Ross has plenty to gain as Heriot’s take on Accies

Peter ROSS will be aiming to make up for lost time in a seasonal debut for Heriot’s at Edinburgh Accies this weekend when the Scottish cricket cup sectional matches return.

All-rounder Ross, capped from under-12 upwards, was included this week for August’s under-19 world cup in Australia.

But Ross’ progress has recently been hampered by shoulder surgery which, coupled with adverse weather, has meeant just three recent appearances, for MCC Scotland.

However, Ross has twice posted centuries, against school opposition, and he is quick to admit that senior match practice is now needed to play his part when Scotland start a global bid in a pool alongside New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Ross, whose first taste of senior action came aged ten for Kinross when he claimed the club’s “catch of the season” at long-on, said: “My shoulder started to pop out when I threw to the wicket during the second of the two tours I’ve undertaken to India through Cricket Scotland. Fortunately, (orthopaedic surgeon) Julie McBirnie at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary has done a great job tightening the joint. This Scottish side has come up through the ranks together – we once lost a European under-12 title to Ireland by .001 of a run – and we’ll travel looking to cause upsets.”

Heriot’s skipper Steve Knox, back from injury tomorrow, has high hopes for a player whose highest innings of 133 not out came for Kinross while his best seam bowling return is 8-14 while at Dollar Academy.

Says Knox: “Peter is one of the fittest players around and a top prospect; his return is timely as we look to build on three wins during the first part of the Scottish Cup as Keith Allen has returned to Ireland for the summer while 16-year-old Mark Watt debuts after joining from Leith at a time when Sean Weeraratna is among those unavailable.”

Accies have Coinneach Carmichael and Angus Rive available but plan a late pitch inspection.

Watsonians are also at home, to Penicuik, and have Alec Simm and James Easton in for Andy Learmonth and Gus Harris.

Carlton, Grange, RH Corstorphine and SMRH head for, respectively, Falkland, Renfrew, Stoneywood-Dyce and Arbroath.

Carlton include spinner Cheeky Gosain, 16.