HawickandWilton Cricket Club

Delighted to have topped the ESCA Fairplay scores for the 2026 season. Credit to Captain Evan Alexander and Vice-Captain Stuart Hair who set the tone for on-field behaviour and well done to all the players for buying into the team ethos and making each game enjoyable to be a part of.

Hawick and Wilton fell to an agonising 1 wicket defeat when they hosted Murrayfield DAFS 2s on Saturday at Buccleuch Park which also results in them remaining in Division 3 next year. Hawick have been on the right side of a few tight games so in balance they were due to get one at some point this season, and with only being promoted from Division 4 last season the players can hold their heads high at putting in some good performances over the entirety of the season, even if resources have been slightly thin some weeks.

With some last minute pitch preparation – the pitch getting a final cut 20 minutes before toss not our best moment of the season, skipper Evan ‘Cycles’ Alexander made the bold call to bat first, however Hawick’s strength all season has been defending a score, and with the way the pitch played in the first 30 overs some demons would definitely have been present in their 2nd innings had they chosen to bowl first. Evan has over the past few weeks opened up the batting due to a bad knee injury, joining Ryan ‘Magic’ Johnston at the crease to try and get Hawick off to a flyer. However 8 balls into the Hawick innings Ryan saw his stumps pegged back and Hawick 3-1. Hawick haven’t used a ‘floater’ for a long time, however with Declan ‘Gucci’ Solley in the team he was given the floating role, and with an early wicket lost he came to the crease at 3. With some tennis ball bounce Hawick struggled to find any fluidity in their batting and Cycles finally succumbed edging behind for 2 off 18 balls and Hawick at 10-2 after 7 overs. Phil Mactaggart joined the Solley at the crease and fortunately for Phil there’s no requirement for a breathalyser for batting as it become apparent he had quite enjoyed his Friday night and may not look out of place in the current England set up. The pair looked to shore up both ends, and with some wayward bowling the only runs being added to the tally were extras from the bowlers. With the score 27-2 in the 17th over, ‘Gucci’ pushed one down the ground straight to mid-on, only to call for the single and see him well short of his ground, departing for 3 from 54 balls. Sadiq Shah came to the crease with Phil, and was another player who struggled to find any timing as he scored 3 from 19 balls, finally undone by the wily MDAFs spinner, Hawick now 34-4 from 22 overs. Respite would come as Phil Mactaggart hit the first boundary of the match in the 23rd over, however in the following over Harris ‘Haggis’ Brogan looked to go big but couldn’t find the timing as he looped up a catch to give the MDAFs spinner his 2nd of the match, and Haggis to record another duck for the season (trophy is secured). Hawick were toiling at this stage at 38-5, Neil ‘Crouchy’ Storey looked to assist Phil at the crease as the pair added 12 runs in 12 balls, only for Neil to try to take the spinner on again and loop a catch, departing for 2 runs and Hawick 50-6 off 26 overs. If the spectators were close to snoozing at this stage, they would soon be in for a treat as Scott ‘Marsh’ Marshall came to the crease and anyone that has played with or against Marsh knows he is not one to hang about. MDAFS would soon learnt his lesson as they persisted with spin and offered Marsh the short boundary, something he was more than happy to oblige to, as he started to rain 6s in to the new High School, with a couple of match balls lost in the process. Phil stood at the other end and offered the occasional fist bump of encouragement, but Marsh was in the zone, and when he top edged a ball in to his eye with no helmet on there was nervousness that may be the end of his innings. However in true farmer fashion he then bludgeoned another 6 in to the car park to let the crowd know he was okay. Marsh reached his 50 in a staggering 27 balls, as he rocketed the score for Hawick up to 124, before he was finally undone with a short ball that he looped up. The innings featured a staggering six 6s and a incredibly valuable partnership of 74 with Phil, to give Hawick a fighting chance. Father and son duo were at the crease when Bruce Mactaggart joined Phil, but after adding a couple of runs Bruce was caught to leave Hawick 8 down with the score 127. Euan ‘Nugget’ Stevenson joined Phil at the crease and the pair continued to push the score up in the final overs, as they rotated strike well and looked for quick singles. They reached the 40 over mark with no further losses, Nugget a valuable 5 not out, and Phil would finish on 45 not out, his stay at the crease a mammoth 158 minutes. With Hawick now at a fairly competitive total of 149 runs, 113 of them coming from the bat and 36 extras, the Hawick bowlers knew if they got it right they could make it difficult for the MDAFs batsmen.

