Eastern Premier cricket: Watsonians make the most of Knox’s drop

Published on 06/08/2012 00:00

CANDID captain Steve Knox has shouldered the blame for the defeat for Heriot’s that enabled Watsonians to take another significant step towards the CSL Eastern Premiership crown.

He lamented: “It was a really close match, but the pivotal moment was when I dropped Ewan Chalmers early in his innings.

“He went on to make 69 not out and that proved to be the difference between the sides.”

Knox had top-scored with 42 for Heriot’s as they were shot out for 154, leaving Chalmers to guide Sonians to a three-wicket triumph in the 44th over at Goldenacre.

Grange stepped up their challenge with a win against Aberdeenshire at Fettes College.

Gregor Maiden (four for 37) and Ryan Flannigan (50) were the men who mattered most for the victors, who reached the target of 131 with five wickets and more than 15 overs to spare.

At the other end of the table, the experience of Ben McGill and batting power of pro Harsha Vithana spurred Arbroath to derby victory over Forfarshire.

Arbroath were in deep trouble during the opening exchanges at Forthill. However, Vithana (107) and McGill (42) not only steadied the ship but propelled them to a lofty 223.

McGill then carried on the good work with the ball, grabbing five for 26 to send the hosts hurtling to 93 all out; Vithana claiming three scalps.

When McGill clean bowled Dean Fearn, he hit the 300-wicket mark in national league 
hostilities.

Elsewhere, Carlton’s Mike Herdmann bagged three wickets as Stoneywood-Dyce slid to 138 all out.

He then he hit 61 not out in tandem with Preston Mommsen (52 not out) to make sure of the nine-wicket stroll.