Cricket: Teen sensation Coinneach Carmichael poised for Accies debut

EDINBURGH ACCIES will give a debut to the youngest internationalist in the club’s distinguished history in the East First Division tomorrow.

Coinneach Carmichael, 15, will prepare for Scotland’s Under-15 clash against Derbyshire in Glasgow on Sunday by turning out for Accies in a Capital derby with SMRH at Newfield, while there is also promotion for Andrew Cosh, who hit 185 in a second-team match against Penicuik.

Vice-captain Geraint Jones says: “Coinneach will bat in our middle order as there is no point in having someone of such potential in our ranks and not providing them with an opportunity to fulfil it. Coinneach is not only a talented all-rounder but a useful rugby player and golfer as well. However, we are hoping he makes cricket his priority.”

SMRH’s overseas amateur Brayden Tracey, fresh from his second century of the season – 111 – in a 152-run win over Penicuik, is sure to be a big threat to Accies.

Also in the division, unchanged RH Corstorphine head for West Lothian buoyed by chasing down 222 to win at Accies last Sunday with a major contribution (79 not out) from Richard McCorkell supported by a string of homegrown prospects as the pro and overseas amateur contributed six runs between them. However, pro Cameron Rope proved effective with the ball in taking 4-40 while amateur Ruben Hattingh distinguished himself with a mainstay half century in midweek before RH Corstorphine went down at Carlton in the Murgitroyd Masterton twenty:20. Hattingh’s knock was eventually ended by 17-year-old Boroughmuir schoolboy Chayank (Cheeky) Gosain, who not only retains his place for tomorrow’s Premiership visit to Watsonians but is expected to take on extra responsibility.

Carlton skipper Fraser Watts says: “Cheeky picked up a wicket when we went down against Stoneywood-Dyce last week, mainly because senior players such as myself, Gordon Drummond and amateur Michael Herdman got ourselves in then failed to kick on with the bat. However, Cheeky saw a couple of chances put down which would have been a fairer reflection on his major contribution.

“With Preston Mommsen looking like he will be at Leicestershire for the foreseeable future then one effect will be extra opportunities for Cheeky’s accurate spin bowling.”

In looking to bounce back Carlton recall teenage opener Kyle McPherson, who pulled out last week due to impending exams, and his younger brother, Ruari, captain of Scotland under-15s, also debuts.

Watsonians are boosted not only by successfully completing the club’s biggest run chase in victory – 287 – against Heriot’s last weekend but also skipper Stuart Chalmers’ hamstring strain easing. With Chalmers expecting to pass himself fit the only ’Sonians change is the return from Cambridge University of seamer Paddy Saddler, who replaces Ally Fleming.

Heriot’s bid to pick up the pieces of their penultimate ball defeat by including Kevin Allan from Edinburgh University at the expense of Azhar Abid to provide extra batting depth at home to Aberdeenshire. Skipper Steve Knox rattled up a century for Heriot’s and admitted his side were looking good for victory with ’Sonians needing 11 from the last five balls.