Grange looking good for title

GRANGE last night leapt confidently over one of the three remaining obstacles standing between them and Scottish National Cricket League title glory with an emphatic win over Uddingston.

Batting first, Uddingston limped to 116 all out in 42.1 overs, during which Giles Holmes claimed 3-13, although there were also excellent spells from Michael Powell, Andy Wilson and Roy Adams. Paul Hoffmann and Amir Gul scored 30 apiece but the hosts had little else to offer.

Rising Scotland star Ollie Hairs then raced to an imperious 77 in 59 balls for Grange, hitting 11 fours and a six. While Hairs was out, former Warwickshire star Powell steered the title favourites home with almost 30 overs to spare.

Meanwhile Watsonians, who trail Grange only on run-rate, kept their challenge alive despite being given a scare by city rivals Carlton at Grange Loan. Chasing a modest 159 for victory, they still needed 12 runs when their eighth wicket fell. However, Ross Paxton (19no) and Paddy Sadler (9no) held their nerve as victory was completed in the penultimate over.

Earlier Stevie Gilmour notched a half-century for Carlton but tight Watsonians bowling denied the visitors a substantial total.