THE HERALD REPORTS

Accies make the step-up
WILLIAM DICK September 11 2006
Glasgow Accies completed a memorable season on Saturday when they claimed a place in next year's SNCL after a comprehensive play-off win over Perthshire at Kirkhill.
The young Anniesland side, crowned Western Union champions last month, also went within one delivery of lifting the Rowan Cup at the expense of mighty Clydesdale.
However, they reserved their most notable feat for last by ousting Perthshire from the second division of the National League where Accies will compete for only the second time next summer.
Richard Andrew set the tone with a hard-hitting innings of 101 while Australian amateur Dan Scott also reached a century by hitting the final ball of the innings for a six.
Their efforts hoisted the Accies' total to 286-5 and Perthshire were never up with the required rate and slumped to a 116-run defeat.
Andrew, delighted after his first century for the club, said: "I think we have a stronger squad now and can look forward with confidence."

Note from Ed
Maybe Accies could look to Hawks to strenghen squad next summer--Gavin Mories and Mike Adamson are both quite handy at willow and leather so they tell me--pity Sitchie is back home

Accies regain National League status

Posted by Austin, Monday 11th September 2006

Centuries from Randy and Dan Scott set up Glasgow Accies to beat Perthshire in the Scottish National Cricket League play-off final and return to national league cricket for the first time in five years.

On a sunny afternoon in Penicuik more like midsummer than mid-September, Accies' whole season hinged on this one make-or-break game.

Fritzy won the toss and elected to bat and under intense pressure opener Ed did well to put the bad balls away and get the team off to a good start before being bowled for 13.

There was a lull in Accies' rate as the Perthshire opening bowler Crouch found his line and length, while Sutherland, bowling from the other end, saw to Murray.

At 43 for two the two soon-to-be centurions joined forces in the middle and only parted company 137 runs later when Randy finally picked out deep mid-wicket playing one big shot too many.

He had scored 101 in just 110 balls, including 15 fours and one six. Perthshire lived to regret spilling the early chances he offered.

With Randy removed it was up to Dan to force the innings onwards - and he did.

He struck 11 fours and one six and was left needing two runs off the last ball of the innings to reach his second century of the season. He went four better than that, smashing his last ball right out of Kirkhill Cricket Ground to finish with 104 not out in 102 balls.

With useful contributions from Andy Dodson (24) and Roddy (12), Accies ended with a strong team total of 286 for five.

In reply, Perthshire's captain Ferguson opened the innings and struck two sweetly driven fours before going ill-advisedly back to Kash to be bowled for 12.

Despite the setback, Barnslay, Galloway and Darwin managed to keep up with the rate through a combination of some fine strokes and some loose bowling.

The introduction of former professional Vedam Hariharan proved a vital turning point. He bowled his ten overs straight, taking one wicket for just 27 runs - effectively bowling Perthshire out of the run-chase.

From 97 for two, Perthshire imploded, losing four wickets by run-out, to finish 170 all out. Spinners Euan Sheridan and Andy Smith both finished with two wickets apiece.

Accies 116 run victory was thoroughly deserved and celebrations at New Anniesland continued long into the night.

With the season of 2006 now behind them, Accies now set their sights on next season, when they will face the tough task of consolidating their position as one of the top thirty clubs in Scottish cricket.

The team may face some tough challenges, especially given the club's policy of relying on young local talent - their championship-winning Under-18s included - rather than hiring a professional.

But for now, it's all smiles for the Brunton Miller Western Union Champions at New Anniesland.

Scorecard: Glasgow Accies (286-5) beat Perthshire (170 all out) by 116 runs

This article was originally posted on 11-Sep-2006, 07:19 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 14-Sep-2006, 07:31.