Hassan Akram taps his potential at last

HASSAN Akram had always been regarded as a young cricketer with plenty of potential but one who never really stepped up to the mark.

That all changed on Saturday when the 21-year-old really came of age as a batsman, propelling Weirs to a convincing triumph over fellow strugglers SMRH at Albert Park.

Akram, who didn't even have an SNCL half-century to his name, hit a superb 107 – leaving even team-mates toiling to believe their eyes.

Former skipper Craig Greenwood said: "It was a fantastic effort from Hassan – and testament to how hard he has worked at his game.

"For some reason he has found a wave of confidence this season and this innings at last showed what he is capable of achieving. We had promoted him up the order to open and I don't think he offered a catching chance during his knock."

Akram's feat enabled the Glasgow side to reach 262 for seven off 46 overs in a rain-affected contest.

In reply, the capital outfit could only stumble to 92 for five in 27 overs – which was 75 adrift of the target.

Greenwood went on: "It was a hugely important win for us. We are very similar to SMRH in terms of the fact that neither club has a pro. It was all very heartening."

The weather totally washed out the tussle at Nunholm between leaders Dumfries at Kelburne.

Old stagers Scott Gourlay and David Cowan shared eight wickets as Freuchie edged out Imans Edinburgh. Scott Galloway was also in fine form with the bat to make 50, while Steve Rowley top scored with 61 not out. And RH Corstorphine were shot out for 152 at home to Renfrew, who won with three wickets in hand.