Edinburgh South Cricket Club

Congratulations go to Ollie Hairs from all at Edinburgh South Cricket Club on winning his first cap for Scotland on Friday 25th June against India "A" at Titwood, the home ground of Clydesdale C.C. The reason for the congratulations and our interest in the award is that it makes Ollie (aka OJ) the first player from our originating club Mitre to reach this pinnacle of achievement.
 
It was on Saturday 31 July 2004 when the 13 year old Ollie made his debut for Mitre against Kirk Brae at Double Hedges in an East League match. Batting at number six he scored 54 (six 4s) and shared a vital 8th wicket stand of 51 with Jack Alvin, who made 18.  Although Jack was intent on support of our young recruit he did hit a four and a six. In the Mitre total  of 173 all out Paul Melon (20) was the only other batsman to reach double figures. Ollie also bowled 3 overs in this match taking 1 for 18 as Kirk Brae were dismissed for 146 with Stuart Templeton and Gerry Dodson  both claiming four wickets.

(In passing, Mitre members will know the answer to the potential quiz question, which Scottish club cricketer has a link with both Sachin Tendulkar and Ollie Hairs.)  
 
This debut half century was to be Ollie's highest score for Mitre and in all he played five matches for the club scoring a total of 125 runs in seasons 2004 and 2005. 

Since these early days in the District and National age group sides Ollie has progressed to the Merchiston Castle School first eleven and in recent weeks has been scoring centuries for Grange in the National League Premier Division together with an astonishing innings of 160 for a Saltires Select in a charity T20 match.

Ollie heads now to Holland as part of the Scotland squad in a series of One Day Internationals in the top Division of the ICC World Cricket League. Go well, Ollie !