Cricket: Frustration as fired-up Saltires hit by washout

SALTIRES skipper Gordon Drummond expressed his frustration last night after his side’s hopes of back-to-back CB40 wins were dashed by the rain.

The Scots went into their clash with the Welsh Dragons at Bothwell Castle Policies on a high following last Monday’s stunning win over Notts.

However, fewer than seven overs were possible at the Uddingston venue before rain set in to force the players from the field.

Drummond said: “The guys are still really buzzing after the win against Notts and we were desperate to build on that.

“It’s extremely disappointing because we had made a positive start and we were backing ourselves.

“But we’ve been here before with the rain and we just have to get on with it.”

The Scots lost Josh Davey, lbw to former England paceman Simon Jones in the second over.

However, they had recovered to reach 25-1 with Ryan Flannigan hammering three boundaries in his 17. Calum MacLeod was also unbeaten on seven but the first competitive clash between the sides since 1988 ended in abandonment.

The call-off was a big disappointment for the Uddingston club who were hosting a competitive county fixture for the first time.

And Drummond paid tribute to his former Saltires team-mate, Paul Hoffmann, now the local groundsman.

“Hoffy had prepared a great wicket with a bit of bounce in it and both teams commented that the ground was in great condition,” said the Scotland captain.

“It’s frustrating for the team, but I know it is also a big let-down for everyone at Uddingston because it’s important that these big games travel round the country.”

The Saltires – and Uddingston – will get a second chance to put on a show next Sunday when they entertain Hampshire.

Meanwhile, the Scots sit in second place behind Surrey in the Group B table after taking a point from yesterday’s washout.