Cricket: Davey shines but Saltires lack the killer touch

Published on 24/10/2012 01:54

JOSH Davey’s all-round heroics proved in vain last night as the Saltires failed to break their tour duck in South Africa.

The Middlesex cricketer scored 95 and claimed four wickets against a Combined North West XI in Potchefstroom.

However, the Scots were left ruing a lack of ruthlessness as the hosts edged home by two wickets.

Defending a total of 239, the tourists stayed in the hunt by picking up regular wickets. Davey claimed 4-49 while Majid Haq weighed in with 3-50.

Earlier, Davey led the way as Scotland produced a solid, if unspectacular, batting display. The Aberdeen-born all-rounder provided the anchor role with a patient knock though few of his top order colleagues could offer sustained support.

It was left to Stoneywood-Dyce youngster Michael Leask to hit out with an enterprising 36 as the Scots accelerated towards the end.

Leask’s knock allowed the tourists to reach 239-9, a total which proved just short.

Coach Pete Steindl last night admitted that his side had thrown away their chance as the Scots came within two wickets of victory.

Steindl said: “It is definitely a missed opportunity to get a win on the board. We failed to be ruthless when we had the chance to 
finish the game.

“Josh (Davey) batted really well, Michael (Leask) again showed promise.

“But we needed more guys to make a more significant contribution.”

The Scots continue their search for the winning formula when they face North West Dragons in a 50-over match today.