Cricket: Brayden Tracey hits his fourth century

SCOTTISH cricket’s stats guru Neil Leitch was scouring the record books last night in the wake of Brayden Tracey’s latest heroics for SMRH.

The 19-year-old Australian smashed his fourth century in successive matches to propel the Inverleith men towards their Eastern First Division demolition job on neighbours Edinburgh Accies at Newfield.

Tracey launched his spree in the Scottish Cup clash with Prestwick, then notched another ton against Penicuik last weekend and there was no stopping him when he peppered the boundary a few days later while playing for the Headmaster’s Xl v Heriot-Watt Staff.

He continued in the same vein by thumping 117 against the Accies – putting the residents of the adjacent Arboretum Road in frequent danger.

SMRH president Bert Barclay chuckled: “Their fielders spent half the afternoon searching for the ball in the gardens.

“Thankfully the properties in that street are pretty large, so no damage was done to greenhouses and conservatories – as far as we know!”

Barclay added: “I doubt if four consecutive centuries have ever been scored in Scotland, but I am sure Neil will find out one way or the other.”

West Lothian kick started their campaign by edging out Corstorphine at Boghall, while Falkland and Freuchie outgunned Penicuik and Fauldhouse respectively.

In the West zone, Raza Butt struck 112 as Prestwick pipped Stenhousemuir in a high-scoring thriller at Henry Thow Oval.

And there were half-centuries for Gregor Preston-Jones and David Stafford as Ferguslie got the better of Poloc.

Finally, Renfrew kept up their strong run at the expense of Weirs, with East Kilbride beating Kelburne.