Saltires inspired by Lions' stirring victory, says Steindl

PETE Steindl, the Saltires coach, wants his players to embrace the feel-good factor created this week by their understudies.

The Scots continue their Clydesdale Bank 40 campaign with a Bank Holiday double header away to Hampshire tomorrow and Kent on Monday as they bid to bounce back from back-to-back defeats last weekend.

And Steindl has called on his team to match the heroics of the Lions who produced a remarkable run-chase to beat Leicestershire seconds in midweek.

Steindl said: "It is always great when Scotland get the better of a county side at any level. What the Lions did in midweek should give everyone a lift because after a difficult start they ended up completely dominating the game.

"Four of the side are in the Saltires squad for the Hampshire and Kent games so their confidence is going to be high and hopefully that will rub off on the others."

The Lions, having been outplayed on the opening day at Ashby, fought back to chase 232 in 49 overs.

South African-born batsman Preston Mommsen led the way with a fine unbeaten century while Watsonians youngster Ryan Flannigan struck five sixes to stake his promotion claims.

Steindl added: "It's great to have players putting pressure on the guys in the senior team. Competition for places is always healthy and the Saltires guys know there are players breathing down their necks. That has got to motivate them.

"We want to go down there and show Hampshire and Kent that we are a side who will fight for everything."

In-form Gregor Maiden, recalled after an absence of almost two years, is likely to open the batting with skipper Gavin Hamilton after averaging 160 for Grange in the opening weeks of the season.

T20 World Cup winner Michael Lumb is in the line-up for the Royals, who showed their class by rattling up 341 against Group C table-toppers Warwickshire last weekend.

But Hampshire coach Giles White cautioned: "The Scotland lads are all good cricketers so teams should never under- estimate them."

Saltires (from): G Hamilton capt, G Maiden, G Bailey, R Berrington, N McCallum, D Lockhart w/k, M Haq, R Lyons, G Drummond, G Goudie, N Laidlaw, F Coleman, O Hussain.

Hampshire Royals (from): N Pothas capt, J Adams, M Lumb, S Ervine, L Dawson, D Cork, J Vince, M Carberry, C Benham, J Tomlinson, C Wood, N McKenzie, R Herath, D Balcombe.