The Crescent Cricket Club is revealing our new shield logo today. The striking design integrates a cricket ball into Scotland’s national flower, the thistle. This new crest replaces the previous logo used since 2010.

Our inspiration comes from enduring connections to Scotland itself. By combining these iconic local symbols with the cricket ball, the new logo represents pride in both our sport and homeland.

The CCC has been a vibrant part of the Aberdeen community since 1884. As the club embarks on an exciting new chapter, this updated look signifies honouring our history while evolving for new generations of players and fans.

We hope all club members and friends will embrace this proud symbol of the Crescent Cricket Club and our Scottish heritage.

#PlayDominance

Dundee hosted Crescent in an SPCU Division 1 league match on a bright, and windy afternoon. Crescent won the toss and chose to field first. Initially, Crescent bowlers performed well, but the inexperience of Dundee’s umpires changed the course of the game. Thick edges and LBW appeals went unnoticed. However, change in umpire was too late,  as Dundee took control of the match, scoring over 180 runs with 10 overs remaining. The middle-order batsmen capitalized on the given chances and one of them went on to score a century. With the contributions of the two professional players from Australia, Dundee reached a total of 250 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.

In response, Crescent’s batting did not start well, as Baba and Alex got out quickly. However, Nathan stood as a lone warrior on the pitch, scoring a century and reaching 127 runs. Crescent came close to the target but fell short by 11 runs.

In another game, Inverurie hosted Crescent in a Grade 1 league match. Crescent won the toss and chose to bowl first. Shubam took three crucial initial wickets, and the other bowlers also contributed with at least a wicket or two. Hari Konda’s spell was the surprise package, as he bowled 8 overs, conceding only 19 runs and restricting the scoring for Inverurie. Inverurie was eventually all out for 156.

Crescent’s batting, however, proved challenging as the batsmen kept getting out after contributing 10-15 runs each. Captain and opener Ankush Sharma showed patience and anchored the innings. With only 30 runs required and over 15 overs remaining, Ankush had to depart. But unorthodox knocks from Hari, Anantha, and Jebin towards the end were sufficient for Crescent to secure victory.

On Sunday, Crescent hosted Edinburgh South at Brechin in their Challenge Cup Quarter-finals. The match had a delayed start due to umpires arriving late. Nathan won the toss and elected to bat first. Crescent started well, with Rajeevan holding his wicket and Alex playing some attacking shots. However, after Alex got out with the team score at 50 in the first 8 overs, the rest of the team couldn’t contribute significantly. Rajeevan, batting through the entire 40 overs, reached his century and gave Crescent a fighting chance. They finished with a total of 182 runs in their allotted 40 overs.

In reply, Crescent’s bowlers started strongly, taking two early wickets. However, Edinburgh South played cautiously, relying on singles and doubles to reach the target in the 39th over. Crescent did make a comeback in the last 4 overs, taking 4 quick wickets and putting pressure on the visitors. Ultimately, the team that made fewer mistakes emerged as the winners.

Overall, it was not a great weekend for the SPCU team, but the Grades team kept their heads held high.

Crescent Cricket Club had an extraordinary weekend with remarkable performances from all their players, making heroes out of each team member. The junior player, Pankaj, (15 year boy with invisible wings) stood out among the seniors, demonstrating his skills and leading the way.

On 17th June, Crescent visited Perth DCC, where they won the toss and elected to bat first under the shining sun. The opening pair, Alex and Rajeevan, had a strong start, hinting at a potential score of 300. However, Rajeevan unfortunately got hit on the chest and rolled onto his wickets, departing early in the game. This put pressure on Crescent, but the batting unit showed responsibility and managed to post a commendable score of 192 in 45 overs. Despite feeling that the score was below par, Crescent’s pacers, Anjum, Ayush, and Kamal, kept the runs tight from the beginning. The fielding was praiseworthy, with Ali and Giby making diving saves to prevent boundaries. Arun covered the field boundary line exceptionally well, and Sujesh’s diving catch off Anjum’s fast bowling was a strong contender for the catch of the season. Captain Nathan, recognizing the swinging ball, introduced Rajeevan and Pankaj into the attack. Rajeevan’s mastery of swings earned him three wickets, while the 15-year-old Pankaj displayed high-flight leg spinners and took four wickets in quick succession, crushing Perth DCC’s hopes. The ever-vibrant Giby finished off Perth DCC’s batting innings by claiming a wicket for himself. Crescent secured a convincing 80 odd-run victory in this match.