With the last teas out of the way for the season, special mention to Sadiq Shah for bringing a pot of homemade curry much to the delight of all in the clubrooms, a big effort in the field from Hawick would be required. When Ryan ‘Magic’ Johnstons first ball of the innings was hacked off middle stump for four, it showed that the MDAFs batsmen weren’t going to hang about. Fortunately Neil ‘Crouchy’ Storey was quick to find his radar and struck in his first over, the batsman nicking behind to gloveman Marsh. Neil would strike in successive overs as he nicked off the number 3 for MDAFs and Hawick were in a strong position at 13-2 from 4 overs. However the other opener for MDAFs and number 4 batsman were quick to capitalise on the fast bowling and outfield and continued to find the gaps regardless where Cycles stationed his men. Sadiq Shah entered the attack but couldn’t find the breakthrough and MDAFs continued to push the scoreboard scoring at a rate of noughts that started to drop the Hawick heads. However, as always has been this season, Euan ‘Nugget’ Stevenson entered the attack and showed great control and composure, and after the MDAFS number 4 reached his 50, Stevenson bowled him as he went for a reverse scoop, Hawick getting the breakthrough at 105-3 just before the 20 over drinks break. With MDAFS fully in control at this stage, Hawick would need to produce a miracle to steal the game and what followed was close to. Skipper Cycles took the gamble after drinks to bring back his opening bowlers, and when Neil Storey produced a double wicket-maiden, Alexander taking a superb diving catch at gully, and Marsh taking another edge behind the stumps, MDAFS were suddenly 117-5. As the number 7 for MDAFS looked for a quick single, Phil Mactaggart pounced at mid-wicket and when his throw was a direct hit the batsman short of his ground suddenly MDAFS were 117-6. Ryan was finished after 2 maidens, and Neil was all out with superb figured of 4-30, Nugget and Shah were back in to the attack. Another edge behind saw Marsh take a low catch from Nugget’s golden arm, reducing MDAFS to 119-7. In the following over Shah got in on the act picking up his only wicket of the game with only two wickets required. However the opening batsman for MDAFS was still at the crease and continued to keep the scoreboard up reaching his 50. However, Nugget would turn the game in Hawick’s favour once more as he pinned the opener LBW, a huge call by the opposition umpire to give out his teammate at that stage in the game. With MDAFS now 135-9 and the 10 and 11 batsman now at the crease Hawick were in with a chance for claiming a memorable victory. However Nugget was finished with best figures of 3-24, and Harris Brogan and Craig Martin were brought on to bowl the 8 last overs. Harris served up a grubber that somehow missed the stumps and were past Marsh to allow some byes. The MDAFS batsmen never gave up hope and even with pressure from field changes and fielders in close they ticked over the runs and gave no chances and Hawick fell to a 1 wicket defeat as they reached 150-9 in the 37th over. As disappointed as Hawick were not to win the game, the game was played in great spirits as all games have produced in ESCA Division 3 this season, so it may not be the worst result for the club as they play in the same league next year.

🏏 RESULT

An agonising 1 wicket defeat wraps up our season. A great partnership between Scott Marshall and Phil Mactaggart helped us post a good total.

Murrayfield were cruising at 120-2, however 7 wickets then fell for just 15 runs to give us a chance before a 15 run last wicket stand saw Murrayfield over the line.

🏏 TEAM NEWS

How we lineup for the final time this season for a huge game at Buccleuch Park against Murrayfield DAFS 2's, where a win would secure back to back promotions.

The bar will be open all day, get up and cheer the boys on 🍻

Hawick & Wilton travelled to Meggetland to face Boroughmuir in the penultimate fixtures of ESCA Division 3 where they were well beaten by 8 wickets.

With player availability now at the forefront of club discussions, injuries persisting for a few regular players, and after the feeble excuse a couple of weeks ago that one player was shopping at IKEA they went for another humdinger that they were unavailable due to going camping. With any person in Hawick that’s ever mentioned cricket asked “fancy a game on Saturday” Hawick finally succumbed to the fact they had to travel with 10 players against Boroughmuir who had already beaten them in the earlier fixture of the season.

