‘Sonians overcome Clydesdale
Watsonians got back to winning ways with a hard fought home victory against Clydesdale last weekend.
On a Myreside pitch which continues to yield a lot of runs, Clydesdale compiled 231 from their 50 overs. At one stage however, the visitors looked like they may be post a much more imposing total. Veteran all rounder Greig Williamson and partner Zulfi Shahid had put on over 100 in quick time for the first wicket before both fell LBW to Ross Paxton in the 50s. Craig Wright then picked up visiting pro Kamran Sajid aided by a great cover catch by Stuart Chalmers. The two spinners were then able to squeeze the Clydesdale middle order and bring the run rate down to a more modest level. That being said, with 10 overs to go and 6 wickets in hand 250 looked more likely than 230 and Watsonians are indebted to Chalmers for his spell of 5 overs 3 for 9 at the death, bowling an effective mixture of yorkers, bouncers and slower balls.
At the half way stage, 231 looked like a very attainable total but having lost out in tight run chases in recent weeks it was always likely that the Watsonian pursuit would prove interesting.
James Easton, and then Ryan Flannigan both fell for ducks to Williamson’s vintage in-swingers and without the quick start the openers have blessed the Myreside men with on most occassions this year the weight of the chase fell on the middle order. Tim Weston was more than up to the challenge and ably assisted by first Chalmers (26) and then Wright (48), Stubbs (19) and Learmonth (10*) he skillfully compiled his maiden century for the club, 113* from 130 balls. The chase was always tight but when Weston hit the final ball of the penultimate over for a mighty 6 over mid-wicket, leaving just 2 runs from the final over, the match finally, and decisively turned in favour of the home side.
Congratulations to Tim from all at Myreside
