Cricket: Skipper Fraser Burnett doesn’t mind price of victory

Published on 23/07/2012 00:00

JUBILANT Arbroath skipper Fraser Burnett relived one of the best shots of his career – and 
admitted it was worth every penny of the £25 it cost him!

Fraser was on 85 going into the final over against Aberdeenshire at Mannofield and he smashed Tyler Buchan for three boundaries, including a huge last-ball six to reach a second century in successive seasons at the ground.

Burnett said: “I was on 95 with one delivery left and I wondered about just trying for a four so I wouldn’t have to fork out another £25 for a jug of beer in the clubhouse – a batsman has to do that for every 50 runs he scores – but I couldn’t resist the temptation to go for the big one.”

Burnett’s innings inspired Arbroath to break their Eastern Premiership duck, and earned them a pile of self-belief in their quest to climb the table.

He faced 123 balls, which featured 12 fours and two sixes, as Arbroath made 203.

The bowlers then reduced the Dons to 18 for four and only a battling 85 by pro Harsha Cooray prevented total devastation as they made 172.

Watsonians also remain in contention following a tense two-wicket victory over Forfarshire at Broughty Ferry.

Scott Galloway (55), Graeme Garden (37) and Aman Bailwal (30) had guided Shire to 198 for nine, with Stuart Chalmers taking four wickets. For Sonians Ewan Chalmers provided the stability with 71 not out, while Andrew Fraser-Harris offered stout support with 46 as they grabbed the win with four balls and two wickets to spare.

At Grange Loan, Heriot’s needed 12 off the last 10 balls with only one wicket in hand against Carlton but Peter Ross didn’t let the pressure get to him as he hit the decisive boundary.

Toby Bailey (52) and Jamie Kerr (41) had propelled Carlton to 192, while Sean Weeraratna and Cam Farrell each grabbed three wickets. David Ross led the Heriot’s response with 67.

Grange completed a demolition job on Stoneywood-Dyce. Wicketkeeper Simon Smith led the way with a half-century, while Giles Holmes (46 not out), Henry Edwards (41), Sanjay Patel (34) and Gregor Maiden (34) propelled them to 274 for seven.

The hosts limped to 82 all out – Maiden following up with a 
lethal burst of three for six.