Skipper Evan ‘Cycles’ Alexander resulted to lose the toss, however mercy was shown when Hawick were inserted in to bat on a moderate wicket, tiny boundaries and a lightning fast outfield. Self-promotion was on the cards as Cycles opened the batting with Ryan ‘Magic’ Johnston and the pair got off to a flyer as they hit 24 off the first 4 overs. However the Boroughmuir bowling attack slowed their pace down, and with the ball exploding off the surface or sometimes keeping low, the invariable bounce pulled the Hawick scoring back. Magic was first to go as he was out in the 11th over for 18 runs, looking to slog a short one only for it to keep low and bowl leg stump. Phil Mactaggart was in at 3 with Cycles and the pair cautiously went about their business – looking to play no risk cricket as they trickled the scoreboard up. Cycles was in great form until he spooned one up from their spinner who produced 0 degree spin to leave Hawick 56-2 after a 23-run partnership. This brough Sadiq Shah to the crease at 4 who joined Phil in playing slow cricket to eek the scoreboard up. Boroughmuir looked to entice the Hawick batsmen in to some more aggressive shots as they brought on some bowling that wouldn’t look out of place at “Fuddies” on the Howegate, however it was the undoing of Phil as he looked to send the ball on to the train tracks only to miss and be clean bowled departing for 4 the score now 64-3 in the 22nd over. Harris ‘Haggis’ Brogan joined Shah, and after an array of short bowling or beamers Shah was punishing them as they rocketed the score to 86 in 3 overs, only for him to go for a tennis shot style swat as the ball was up around shoulder height but only find the edge back the keeper, departing for 20 runs. Haggis was next to follow Shah back to the clubhouse for 6 runs as he was cleaned up, again looking to be positive. The short pitched bowling plan began to pay dividends for Boroughmuir as the Hawick players struggled to score, however extras began to help the scoreboard as 14 runs came from wides and no balls. Bruce Mactaggart departed for 4, and Sudair Khan was outstanding with the bat as he smashed a big 4, however communication struggles with Craig Martin and eventually the Hawick tail fizzled out for 106 all out, Sudair with 8 runs the and remaining Hawick batsmen failing to trouble the scorer.

Evan Alexander had done his sums before making the trip to Meggetland and 3 losing bonus points would result in a shoot-out with MDAFS 2 when they travel to Buccleuch Park on Saturday. 2 points were in the bag after the batting performance and 1 wicket would be all that was required to seal the 3, however Hawick hoped with the bowling attack of Magic Johnston and Sadiq Shah they may be able to make early inroads in to the Boroughmuir order. However Boroughmuir opener G Singh was on a one-man mission to win the game single handedly as he smashed 36 runs, his fellow opener scoring 3 as they raced to 46 in 6 overs. However Magic Johnston finally found one that the other Boroughmuir spooned in the air for Euan ‘Nugget’ Stevenson to take a catch at cover to give Hawick the breakthrough. A tough chance was put down later , but Singh continued to smash anything, wherever the ball went, it found the middle of hit bat. Nugget was brought on as 3rd bowler and found a wicket in his 2nd over, removing the Boroughmuir number 3, with the score 83-2. However Hawick couldn’t keep Singh away from strike as he finished on 76 not out from 48 balls. Magic Johnston spent the bus journey asking Cycles not to put the scores on Facebook as the travelling players were quick on congratulating him reaching his second half century of the season, unfortunately this time with the ball as he returned figures of 1-51 from 7 overs.

In positive news Hawick secured the required 3 bonus points which means when MDAFS 2 both teams will be playing for a promotion bid to Division 2 as the visit Buccleuch Park next Saturday. In even better news the Bar Manager made a mess and overstocked so any supporters willing to watch Cricket in August with a few drinks may be delighted to see the prices when they come up!

🏏 RESULT

We were well beaten today as Boroughmuir chased down our total in just 13 overs due to a great knock from their opener scoring an unbeaten 76.

Credit to the ten boys who made the journey and stuck at it until the end, we move onto our final game of the season at home to Murrayfield next Saturday

🏏 TEAM NEWS

The ten men that are making the journey to Meggetland in a huge game against 3rd place Boroughmuir.

The player well has run a little dry for our fixture tomorrow. We are currently 1 short so if you've ever fancied playing, or just fancy a run about at the wonderful Meggetland tomorrow (Saturday), give us a shout on the page. Transport provided.

❌ GAME OFF

Unfortunately today’s game away to Tranent & Preston Village has been called off due to the rain.

We go again next week as we travel to 3rd place Boroughmuir in a promotion clash.

