Cricket: Kerr believes returning Saltires can tip balance for Carlton

JAMIE Kerr will be seeking a remarkable eighth Murgitroyd Masterton cricket Trophy final success, against Grange, tonight to begin a record-breaking weekend for the Carlton 'keeper.

When Carlton visit Aberdeenshire tomorrow it will be internationalist Kerr's 200th premiership appearance - an achievement only bettered by the Uddingston captain Ricky Bawa and starting with an away win at Stoneywood Dyce. However, Kerr is initially focusing on the twenty:20 event which he acknowledges has a special status at Carlton and not just because they traditionally host the final at their Grange Loan ground on Edinburgh's southside.

Says Kerr, who made his first final appearance in 1994 and went on to enjoy victories the following year as well as 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010: "The trophy was donated by Mrs (Margaret) Masterton who was a great supporter of our club and to know what it means you have to be aware of how much we feel we are missing out when any final goes ahead without a Carlton presence. The format does suit us, though, as a team with what we believe to be real strength in depth."

It hasn't happened very often in recent years that Carlton have missed but in 2009 they were shocked by RH Corstorphine in a rare final loss.

Recalls Kerr: "Back then Preston Mommsen played a big innings for RH Corstorphine before moving to join us on the way to becoming a Scotland cap." Mommsen, along with colleagues Fraser Watts and Gordon Drummond were in the Saltires side that faced Ireland and Sri Lanka this week as did Grange acting captain, Gregor Maiden.

"The outcome could depend on how the lads coming back from Saltires duty perform although we are giving first taste of final action to Aravind Srinavasan who has been outstanding for our 2nds."

Victory would keep Carlton on course for the national finals which they have won in each of the last two years.