Cricket: Andrew Brock praises impact of Raj Routrey

GRANGE vice-captain Andrew Brock picked out new recruit Raj Routrey for special mention after the comprehensive Eastern Premier Division triumph over Forfarshire at Raeburn Place.

And Brock reckons the switch from Watsonians was just what the doctor ordered for the qualified medic.

Routrey, who also had spells at Ferguslie and Carlton, emerged as the man who mattered most with a well-merited five-wicket haul.

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Brock said: “Raj claimed the first four to fall and that completely swung the match. His arrival here has been great for the club and for him. He is training very hard and all the work is paying off handsomely.”

Brock also cited veteran all-rounder Gregor Maiden, whose solid 85 provided the foundations on which Routrey performed. He stated: “Gregor played very responsibly, with the others in the top six chipping in and supporting well.”

Grange’s 245 for seven was always going to be too lofty a target after Routrey got into his stride. Only visiting skipper Craig Wallace offered any meaningful resistance with 42 as the Broughty Ferry brigade crumbled to 139 all out – Routrey ending with five for 32.

Meanwhile, Carlton’s miserable start to their campaign continued with a defeat by Watsonians.

The reigning SNCL champions looked in control when they reduced the Myreside men to 87 for seven in pursuit of 159, but Dewald Nel produced a match-winning knock of 47 not out as Watsonians cruised home without further loss. Earlier, Fraser Watts played a captain’s innings of 66 as Carlton were forced to battle for their 158.

Aberdeenshire slumped to their second consecutive defeat to Heriot’s at Goldenacre. The hosts were in some trouble on 61 for four but a stand of 130 between Cammy Farrell and Sean Weeraratna changed the game.

Farrell top-scored with a brilliant unbeaten 84 from 65 deliveries while Weeraratna weighed in with a 43-ball 57. Aberdeenshire could manage just 132, Graeme Tomlinson battling for 44.

Stoneywood-Dyce continued their fine run with a seven-wicket success over off-colour Arbroath at People’s Park. However, Lichties vice-captain Calvin Burnett insisted there is no panic in the camp in the wake of their string of defeats.

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He said: “We had a great season last year with virtually the same players. We are not suddenly a bad team and nothing has changed.

“We just need a bit of luck to swing our way and when that happens I am sure the right results will start to flow. We are a solid team.”

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