Tunnock's Uddingston Cricket Club

Uddy were well beaten by Grange in last Saturday's Scottish Cup tie at the sun-kissed BCP. Uddy went into the match without in form paceman Scott McKenzie and Super Gav Bradley, who were attending John Donnelly's wedding. This allowed star U18 player Dennis Eyles to make his first team debut.

Uddy lost the toss and were asked to bat first by Grange. The pitch was a little soft at one end, due to the amount of rain that fell overnight. Seabird was out early, trying to hit a good length ball into the big yard, only to get caught at mid off.

Allan MacLeod impressed the large crowd with some spanking square drives, while shivering pro Ras didn't last too long and was out bowled. Allan was joined by younger brother Calum, and the Uddy skipper looked assured and confident at the crease as always. The two brothers put together a decent partnership, before Allan got bowled for 35.

There was then a middle order collapse with Breebs, Davey Bill and Gavin Main falling in quick succession. Calum remained defiant and while he remained at the crease, Uddy looked set to post a competitive total. Unfortunately, Calum edged one to Smudger and Uddy were suddenly looking at a total of 150.

However, the bookies did not count on Ricky Bawa and promising Uddy youngster Ryan Dunne putting together a crucial partnership of 40 odd, as Uddy reached 190 off their 50 overs. Dunne's performance was particularly pleasing, as he smacked the Grange bowlers all around the park. Even Bawa joined the whooshka party, as he launched a massive Dorothy over the hedge.

For Grange, Scotland net bowler Ryan Flannigan picked up 3 wickets.

Grange got their reply off to a steady start, as South African born Giles Holmes stroked a few boundaries early doors. Ras made the first breakthrough and when the flawless David Bill removed Holmes and former Scotland legend Neil McCallum in quick succession, Uddy were in the driving seat.

Ryan Flannigan and Smudger Smith then helped Grange fight back and as the pitch flattened out, the two batsmen were looking solid. Flannigan moosed the ball to various parts of the ground as Uddy skipper Calum tried to mix the bowlers up to get the vital breakthrough. It never came, as Flannigan and Smudger both scored unbeaten half centuries to see Grange home.

Match Summary

Rating: C
Man of the Match: Ryan Flannigan
Fastest ball of the match: 84.1mph Gavin Main (ball 3 in first over)
Fastest recorded bat speed: 333mph Ricky Bawa (ball went for 6 over hedge)
Best fielder: Dennis Eyles. Took a magnificent swirling, high outfield catch to help dismiss the dangerous Giles Holmes of Davey Bill's bowling.
Crowd: 701