Fringe players provide Saltires coach with a timely reminder

The Saltires new-look squad, including teenager Freddie Coleman, head south for Leicestershire for their opening Clydesdale Bank 40 clash this Sunday and those 14 players know there are numerous others in-form and breathing down their necks for places.

Carlton batsman Preston Mommsen – who many feel was unlucky not to make the Scotland party – hit a stunning 120 not out at Titwood against Clydesdale, but it was in vain.

South African-born Mommsen, who has previously played for Heriot's and RH Corstorphine, put on a great partnership with former Scotland cap Jamie Kerr (109 not out) as Carlton made 273-2 batting first.

The hosts grabbed their second victory of the campaign with a superb run chase, though. Former Scotland mainstay Greig Williamson made 105 and was well supported by Qasim Sheikh with 68 and pro Kamran Sajid (60 not out) as they reached 275-5 and a thrilling five-wicket win.

Meanwhile, highly-rated National Academy batsman Craig Wallace hit a superb 60 as newly-promoted Forforshire made it two wins from two. The Forthill side top the table after defeating McCrea FS West at home. Openers Dougie Lockhart and Gregg Watson gave their side a great start to the afternoon, hitting 55 and 42 respectively before falling to the bowling of Graeme Black and Kelby Pickering.

Those two bowlers then continued their good work along with Aman Bailwal, who picked up 3-12, and Dougie Phillip as McCrea FS West were held to 205-9 from their 50 overs.

Just like the visitors, Forfarshire's openers Graeme Garden and Wallace gave, the home side a solid start. Garden was bowled for 30 by Ian Cran to leave Forfarshire on 75-1 before Wallace reached his half century.

In the end, Umair Mohammed and Pickering finished unbeaten on 27 and 24 respectively to guide their team home.

Watsonians' new boy Stuart Chalmers showed that he is hungry for a Scotland recall with 44 runs and three wickets as the Edinburgh side got their first win of the campaign at Bothwell Castle.

Former Grange all-rounder Chalmers was one of four visiting batsmen who posted useful scores, his runs being backed up by 47 from the in-form James Easton, 44 from Craig Wright and 35 from another recent Scotland cap, Ewan Chalmers. That helped them reach 237-7.

In reply Uddingston struggled to 166 all out and Watsonians spinner Ross Paxton now has seven wickets for the season after adding 3-28 to his four scalps against Forfarshire last week.

At Raeburn Place, Gregor Maiden reminded everyone of his undoubted all-round talent as the vice-captain led Grange to a victory over Dunfermline Knights.

Maiden scored his first league century since June 2008 by smashing 166 not out in a display of superb strokes to leave the visiting attack not sure where to bowl.

Grange's next highest scorer was teenager Oli Hairs with 32 as the hosts made 294-8. In reply, Vasu Reddy himself scored a well-worked century for the Fifers, but his side could only reach 233, Maiden snapping up three wickets to cap a great day.

And reigning champions Aberdeenshire are up and running after a comfortable win over Greenock at Mannofield.

Aberdeenshire's bowlers were the stars, all putting in a good shift as Greenock's top order failed again as the Glenpark men slumped to 134 all out.

In reply, Colin Smith hit 57 and pro Michael Parlane 32 as Aberdeenshire secured their first win of 2010 by eight wickets.