the match with supporters coming from all over presumably celebrating New Year also! As the teams and supporters went into the pavilion for the traditional supportive reflections on the game together with refreshments the sun set as Matt and Richard continued to discuss that final dropped catch and what might have been.

Thank you to everyone for maintaining our traditional fixture and coming out in the weather after a late night no doubt.

Best wishes to all for 2018 from Peebles County Cricket Club.