Greenock are stung by cup exit

William Dick • Published 7 Jun 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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BOWLED OUT: Willie Rowan.

THE elation of Greenock's maiden league win of the season was last night replaced by despair following their exit from the Scottish Cup.

Kevin McLaren's men went into their second round meeting with Stirling at New Williamfield in high spirits following Saturday's SNCL success against West of Scotland.

However, the premier division side found themselves on the receiving end of a shock as their lower league rivals ran out comfortable six-wicket victors.

A brilliant all-round performance by Josh Edwards proved their undoing, though Greenock contributed to their own downfall with a dismal batting display, which was later compounded by some wayward bowling.

Requiring a modest 187 for victory, Australian-born Edwards led the way with a superb unbeaten century.

Edwards, who also claimed four wickets, stroked 12 boundaries in his 106 as he almost single-handedly led the run-chase.

His knock was enough to ensure the first division side's progress to today's quarter-final draw.

Earlier, Greenock were staring at total humiliation after an abject batting display saw them slump to 112-9 after 29 overs..

Edwards was the destroyer-in-chief with four wickets, while Richie Carswell picked up the key scalps of Willie Rowan and Richie Berrington.

However a last-wicket stand of 74 between Jon Hempsey and Dougie Wylie helped Greenock grab some respectability.

Both players rode their luck as Stirling put down a string of catching chances before Hempsey was last out for a top score of 33, including four boundaries.

Wylie, who was just one run short of his partner, also stroked four boundaries, while Greenock's total was boosted by a generous helping of 32 wides from the home bowlers.

However, if Greenock thought they were back in the contest, Edwards had other ideas.

Glenpark skipper McLaren said: "It is bitterly disappointing to go out of the cup.

"Winning on Saturday was great, but in some ways today was a bigger game for us because we could have won the cup, whereas we won't win the league.

"But we will attempt to build on the positives of our performance against West."

Score: Greenock 186 (J Hempsey 33, D Wylie 32; J Edwards 4-28) lost to Stirling 187-4 (J Edwards 106no) by six wickets.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 07 Jun 10

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