Cricket: Glasgow road race could see Scottish Cup final batted over to Capital

By BILL LOTHIAN
Published on 24/08/2012 12:28

The forthcoming Scottish cricket cup final between Heriot’s and either Watsonians or Stenhousemuir could still be switched to the Capital, the Evening News has learned,

Although scheduled for Clydesdale’s ground Titwood, a concern has arisen centred around the Glasgow 10k race on Sunday, September 2, much of which takes place in the vicinity and is liable to cause access problems. If Watsonians see off Stenhousemuir at Myreside in Sunday’s replayed semi-final, then an Edinburgh venue would be the perfect setting.

However, so far as ‘Sonians are concerned, the focus is entirely on winning tomorrow at home to Arbroath and maintaining a slender lead at the top of the Eastern Premiership.

“It is in our own hands and we aim to keep it that way,” says skipper Stuart Chalmers, who returns along with Gus Harris and Mike Legget after missing last week’s shock 
defeat by Stoneywood/Dyce while Grange were also slipping up against Arbroath.

“In many ways it is good to be playing Arbroath because of the reminder of what they are capable of if we are not on our toes,” says Chalmers.

Meanwhile, as second-placed Barclays Wealth Grange bid to keep up the pressure at home to a Heriot’s team looking to develop momentum going into their first cup final since 2000, Carlton can only hope for a win over basement club Forfarshire coinciding with a Watsonians defeat either tomorrow or on the concluding day.

“If we win our last two games and Watsonians don’t we are in business because the final match is against fellow contenders, Grange,” said Carlton skipper Fraser Watts, who has left arm seamer John Hutton fit.

Added Watts: “The bulk of Watsonians runs have come from Jean Symes and Ewan Chalmers so especially if they don’t come off with the bat things could work in our favour.”

For Heriot’s there is the added opportunity to stake claims for a cup final place.

Drafted in is Ali Farooq with Craig McKellar dropping out while Qasim Ashraf takes over from Jed Case.

In the First Division it could be a red-letter day for SMRH, who can confirm promotion to with a win over Falkland at Inverleith.