Kiwi McKay takes nine for nine as he polishes off Heriot's

He may have earned a precious Test cap for New Zealand and claimed the equally prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar, but Andy McKay can seldom if ever have enjoyed a day's cricket as much as he did yesterday, writes David Kelso.

Watsonians' Andy McKay took nine wickets for nine runs off 6.2 overs against Heriot's.

The Watsonians overseas recruit, pictured, stole the spotlight in the capital derby at Raeburn Place, bagging the remarkable bowling figures of nine for nine to rout Eastern Premiership champions Grange on their own turf.

Attempting to respond to the visitors’ tally of 276 for seven, the hosts simply had no answer to the pace, poise and accuracy of McKay as they skidded to 55 all out in the 13th over.

To underline the control and skill displayed by the killer Kiwi, his new-ball partner took one for 40 while in tandem.

The fact that only three of the dismissals were catches also paid testament to the pinpoint direction of McKay’s seamers.

Despite losing Ryan Flannigan before a run was on the board, Grange didn’t appear to be in potentially fatal bother when their score stood on 21 for one. However, the wheels came off big-time.

They lost their last nine wickets for only 34, with McKay’s scalps including those of seasoned internationalists Neil McCallum and Scotland skipper Preston Mommsen, along with Gordon Goudie, who had been in imperious form with the bat.

Only Mommsen (14) and Harris Aslam (12 not out) came up with any resistance, with five ducks being recorded.

Sonians skipper Ewan Chalmers led the way for the visitors with a fine unbeaten 92, well supported by Andrew Chalmers (54).

Before the season had begun, there were murmerings of Watsons being genuine title contenders - who would argue following this result?

Glenrothes were beaten by Heriot’s at Goldenacre, Hayes van der Berg compiling a watchful half century to guide Heriot’s past the 166 target.

In the Western Union, Ross Lyons rescued East Kilbride at Torrance House. The picture had looked bleak when the home brigade slipped to 10 for four against Ferguslie, only for Lyons to pull of a tremendous salvage act. His unbeaten 92 from 100 balls propelled them to a decent total of 191. He then weaved his magic with the ball to rule out any prospects of a Feegie fightback, finishing with five for 26 as they crumbled to 153 all out.

Kelburne prevailed in a low-scoring encounter with old rivals Ayr at Paisley, in spite of a half-ton by Andi McElnea and three cheap wickets taken by his brother, Scott.

Drumpelier, buoyed up by their Scottish Cup success over Forfarshire, earned a win over Dumfries, who were skittled for 89. Arbroath, East pacesetters Forfarshire and Clydesdale emerged as winners in rain-affected tussles with Carlton, Stoneywood-Dyce and Stenhousemuir respectively.