Watts back as Greenock hunt win

William Dick • Published 16 Jul 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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FOR the second week in a row, Greenock entertain one of their former favourites when Carlton arrive at Glenpark tomorrow.

Last week it was Neil MacRae and Aberdeenshire who some thought were saved by the weather after Greenock had posted 235-8.

Seven days on it is Saltires star Fraser Watts who leads the Edinburgh side into a fixture they must win to maintain their hopes of pushing Grange for the title.

In contrast, Greenock's more modest goal is simply to a register a second win of the campaign.

Watts, who starred in the Glenpark side's 2007 SNCL premier division winning side, is in a rich vein of form following Scotland's World Cricket League campaign during the last fortnight.

The opening batsman registered scores of 50, 46 and 98 in his final three innings in Holland and will be bidding to maintain that prolific record ahead of Scotland's ODI against Bangladesh on Monday.

Watts, though, is just one of four Scotland men returning to action for Carlton, with national skipper Gordon Drummond, left-arm spinner Ross Lyons and Preston Mommsen also swelling the ranks of a talented squad.

Carlton, though, are denied the services of strike bowler Ali Evans who is with Scotland Lions at the European Championships in Jersey.

While Carlton are able to recall their four Scotland players, the bad news for Greenock is that Richie Berrington, their own Saltires star, is unlikely to be available.

Berrrington, one of Cricket Scotland's full-time contracted players, has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move to a county.

That fact, coupled with a niggling back problem, means he is unlikely to be risked with the Bangladesh game looming.

Skipper Kevin McLaren, pictured above, said: "We are awaiting final news on Richie's availability but it is looking unlikely. That is a shame because we have hardly seen him this season and he would make a huge difference."

Greenock's selection problems are compounded by the absence of Willie Rowan, top-scorer with 94 against Aberdeenshire, who is on Scotland Lions duty.

Sailesh Prabhu is also unavailable but Alex Baum returns.

McLaren added: "We are going to be up against it because Carlton have quality throughout their team.

"But the lads showed tremendous spirit to score 235 against Aberdeenshire and I think we would have gone on to win that game if it hadn't rained.

"The wicket at Glenpark has been pretty helpful to bowlers all season so if we can win the toss and put them in, who knows?"

l Greenock Cricket Club is grateful for the support of the following:

Match Sponsor: W. B. Hall (Sales & Service). Ball Sponsor: Scott Forrest. Presidential Suite: Stephen Wylie.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 16 Jul 10

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