Watts full of praise as his bowlers hold nerve

Published on Tuesday 6 May 2008 00:32

FRASER Watts, the stand-in Saltires captain, last night praised his nerveless heroes after they withstood a brave fight-back by Lancashire to secure their first Friends Provident Trophy victory of the season.

Having reduced the Red Rose county to 44-7 in their pursuit of Scotland's 155-9, the visitors looked like racing to their third successive win at Old Trafford with ease.

Instead, the county took the match down to the final delivery and were only denied when Gordon Drummond, the Watsonians seamer, restricted James Anderson to a single when three were required for the win.

Watts singled out the inexperienced Drummond for special praise, saying: "Every bowler performed out of their skins, but Gordon was left with the last over which was always going to be a test of nerve and skill.

"But I never had any qualms about giving it to him. He showed unbelievable character to get through it and I'm delighted for him."

Drummond, making just his fifth appearance against county opposition, had earlier put down a catch and was the only Scottish bowler not to claim a wicket.

However, Watts added: "He deserves huge credit and I'm sure this performance will do wonders for him."

Dewald Nel claimed the man-of-the-match award for his 3-26 which included the wickets of big guns Mohammad Yousuf and Andrew Flintoff.

The captain, who along with Craig Wright and Colin Smith, has featured in all three of Scotland's recent Old Trafford wins, added: "It's very hard to find words to express how good this win feels. It was a roller-coaster of emotions throughout the second innings of the game and I'm just thrilled that we managed to see the job through."

The result should help boost the attendance at the Citylets Grange on Sunday when the Saltires entertain FP Trophy holders Durham.