Cricket: Sonians beat rain to go clear of Grange

By DAVID KELSO
Published on 30/07/2012 00:00

IT WAS a day when the toss was always likely to be crucial – and so it proved in the only two Eastern Premier encounters to at least conclusively sidestep the elements.

Watsonians made the most of the coin fortunes to streak clear of capital rivals Grange at the head of the title race.

But Arbroath’s plight at the wrong end of the table deepened when they were toppled on home turf by Carlton.

The outcome of the latest chapter of a miserable and disjointed campaign was that Edinburgh sides occupy the top six places in the pecking order, with the Lichties propping up Forfarshire and Aberdeenshire.

With five rounds of fixtures remaining – and with the weather prospects seeming no brighter – it is becoming hard to imagine that the placings will alter appreciably before the curtain comes down on the season.

After being put in to bat, Grange knew that, with the weather likely to break, they would have to post a big total to put any real pressure on Watsons at Myreside.

And, with an outfield that wasn’t particularly slick, they battled they way to 193. However, that was probably 30-40 runs short of what they really needed, especially with South African pro Jean Symes padded up.

Sure enough, it was the Saltires hired hand who led the ’Sonians response with some style and doggedness.

Symes struck 54 not out and was given stout support by Andy Hislop (40) to guide the homes brigade to success on D/L run rate.

When the downpour came they had reached 110 for two in the 24th over, which was 39 ahead of par.

Delighted Watsons president Ross Brooke said: “It was a very important win which now puts us in a good position. Every game in this league is tough, though, and we’ll need to perform at our best every match to stand a chance of being in the mix 
in a month’s time.