Uddingston make winning start to cricket season

Apr 30 2008

TUNNOCK Uddingston Cricket Club got their Scottish National Cricket League Premier Division season off to a flyer on Saturday with a resounding win over NVT Poloc at Bothwell Castle Policies.

The 181-run win was largely down to an heroic debut performance by new overseas professional Ed Cowan, with the Australian recording an incredible 163 for the county side.

He was aided by overseas amateur Brett Webber who clocked up 59-not-out, and Gavin Bradley, who took a career best of five for 15 when Poloc attempted to reach their massive 265 total — which never looked likely.

Cowan’s performance will excite Saltires fans, as the New South Wales State opener is one of two overseas professionals permitted to play for Scotland, in a dual deal that took him to Uddingston in the first place.

On Saturday the 25-year-old began with a flurry before exploding past the 100 mark, with a spate of boundaries before falling in the last over.

This match almost didn’t take place, following a heavy downpour, but when given the go-ahead, Uddingston captain Ricky Bawa lost the toss and was invited to have first use of the wicket.

Bawa opted to open the innings himself, in the company of Cowan, and the pair had put on 29 by the eighth over, when Bawa was out for five.

Cowan had progressed steadily to 24 when he was joined by vice-captain Amir Gul, but in the face of some steady bowling from Zimbabwean Test star Gavin Ewing and veteran spinner Keith Sheridan, the run rate was kept down to sustainable proportions until Gul was caught and bowled for 16 in the 25th over.

But at 75 for two Cowan was joined by Webber, and in a marvellous partnership of 182 they took the Villagers to 258 before Cowan was out for 163 with two balls to go in the innings.

Webber stuck a fine 59 not out before Paul Hoffmann arrived at the crease and hit a mighty six and a more sedate four off the last two balls of the innings, to take the Villagers to a formidable score of 268 for the loss of three wickets.

Poloc’s reply was tame and Hoffmann and Bawa had removed both openers by the 12th over.

Bawa then turned to Gavin Bradley and David Bill, who had the game tied up by the 34th over, as Poloc capitulated to 87 all out.

Bill winkled out three batsmen, while Bradley took five for 15.

Next Saturday Uddingston entertain last season’s runners-up Ferguslie at Bothwell Castle Policies.