Cricket: New names could be on the cup

It’s Scottish Cup semi-final time. And this Sunday’s ties could well produce a final featuring two teams whose names, surprisingly, have not yet adorned the coveted trophy.

Watsonians, undefeated current front-runners in the Eastern Premiership, are massive favourites to prevail at home against a toiling Stenhousemuir side presently propping up the entire Western First Division.

Watsonians’ last appearance in the national final was in 1983 when they lost by four wickets to Ferguslie at Hamilton Crescent. Stenny haven’t been to the final since 1980 when Eddie Pollock’s ton 
accounted for West.

In the other all-Eastern Premiership semi, home advantage could help provide a first cup win for Carlton against Heriot’s.

The Goldenacre men have won twice, in 1978 and again in 2000 when, propelled by a Jim Love’s 50, they shocked favourites Grange by five wickets. Intriguingly, Cricket Scotland operations director Ewan McIntyre played in both victorious finals.