WHILE the eyes of much of the cricketing world may have been on the Oval on Saturday and the exciting climax to the Ashes, closer to home there were plenty of encouraging signs for the grassroots game in Helensburgh, with Helensburgh Cricket Club’s U14s and first XI both in action.

With 12 players available for the U14s, and opponents Greenock with limited numbers, Helensburgh loaned three players, Jacob, Ethan and Ben, to Greenock to get the game on.

After losing the toss, Burgh batted first for the first time this season – and sensible but aggressive batting saw Sam, Archie and Theo all make double figures to set a good platform, with Niamh and Seth both protecting their wicket and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Burgh posted a total of 117 for 5 off their 18 overs, and with older heads setting the example for the start of Greenock’s innings with the bat, the fielding and bowling were tight.

With pressure applied through regular wickets, Greenock were soon behind on the run chase – though Jacob, having his best game of the season after bowling well (including getting brother Theo out), was part of a threatening partnership until he was well run out by Sam.

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Tight bowling from George and Seth allowed Flo to close out the final over, holding Greenock to 88 for 4 and giving the U14s their first win of the season.

A complete team effort, with some nice fielding from Alastair and Fred for Helensburgh and Ben and Ethan for Greenock, meant a good game all round.

The first XI’s game against Mearns CC turned out to be a real cracker. Caelan Lang won the toss and opted to bat, and after the loss of early wickets Caelan and Toby Barrie were left at the crease, with Lang making 39 and Barrie the greatest and longest 0 of his career.

Two wickets in two balls brought youngsters Niamh Barrie and Archie Bell to the crease, who ran well and guided Burgh to 58 all out.

In the field, though, Burgh were electric and left the opposition agitated, with a great run out from Alex McAulay, a stumping from Stuart Barrie, four wickets from Caelan Lang and a penetrating spell from Raj Waruna, leaving Mearns at 46 for seven – only for the visitors to hold their nerve and secure the runs they needed to win by three wickets.

While the batting figures may look ugly the game shows there is plenty of promise at the club, with juniors who want to challenge and work their socks off and a team whose bowling and fielding are a threat to any team in the league.

Next up for Helensburgh is a home match against Galloway CC this Saturday, August 5, with the action getting under way at 12 noon.