Cricket: Sonians add some Indian spice to bowling attack

Inconsistent bowling was blamed for last weekend's defeat at home to Forfarshire who helped themselves to 23 boundaries from the same number of initial overs.

While that game was under way, Dhingra, a leg spinner, was preparing to fly in after visa issues delayed his departure, according to club president, Ross Brooks.

"Some of the guys in our club who have been out in India met Chetan and know his abilities.

"That should hopefully help him settle in although he has been used to playing in much higher temperatures than he can expect to experience here."

Craig Wright, Cricket Scotland's performance development manager and Watsonians captain, is one of those who knows Dhingra from leading academy squads to winter training camps on the sub-continent.

"Chetan comes from Mumbai and works as a net bowler at the Global Cricket School who help organiser our trips. He will add a bit of variety to our bowling attack while at the age of 21 he can hopefully use his experience of different conditions to push for more opportunities when returning to India."

Watsonians, who will be anxious to avoid an unwanted hat-trick of defeats against opponents who lost rather tamely at Barclays Wealth Grange last week, can take heart from the character shown in edging past Stoneywood Dyce in a Scottish Cup tie last Sunday.

Heroes for Watsonians were tail enders Tony McKenna and Peter Legget for a match- winning last wicket partnership spanning six overs

Said Brooks: "Tony came to us this season (from West Lothian) and is finding a bit of confidence. On the coaching front, too, he is proving massively important.

"It takes a bit of time to playing at a higher level but he is proving his worth."

Wright, who has called up Raj Routray for Alex Sim with Ally Fleming also dropping out, endorses that view, saying: "Tony batted well against Forfar and is proving useful all-round."

For Heriot's there is a return trip to Arbroath six days after bowing out of the Scottish Cup against the same opponents.

But Heriot's are a different side in the league as their four straight wins show; besides, compared to the Sunday XI they are strengthened by the return of Gavin McIntyre, Peter Ross and Andre van Niekirk.

Skipper Steve Knox says: "This is a chance to give ourselves a boost as we look forward to embarking at the beginning of July on a programme that has us in the Capital for six of the last seven games prior to play-offs. We have lost three times in as many games to Arbroath so it is time we overcame a little bit of a hoodoo."

Barclay's Wealth Grange head for Clydesdale in more confident mood after a league and cup double last weekend and, as he ponders selection, captain Sanjay Patel believes the depth of talent available is growing.

"After beating Uddingston in the league we turned to some of our youngsters to get us through against Bon Accord in the Scottish Cup.

"With Will Philip, brother of regulars Douglas and Henry, debuting at the age of 19 and 15-year-old Will Edwards turning out the future of Grange cricket was on show. Will's brother, Henry, staked his claim for further opportunities with an unbeaten 50 against Bon Accord."

The only premiership match in Edinburgh sees top play bottom when Carlton entertain Stirling County who are still looking for a win and have collected a mere two bonus points. But the Grange Loan club are guaranteed to be on guard against complacency especially with skipper Watts unavailable although Nick Hunt is a capable deputy who has featured regularly this season.

RH Corstorphine return to action in the Championship at Falkland after a week off due to Edinburgh CC's suspension while SMRH are at home to West Lothian with Edinburgh Accies bound for Weirs. SMRH have batsman Jonny Brock in for Chris Bisset and seamer Jo Kinghorn-Gray returns for RH.