THE annual New Year's Day cricket match in Peebles took place at midday under clear bright skies.

Reigning champions Australia - led by Darren Chatt - lost the toss to England's Pete Caddick who duly sent the Aussies in to bat.

Arran Common immediately had the openers Richard and Big C under pressure whilst Ricky and Baillie continued the struggle against accurate (if tired) bowling.

Sandy Anderson and skipper Chatt struck a few unorthodox boundaries and Jordan Chatt looked menacing without taking a wicket.

Matt Egginton was quickly into this bowling rhythm and young Julian Pace kept wicket as though he had been up until midnight!

Joe Slater looked the best of the baggies hitting some nice shots and Ricky and Baillie kept out Ben and Leckie with the score finishing on 91 off the ten overs.

Good to see Harris and Arran Common showing Richard the more skilful elements of the game.

At tea the England XI were extremely confident and Jordan set about the bowling.

Unfortunately Matt lasted just a couple of balls for a duck, but the platform had been set.

Arran and the skipper added boundaries and last pair of Steve Slater and Julian Pace then threw away a winning position as Darren led his team to victory by 20 runs as the sun went down and the trophy returned to Edinburgh again!

Mince pies, Christmas cake and coffee were then consumed with some rather exaggerated story telling.

Thank you to everyone for playing, supporting and providing refreshments and a Happy New Year to everyone from Peebles County Cricket Club who are sponsored by Shukria Indian Restaurant.