‘Sonians Slip to Defeat at Champions
Watsonians were stopped in their tracks on Saturday by a spirited performance from reigning champions Aberdeenshire.
Upon winning the toss Steve Paige chose to field and the typically firm Mannofield track offered good carry and some movement for the openers which caused Shire’s openers significant difficulties. Michael Parlane offered a chance to Stuart Chalmers at second slip but much to Paddy Sadler’s frustrations it went begging. Following his reprieve Parlane set about launching an attack on the visiting bowlers which amounted to 62 from 37 balls before Chalmers got his own back. He then went on to remove Shaun Coetzer and Watsonians were able to enjoy a period of control. Steve Paige was Aberdeenshires tormentor, offering nothing to messers Macrae and Tomlinson in a spell of 10 overs for just 28 runs. Wickets in hand were however to prove crucial for Aberdeen and an undefeated 50 from Kenny Reid propelled the home side to 262 from their 50 overs.
The Watsonian chase did not get off to the smoothest of starts as Ryan Flannigan who had looked in good touch was bowled by veteran pace man David Cox. That proved the last alarm for a while as Easton and Weston took the score well past 100 before the former was run out for 42. Stuart Chalmers then joined Weston and contributed 33 himself before being caught at extra cover trying to break the shackles the Aberdeenshire slower bowlers had imposed. Tim Weston brought up his second century of the season and with Euan Stubbs looked set to help guide Watsonians to a well fought victory but when Stubbs and then Weston fell within three balls the rate of 9 over proved too steep for the incoming batters and the visitors were eventually all out for 229 with 13 balls remaining.
Grange losing to Clydesdale was an unforeseen blessing for the Myreside men but by virtue of Grange picking up 2 bonus points from their clash, Watsonians slip to second with 3 games to go.
