'Damp squib' victory not good enough for English

Published on Sunday 11 May 2008 22:32

CEDRIC English, the Carlton captain, was in subdued mood after his side made it three wins on the trot on Saturday.

However, the fact that victory over Heriot's at Grange Loan had been secured by the D/L method left a feeling of anti-climax.

"It was a bit of a damp squib to be honest because we'd rather have won over a full game," said English.

However, he added: "We are looking in good shape with strength in depth but it's early days."

English figured in a crucial second-wicket stand of 159, hitting 70, while Peter Wooden compiled 130 not out from 140 balls. Carlton's total of 244-3 was always going to be tough for Heriot's, who had reached 87-2 when bad light called a halt.

Meanwhile Sanjay Patel, the new Grange captain, was a relieved man after his side bounced back from defeat to Ayr with victory over champions Greenock at Glenpark.

Patel was behind a tinkering with a batting order which had failed to fire in the first two weeks of the season and was vindicated as his side dominated proceedings almost from the start.

Stuart Davidson was promoted to open the batting with Gregor Maiden. Both were back in the pavilion with 46 on the board but the runs had come at such a rate that a platform had been set for Neil McCallum and Warren McSkimming to build a sizeable total.

New Zealand pro McSkimming

made 46 but McCallum dominated with a superb 80 from 134 balls.

Giles Holmes propelled Grange's total to 219-5 with a rapid unbeaten 32. Greenock's reply quickly hit the skids as Davidson accounted for Tim McIntosh and Sean Weeraratna.

Dewald Nel and Ryan Begley added 61 for the seventh wicket but Andy Wilson's 5-32 clinched the points for Grange.

"This helps consign last week to the history books," said Patel.

Elsewhere, Ayr claimed their second last-over win in as many weeks. Having disposed of Grange, the Cambusdoon side claimed another significant scalp with a thrilling last-ball win over Uddingston.

Chasing the visitors' 189, of which Ed Cowan hit 66, Matt Horne led the response with an unbeaten 104. Skipper Phil Wilson added to his earlier three wickets with the winning hit when two runs were required off the last ball of the match.

Ferguslie enjoyed a comfortable eight-wicket win over Poloc at Meikleriggs, while the Myreside clash between Watsonians and Clydesdale was called off.