HE may have earned a precious Test cap for New Zealand and claimed the equally prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar, but Andy McKay can seldom, if ever, enjoyed a day’s cricket as much as he did yesterday. The Watsonians overseas recruit stole the spotlight in the capital derby at Raeburn Place, bagging the remarkable bowling figures of nine for nine to rout Eastern Premiership champions Grange on their own turf.
Attempting to respond to the visitors’ tally of 276 for seven, the hosts simply had no answer to the pace, poise and accuracy of McKay as they skidded to 55 all out in the 13th over. To underline the control and skill displayed by the killer Kiwi, his new-ball partner took one for 40 while in tandem. The fact that only three of the dismissals were catches also paid testament to the pinpoint direction of McKay’s seamers.
Despite losing Ryan Flannigan before a run was on the board, Grange didn’t appear to be in potentially fatal bother when their score stood on 21 for one. However, the wheels came off big time.
The hapless home brigade lost their last nine wickets at a cost of only 34, with McKay’s scalps including those of seasoned internationalists Neil McCallum and Scotland skipper Preston Mommsen, along with Gordon Goudie, who had been in imperious form with the bat. Only Mommsen (14) and Harris Aslam (12 not out) came up with any resistance – no fewer than five ducks being recorded.
Grange could not claim the track had been full of demons because they had watched Sonians cruise to their above-par tally, skipper Ewan Chalmers leading the way with a fine unbeaten 92, well supported by Andrew Chalmers (54).
Chalmers said: “It was great to get some revenge for our defeat to Grange in the Scottish Cup last month. It was a great spell by Andy. We were on the receiving end of a 10-for and eight-for last year so nice to have a big haul on our side.”
Glenrothes’ hopes of building on their first win of the campaign last weekend were dashed by Heriot’s at Goldenacre. Hayes van der Berg emerged as the home batsman who mattered, compiling a watchful half century to guide Heriot’s past the 166 target.
In the Western Union, Ross Lyons yet again accentuated the reasons he has been sorely missed on the Scotland scene over the last few seasons. The spinning all-rounder is playing the best cricket of career, and East Kilbride are reaping the benefits.
His latest heroics came at Torrance House, where EK snuffed out championship contenders Ferguslie, ultimately in convincing fashion.
The picture had looked bleak when the home brigade slipped to 10 for four, only for Lyons to pull of a tremendous salvage act. His unbeaten 92 from 100 balls propelled them to a decent total of 191.
He then weaved his magic with the ball to rule out any prospects of a Ferguslie fightback, finishing with five for 26 as they crumbled to 153 all out.
Kelburne prevailed in a low-scoring encounter with Ayr at Paisley, in spite of a fine joint performance by the McElnea brothers. Andi notched a half-ton for the seasiders, with Scott taking three cheap wickets, all in vain as the locals closed it out with three men to spare.
Drumpelier earned a clear-cut victory over inconsistent Dumfries, who were skittled for 89.
Arbroath, East pacesetters Forfarshire and Clydesdale emerged as winners in rain-affected tussles with Carlton, Stoneywood-Dyce and Stenhousemuir respectively.
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