Chalmers steps up to deliver for Scots Lions

Published on Wednesday 5 August 2009 22:53

ANDY Tennant last night hailed his stand-in skipper Stuart Chalmers after he led Scotland Lions to a morale-boosting win ahead of next week's European A Championships.

Grange all-rounder Chalmers was handed the reins after a spate of call-offs and responded with 74 in a thrilling three-wicket win against a star-studded Delhi Development XI at Titwood. Chasing 176 in 40 overs Chalmers shared a third wicket stand of 119 with Preston Mommsen as the Scots took charge, but Mommsen's dismissal for 66 sparked a mini-collapse before youngsters Willie Rowan and Matty Parkers guided the Lions home with two balls to spare.

Chalmers, who was out just before the end, faced 102 balls and hit one six and seven fours.

Tennant declared: "Stuart is improving all the time and showed a lot of maturity to lead the run chase."

Earlier the Scots were on the back foot as Unmakt Chand took up the attack after the loss of two early wickets. Chand stroked a superb 74 from 86 balls, with seven boundaries and a six to put Delhi on course for a big total. However, the Lions fought back with Rowan and Mommsen each claiming two wickets.