Bradley the hero as Villagers win

Jun 18 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

WITH a rare failure from Uddingston Cricket Club’s top men, Gavin Bradley was the hero as the Villagers dumped Ayr by four wickets at Bothwell Castle Policies on Saturday.

Tunnock-sponsored Uddingston consolidated third place in the Scottish National Cricket League Premier Division, 10 points behind top dogs Aberdeenshire.

Bradley’s stand of 86 not out and Imran Adrees’ contribution of 31 not out were telling in this victory, as Uddingston’s 234-6 overcame Ayr’s 230-3 – despite a terrific 122 not out from Michael Papps.

Ayr won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat first, sending in professional Papps and Andi McElnea to open the innings.

With Uddingston’s seam bowlers making little impression, Ayr moved serenely onto 101 before, in the 29th over, Tom Plant trapped McElnea LBW when he had scored 48.

Papps continued to provide the backbone of Ayr’s innings and was not out at the close for a well-constructed 122 out of Ayr’s final 250-3.

Against what is reputedly the weakest bowling attack in the Premier Division, Uddingston sent in Plant and Paul Hoffmann to open the batting.

But in the seventh over Plant shouldered arms to the slow medium pace of veteran Andy Baird and watched in horror as the ball nicked his off-stump.

Baird then had Hoffmann LBW in his next over, with Aamir Gul following him back to the pavilion in the 10th.

With the score now at 32 for 2, Uddingston were facing a humiliating defeat against the basement battlers.

However, Vinny Bird and Gavin Bradley came together and added 30 before Bird was stumped by Bruce Patterson.

At 62-4, David Bill joined Bradley and in an exciting partnership of 67 took the Villagers to a more respectable 129 for 5. Bill contributed 25 before being sensationally caught at deep mid-off by McElnea.

With Uddingston needing 102 runs in 20 overs for victory, and only five lower order wickets left, Josh Johnston joined Bradley and in the space of eight overs added 52 priceless runs.

With the score now at 181 for 6, 50 runs were needed from 14 overs, and Bradley was joined by experienced Imran Adrees.

Adrees made 31 not out while Bradley, in a return to form, sent a straight drive over the bowler’s head for 4, taking his side past the winning post with six overs to spare.

On Sunday, a record number of teams played in the first round of the annual Tunnock’s 7s tournament.

The successful sides will return to Bothwell Castle Polices for finals day on June 28.

On Saturday, Uddingston travel to Hamilton Crescent to play second-placed West of Scotland, before taking on Weirs at Bothwell Castle Polices on Sunday in the Scottish Cup first round. Both games start at 1pm.

l Hamilton Thistle beat East Kilbride at Calderglen last Wednesday evening.

Thistle posted a 153-9 total and East Kilbride looked to be heading for that mark before Amir Ashraf took 5 for 12 in four overs and the hosts ended their innings on 122-9, giving Hamilton the win by 31 runs. Thistle’s challenge match against Victoria at Fauldhouse ended in a tie.

On Saturday, Hamilton Cricket Club’s unbeaten league run was ended when Clydesdale Cavaliers won by two wickets.

Hosts Cavaliers achieved their total thanks mainly to a superb innings of 103 not out from one of their batsmen.

Moorcroft visit Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds on Saturday and the match is scheduled to start at 1pm.

On Sunday, June 28, Hamilton entertain Indian touring side Anita Club of Delhi at the Palace Sports Grounds.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring the event is urged to contact president Melvyn Gibson on 01560 600170 or 07752 599356.