Kinross High School Rules the Roost in Emerging Schools Thriller

It was back to Perth yesterday (16 June) as Doo’cot Park played host to the inaugural finals day of the Emerging Schools’ Cup, with five secondary schools battling it out for bragging rights and the chance to take home this brand new trophy.

Emerging schools cricket is a hardball competition, for schools new to the sport.  Played on a pairs basis, it allows all members of each team to play an equal part in matches.  This year’s first ever finals day saw five school teams pitting their wits against eachother - Belmont Academy, Monifeith High School, James Gillespie’s High School, Kinross High and a combined Braes High School / Graeme High School team.

Early heats decided which four teams qualified for a further round of matches which would decide the final placings, with some excellent cricket on display.  Monifieth and the combined Braes / Graeme teams fought it out for third place, followed by the final, played out between the two unbeaten teams from Belmont Academy and Kinross High School.

Scotland captains Gordon Drummond and Kari Anderson umpired the final, passing on their top tips to the young players at the same time as ensuring a healthy competitive spirit and a high standard of play from both sides.  After sixteen overs of quality cricket, the game went right down to the penultimate ball, with Kinross High School triumphing by a mere six runs.

Steve Paige, Cricket Scotland’s Head of Community Development commented, “We’ve had a great day of cricket here at Doo’cot Park for this first ever emerging schools’ finals day.  It is always satisfying to see a new competition, especially one that creates opportunities for school age children to experience the game of cricket and compete against their peers. We look forward to seeing this event grow over the coming years.”

Gavin Davey, Chief Executive of the Gannochy Trust presented Kinross High School with their trophy, with individual keepsake medals for each player.  The Trust is very kindly hosting all of the schools competitions taking place this week.  Once again, Cricket Scotland would like to thank all of the schools, teachers, volunteers and players for their enthusiastic participation.