Cricket: Grange expecting Adams to ignite after settling in

Grange cricket captain Sanjay Patel has backed new professional Roy Adams to be a mainstay of a sustained charge to the Scottish Premiership title.

The Raeburn Place club's lead has been cut to less than two percentage points after a first-ever home league defeat by Watsonians on South African 21-year-old Adams' debut.

But, in predicting a team backlash, Patel said: "Roy did well, especially as he only flew in on Friday lunch-time."

The all-rounder, who bowled 13 overs for a South African Invitation XI against England for just 14 runs last winter, picked up one wicket for 41 runs and scored 19 against Watsonians. Patel added: "Compared to what he was used to, conditions were cold and windy and, if he'd been performing on a harder pitch, he'd have done even better.

"All things considered, Roy did well and now he has six games to get into it."

Grange have suffered three defeats and have previously taken the title with as many as five losses which is only one reason why Patel feels matters are still very much under control. Referring to a title race that has been dramatically reopened with second-placed Watsonians leading the catch-up from Forfarshire and Carlton, he says: "Watsonians showed a lot of fight and spirit as well as putting together a pretty decent performance in both innings. They probably deserved to win.

"We have been in a close race before and know what to do.

"We regroup then think about winning all six games from here knowing that each victory would put pressure on Watsonians."

While Watsonians have a game in hand against the National Academy on Sunday, which could see them go top provided they also win at Greaves Clyesdale 24 hours earlier, Grange's next assignment is at home to basement boys Greenock. Patel added: "We will be without Andy Wilson, Stuart Davidsion, Gregor Maiden, Neil McCallum and Giles Holmes this Saturday but Oli Hairs should be available after representing Scotland A."