Simultaneously, Crescent’s Grades team played against last year’s champions, Knight Riders, at Groats Road in Aberdeen. Batting first, Crescent struggled to post a big score on the board, as the pitch favoured the bowlers. With just over 120 runs, Crescent faced a difficult task. However, the team showed great character under pressure. The bowling and fielding were well-controlled, causing troubles for Knight Riders’ batsmen. Although some claim that a few official decisions in favour of Crescent could have made it a close game, Crescent can be proud of their efforts against the reigning champions. Captain Ankush expressed his pride in the team and believes that winning games is just around the corner.

On Sunday, 18th June, Crescent played their second round of the Challenge Cup against Northern Counties from Inverness. Crescent won the toss and chose to bat first on a warm and sunny day. Alex and Rajeevan opened the innings, with the reliable Rajeevan hitting boundaries all over the park. However, a miscommunication between the openers led to Rajeevan’s run out, ending the partnership at 50 runs. Crescent found themselves in a similar situation as the previous match against Perth. At this point, all Crescent players had to contribute to achieving a respectable score. Despite the brilliant bowling and fielding display from Northern Counties, Crescent managed to reach 162 all out in the 39th over. Realizing the stakes, Crescent’s bowling attack was switched on from the first ball. Northern Counties started well in the first 15 overs, maintaining the run rate but losing three early wickets to Kamal, Rajeevan, and Dave. To control the run rate, Captain Nathan turned to the youngest player, Pankaj, who performed exceptionally well. Pankaj made the ball fly and spin slowly like it had wings, keeping the run rate in check and taking four crucial wickets (three bowled and one LBW). Crescent won the match by around 40 runs in a great low-scoring game with see-saw scenarios,.

Match with Meigle 2 hosted by Crescent Cricket Club on June 10th at Brechin was a memorable day for the club. Crescent won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite a challenging start for the first couple of overs against the visitors’ bowling attack, Crescent’s opening pair, Baba and Rajeevan, quickly adapted to the pitch and built a solid partnership of 43 runs.. After Babas dismissal, Crescent Captain Nathan joined Rajeevan and contributed 44 runs to the team, forming another valuable partnership. Not to anyone’s surprise the man in form Rajeevan went on to score a century, but was unfortunately given out LBW despite a thick inside edge, Ali and Arun showcased their prowess in the middle order, with Arun scoring an impressive 65 and Ali contributing around 40 odd runs. Crescent finished their innings with a massive total of 291 runs in 40 overs.

In the bowling department, Crescent’s performance was commendable. Pankaj took three wickets, Rajeevan took two, and Giby, a new addition to the team, also enjoyed a successful bowling spell. Crescent won the match convincingly, with Rajeevan playing a pivotal role.

In another match against Gordonions in Aberdeen, Crescent batted first and lost three early wickets, including their captain Ankush Sharma. However, opener Shubham Sharma held his ground and steadily increased the score. Shoaib, the experienced middle-order batsman, contributed 37 runs before getting out. Crescent, relying heavily on Shubham’s batting on the day, went on to score an impressive 150 not out, taking the team total to 255 runs.

Unfortunately, Crescent’s bowling performance against Gordonions was lacking, with approximately 50 extras given away through wides and byes. Promising effort from Chamila, Indy, and Ash, saw Gordonions chase down the target in the 37th over, resulting in a loss for Crescent.

However, amdst the mixed emotions at Crescent Cricket Club with a win and a loss, there were several positives and highlights from the matches. Rajeevan and Shubham stood out as centurions, bringing joy to the club and promising more memorable moments in the future.

Crescent CC, 1st team in the SPCU League, embarked on a 2.5-hour journey to St.Modans on Saturday, 3rd June.

The visitors, batting first, faced a tough start and lost three early wickets. However, Shubham displayed great temperament and patience in the field, scoring his first 50 with solid support from Sohaib. Vineet, Kamal, and Anjum also contributed significantly to the score, taking the tally to 219 all out in the 43rd over.

St.Modans showcased their batting prowess and capitalized on dropped catches and mis-fielding from Crescent. Their exceptional running between the wickets, converting ones into twos, deserved applause. Crescent’s bowlers struggled to take wickets as they received little support from the fielders. Unfortunately, the visitors lost the match in the 43rd over, despite a promising performance in the final overs. It was an unexpected defeat but a valuable lesson learned.

The following day, 04^th June with the left over body strength Crescent hosted Largo in the CS Challenge Cup at Brechin. This was the first meeting between these two teams, as their league match had been cancelled earlier in the season due to bad weather. Additionally, Crescent’s captain made a comeback after a three-week visit to India.

Largo won the toss and elected to field, leaving Crescent with no choice but to give their all after their disappointing performance at St.Modans in the league match. Regular opening pair started strongly with a partnership of 50 runs until Alex lost his wicket to a brilliant catch at point.

