Eastern Academy’s under-16 side played their first match of the season against the XL Club at Newfield on Monday 5th July. Bowling first, the Academy were made to work hard as the XL Club batsmen built partnerships of 40, 48 and 63 for their first few wickets. Captain Richard Donald played a pivotal role, scoring 58 from 74 balls until he was caught on the boundary by Gair Currie. At 151-4 from 33 overs, the XL Club looked set for over 200; however, tight bowling from seamers Tresidder and Kinghorn-Gray kept the score down to 184-6 from the 40 overs, slightly below par.

Home captain Patrick Baker won the toss and in warm sunshine elected to bat against the touring Norway Under 19 team at Craiglockhart in a match that was being played in coloured clothing and using a white ball.