Cricket News  

Chalmers and Coleman hit 100 for Scotland under-19

With exams looming in his first year of Maths and Economics at St Andrew's University, 18 year-old Ewan Chalmers hasn't had much time to reflect on his stunning century at the crease against Greenock CC last Sunday, when he helped the Scotland U-19 squad to a memorable 316 for 6 win over the defending SNCL Premier Division champions.
 
Despite books and not his skill with a bat currently pre-occupying his mind, the Watsonian's player found time to briefly recall how he felt scoring 105 runs against Greenock. 
 
"I scored a century with the Scotland U-17 team at the European Championships last summer but this (105 runs) was my first 100 in the national (SNCL) league. It was a pretty amazing experience," admitted Chalmers, adding:
 
"You practice really hard for these things so when they come along it's great."
 
Furthermore, the teenage student whom in March was also part of the Scotland U-20 squad during their unbeaten pre-season tour of South Africa, revealed his U-19 team-mates always believed they could beat Greenock.
 
"To be honest, on the morning of the match and looking at their (Greenock) team with four of their main bowlers missing we were fairly confident that we could pull of a win," said Chalmers.
 
The talented top order batsman, whom hopes to notch up more big scores this season admits it's too early to know whether he's destined for the professional world of cricket or business.
 
"I'm just seeing where it (cricket) takes me to be honest. If it becomes my career then great but at the moment I'm just focusing on striking a balance between the degree and cricket and if opportunities come up I'll go wherever that takes me."
However Ewan wasn't the only Scotland U-19 cricketer to record his first century at senior level last weekend against Greenock. 
 
For at the opposite end of the wicket was 16 year-old Fred Coleman and who by the end of a double century partnership with Chalmers would patiently notch up 103 runs for the Scotland U-19's.
 
"I just did my job which was to keep the partnership going with Ewan (Chalmers) and try to score a run a ball - keep the run rate up," explained modest Coleman who competes for Penicuik CC when not playing for his school, Strathallan.
 
Certainly, the talented batsman hopes to record further centuries in the months and years ahead.
 
"I would like to hope so. When you get in (to bat) you've got to (make sure you) stay in I suppose," said Coleman matter-of-factly.
 
However, last week wasn't the first time the youngster achieved a century at national level.
 
"I scored 125 not out for our Scotland U-15's in South Africa last Easter but that (last week's 103) was my first for the u-19's."
 
All being well, Coleman admits he has set his sights on becoming a professional cricketer. "That's what I'm aiming for. That would be my dream," he said.
 
Certainly, the talented cricketer believes age is no barrier to achieving continued success with the Scotland U-19 squad.
 
The youngest player currently in the U-19 squad, commented: "At first it was quite daunting but now I feel more comfortable and part of a great team. I don't think about what age I am. It makes no difference to me."
 
What's more, the young gun is confident that he and his fellow Scotland U-19's can continue their winning ways against Carlton CC in the Premier Division this Sunday.
 
"Yes, I think we have a great chance. The confidence is there and I think on our day we can beat anyone."