Eastern Premier: Selectors are given a reminder

MICHAEL Leask admitted to having mixed emotions in the wake of his century in vain for Stoneywood-Dyce against Grange.

The all-rounder had watched another sidelined Scotland star, Ryan Flannigan, thump a ton for the Edinburgh outfit at Peoples Park in what was, for both, a timely reminder for national squad selectors who persist in picking English-based players who can’t command regular slots in county starting line-ups.

The current tussle between the Scots and Australia A at Raeburn Place is a case in point, with the likes of Leask and 
Flannigan being denied the chance to compete against talented opposition.

Leask said: “Saturday was a good day for me personally, but the result was not what we were looking for. In terms of the Scotland situation, all I can do is keep performing and hope that I get noticed.”

Flannigan figured in a second wicket stand of 117 with Josh 
Edwards to take Grange to 245 for six while Neil McCallum hit 42 with Elton Willemse the pick of the attack with four for 53.

The SD response got off to a terrible start with George Ninan bowled by Raj Routray before a run was on the board.

At 88 for six, a total capitulation looked on the cards. However, Leask had other ideas, reaching his century with an array of impressive strikes before being snapped up by George Munsey off Gregor 
Maiden with the total on 180.

Routray then finished with four for 46, while Andrew Brock took four for 52.

Arbroath tightened their grip at the top with success against SMRH where Petrie struck 78 while Cedric English made 87 for the Edinburgh side in their 174 all out total.

Aberdeenshire were on fire against champions Watsonians, reviving their challenge in devastating fashion at Mannofield with Harsha 
Cooray the star of the show with a brilliant all-round display.

He launched the demolition job by smashing a quickfire 63 not out – then grabbed four cheap wickets to send ’Sonians sliding to 145 all out in pursuit of 247.

Finally, Carlton were always in charge in the capital showdown with Heriot’s at Grange Loan.

Despite Cameron Farrell’s half century, Heriot’s could only reach 140 for seven and early contributions by Fraser Watts (45) and Hamish Gardiner (42) ensured there would be no fightback as Carlton reached their modest target in the 29th over with six wickets to spare.