Scots secure European victory

SCOTLAND's youngsters pulled off a European Championship win in Belfast last night. Craig Wright's Under-19s cruised to an easy 109-run win against Jersey to complete a clean sweep over their five title rivals and reclaim the silverware they relinquished to Ireland last year.

The Scots went into the final day of the competition knowing they could still be overhauled on run-rate if they slipped up. However, they dominated Jersey almost from start to finish, posting 208 before dismissing their opponents for just 99.

Aberdeenshire's Matty Cross top-scored with 33, including four boundaries, but a further six batsmen reached the 20 mark as the Scots stuck to their task.

At one stage they looked in danger of being bowled out for less than 200 but Peter Leggett and Sam Page added 50 for the seventh wicket.

Skipper Paddy Sadler was the bowling hero with 4-22, including two double-wicket maidens, while new-ball partner Stan Shillington had 2-17 and Scott McElnea conceded only five runs in as many overs as Scotland pressed home their advantage.

The victory secures a place at next year's qualifying event for the 2012 World Cup, and jubilant coach Wright admitted: "Securing a place at the next stage of World Cup qualifying was our priority but winning the title is a great bonus."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Saltires return to the challenges thrown up by English county opposition this weekend, with two home matches in the Clydesdale Bank 40 series against Durham and Warwickshire. In-form Australia A captain George Bailey returns as the Saltires' overseas professional for the remainder of the series. And Gordon Drummond takes charge of the squad in his first outing as captain in this 40-overs-a-side form of the game.

The full Scottish Saltires line-up is as follows: Gordon Drummond (captain); George Bailey, Richie Berrington, Gordon Goudie, Gavin Hamilton, Majid Haq, Moneeb Iqbal, Dougie Lockhart (wicket-keeper), Ross Lyons, Neil McCallum, Preston Mommsen, Matthew Parker and Fraser Watts.

Both games are being played at the Citylets Titwood ground in Pollokshields, Glasgow, and both games start at 1.45pm. Tickets are available at the gate, priced at 15, with OAPs and students at 10 and U18s at 7.50.