Crescent captain Nathan then joined Rajeevan, and together they forged a strong partnership of 104 runs. Rajeevan, in exceptional form, effortlessly scored a century, smashing several sixes and fours all over the park. Arun and Hari also contributed with a few runs, taking the total to 255 in 40 overs.

Largo began steadily, but soon faced a breakthrough as they lost wickets in quick succession, failing to establish a solid partnership. Credit must be given to Crescent’s bowlers, who quickly figured out how to handle Largo’s formidable batting lineup. Each bowler managed to take at least one wicket, with Arun and Dave both securing a brace. Largo was eventually bowled out for 191.

Crescent’s victory was well-deserved, and they demonstrated their resilience by bouncing back strongly from their previous defeat.

Crescent CC’s 1st team hosted Arbroath 2nds at Brechin Park in the SPCU League. Unfortunately, the match had to start with two Crescent players yet to arrive. Arbroath’s opening batsmen took advantage of this situation, finding wide gaps on the pitch and getting off to a great start.

During the first 10 overs, Arbroath piled up around 60 runs without losing any wickets. However, the Crescent team soon had their full squad on the pitch. Dave Gibson man with Golden Arm, known for his excellent bowling, came in and took three wickets in his 5-over spell, keeping the run rate in check. Ayush took another 3 and  Anjum, Sujesh, Pankaj, and Rajeevan also contributed by taking each wicket.

The late arrivals for Crescent proved to be crucial in the fielding department, taking four crucial catches. Eventually, Arbroath finished their batting spell with a total of 126 runs all out.

Crescent’s batting performance was equally impressive. Rajeevan, who is in top form, played exceptionally well, hitting the ball all over the place. However, he lost his wicket to a great spell by Megan from Arbroath after scoring a half-century. Ali then took the team home with support from Pankaj, Ayush, and Sohaib.

Overall, it was a great effort from both teams, with good positive energy all around.

In another match in Aberdeen, Crescent CC’s 2nd team was hosted by Bon Accord at Links in the NESC Grade 1 League. The toss went in Crescent’s favour, but they couldn’t achieve the desired result.

Bon Accord batted first and Crescent’s bowlers struggled to take an early wicket. With good batting from Awan and others, Bon Accord built a total in the 300s. However, Crescent’s bowlers managed to pull back periodically and took seven wickets.

In the chase, Crescent’s batting unit felt the pressure of the huge score on the board and lost some early wickets. Nevertheless, credit must be given to the team for showcasing their skills until the 37th over, especially against a well-gelled and experienced opposition. Some experienced Crescent players, who had faced Bon Accord in the past, knew it would be a challenging match. However, they approached it with a positive mindset and rose to the mighty challenge. This match will be seen as a valuable experience for some of the fresh faces in the team this season.

In the words of Kelly Clarkson, “What doesn’t break you makes you stronger.” Kudos to the team captain and all the players and supporters for their efforts. They will regroup next week with a positive vibe, hoping for better individual performances.

Crescent 1st XI Triumphs with 10 Men

Crescent Cricket Club’s 1st XI hosted Rossie Priory at Brechin with several regular players unavailable, (including captain and vice captain) providing an opportunity for new faces in the team. Sohaib was set to lead the team but suffered a scary knock on the head from Ayush’s bowling in 2nd over of the match, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the game due to safety concerns. Despite this setback, Crescent displayed resilience, with Sohaib surviving the hit and remaining on the sidelines for the rest of the match. Crescent played with 10 men and had a long day ahead.

The bowlers, including Kamal, Ayush, Sujesh, Dave, and Pankaj, showcased brilliant spells, leading to Rossie Priory being all-out for 100 runs. Crescent’s batting performance was equally impressive, anchored by Ali, who guided the team to victory. The team displayed great spirit and effort, despite being a player short.

Crescent 2nd XI’s Tough Match against Cults Cricket Club

Crescent’s 2nd XI had a challenging match against Cults Cricket Club at Links. Cults batted first and mounted a formidable score of 288 for 5 wickets, as Crescent’s bowlers struggled to take wickets. The game could have had a different outcome if the team had not dropped around 20 catches. There were rumors suggesting that players hesitated to move in the outfield to catch or stop the ball, leading to superstitious speculations about a possible spell.

During the run chase, Crescent’s top-order batsmen aimed for big hits but lost wickets early on, resembling an initial meltdown. However, Asad, playing his first match for the club, stabilized the innings and scored a well-deserved half-century, taking Crescent to a respectable total of 185 and earning full batting points.

Overall Assessment

While there were a few positives to take from the game, both individually and as a team, there were also valuable lessons to be learned. The famous saying in the cricket world, “Catches win matches,” did not hold true for Crescent on that particular day.