Hawick & Wilton made the trip to league leaders Kirk Brae on Saturday where the 10 players that travelled fell 4 wickets short in a low scoring encounter at Double Hedges.

As all sports clubs are finding these days, player availability is the biggest challenge and Hawick again are at the time of the season where selection becomes more about finding 11 rather than picking an 11. As always there are some valid excuses, Charlie Welsh with a broken finger, bodybuilder Gareth Welsh has a hamstring tear and so was ruled out, however some excuses are probably not as worthy – a shopping trip to Ikea has to be one of the worst ever heard at the club – I wish this was part of the satire of these reports – unfortunately it isn’t.

With 10 men, a lush outfield and a reasonable batting deck, skipper Evan ‘Cycles’ Alexander didn’t hesitate in opting to bat when he won the toss. Declan ‘Gucci’ Solley had returned to the team so Ryan ‘Magic’ Johnston was accompanied by him as opening partnership, however it did not match the bromance of the Welsh/Johnston as Ryan departed on the 1st ball of the innings to see Hawick off to the worst possible start. Skipper Cycles joined Gucci at the crease and looks to have got his mojo back after a decent score midweek, and was playing brilliantly well to get Hawick back into the game before he tried to flick a straight one and saw his stumps dismantled for 16. With Hawick 19-2 after 7 overs, a short game looked to be on offer, however Phil Mactaggart joined Declan at the crease and they looked to play incredibly safe and sensible to try to creep Hawick up to a decent total. However, as Phil would find on many occasions, the pitch has plenty tricks up its sleeve, with a number of balls keeping incredibly low. The pair put 23 runs on for the 3rd wicket before Mactaggart finally fell for 17 runs, Hawick now 42-3 after 17 overs. Sadiq Shah looked to keep the same temperament as he has the week before at Selkirk before a rush of blood to the head resulted in a massive slog across the line which saw him clean bowled for 5 and Hawick 47-4. Harris Brogan and Justin Tait, both suffering from the effect of Langholm Common Riding on the previous day both returned ducks leaving Hawick 48-6 and in serious trouble. Declan Solley continued to be the Wall at the other end, if Disney look to do another adaptation of Glenn Close’s 101 Dalmatians, Declan will be in prime position as he accumulated more dots than a dalmatian, at one point returning 44 dot balls in a row before producing a scoring shot. With Neil ‘Crouchy’ Storey at the crease Hawick were desperate for another decent partnership however Neil departed for 5 and Hawick were reduced to 56-7. Bruce Mactaggart joined Solley at the crease and rolled back the years as he produced a flurry of scoring shots, as he accumulated 16 runs from 24 balls helping to push the score to 79. However Solley lofted a big drive to mid-off to finally depart for an incredible 6 runs from 78 balls in the 34rd over of the game, however his patience had allowed Hawick to shore up an end. Bruce would depart in the following over leaving Hawick 79 all out.

With a low total to defend, Hawick would need to be perfect with the ball and in the field to cause what would have probably been the biggest upset in the league. Neil ‘Crouchy’ Storey didn’t get the memo as he launched a beamer first ball over the batsman’s head, and struggled to find his destructive rhythm which saw his first 3 overs go for 17 runs. However, Magic Johnston was producing good tight bowling, and was rewarded in his 3rd over clean bowling the Kirk Brae opener with the score 11-1. Sadiq Shah replaced Storey at the other end and showed his golden arm attributes as he removed the number 3 batsman for 7, Kirk Brae a quarter of the way there 20-2. Johnston went for a 5 in the over, when a single turned into a single plus 4 overthrows, an excellent piece of fielding which saw an incredibly unlucky deflection. However a big LBW appeal was upheld from Magic and Kirk Brae were 28-3. Shah continued to produce pressure from the other end, striking in consecutive overs reduced the league leaders to 34-5. There was huge belief in the Hawick field, however a composed innings from the no6 and no7 batsmen for Kirk Brae saw them put on a 41 run partnership, Shah getting another wicket but the score 75-6. Shah returned impressive figured of 4-36 from his 8 overs, as Ryan had also returned 2-14 from his 8. Neil Storey returned to the attack and was without any more events as Kirk Brae took the score to 80-6 for a well deserved victory. Hawick had their moments in the field, two or three catches just missing the fingertips. The 10 that travelled could hold their heads high and hopefully we can field a full 11 as we travel to Tranent and Preston Village 2s on Sunday.