ED COWAN yesterday warmed up in impressive style for his competitive Scotland debut as he marked his first SNCL appearance for Uddingston with a high-quality century.
ED COWAN yesterday warmed up in impressive style for his competitive Scotland debut as he marked his first SNCL appearance for Uddingston with a century. The Australian opening batsman will line up for the Saltires in today's FP Trophy showdown
with Lancashire Lightning at Citylets Grange, and the home fans will be hoping he can reproduce the form he displayed against Poloc at Bothwell Castle Policies.
Cowan paced his innings beautifully. He began with a flurry, opted for a period of solidity – and then exploded to surge past the 100-mark. He then upped the pace with a spate of boundaries before falling in the last over for 163, setting the visitors a target of 265. They capitulated to 87 all out, with Gavin Bradley claiming five wickets. Cowan struck 18 boundaries, two of them clearing the ropes. But it was his slick running between the wickets that left the most positive impression. Singles were stolen, twos were frequently turned into threes leaving the fielders frustrated.
According to Uddingston stalwart David Baxter, Cowan wasted no time in setting out his stall in terms of attitude and commitment to the club. Baxter said: "From the first minute of the first training session, Ed made it clear how he wanted things done. He told the guys he was a fitness fanatic and that he expected them to work their backsides off. There were a few grimaces and gulps, but everyone was right behind him.
"Our new overseas amateur, Brett Webber, has also cut an impressive figure since his arrival. There were a few exclamations of disbelief last weekend when he turned down the offer of a pint because he was preparing for the pre-season friendly, also against Poloc.
"The presence of these two Aussies certainly bodes well for a successful campaign."
While Cowan was strolling his way to his lofty tally, Webber played the perfect supporting role – following up his ton last weekend with an equally robust stint at the crease, ending unbeaten on 59. The pair put on 182 in a marvellous third-wicket stand. Their partnership was the perfect way to mark the first fixture in the shadow of Uddingston's new pavilion and left Poloc with a mountain to climb.
The Glasgow outfit were also unveiling their pro import, former Zimbabwe Test all-rounder Gavin Ewing.
Poloc's attack was far from hostile, but other than a sprinkling of early wides it was tidy enough on a track that was always destined to aid the "dibbly-dobbly" variety of seam bowling.
Surprisingly, it was home skipper Ricky Bawa who had marched to the crease alongside Cowan. Bawa, usually a tail-gunner, later explained that he had pushed himself up the order because of the absence of Scott Dalgleish.
Bawa departed with the tally on 29 in the eighth over. Having struck one expansive boundary through the covers, he swung across the line and his stumps were strewn all over the shop.
Amir Gul also launched a couple of lusty blows before becoming a caught and bowled victim of veteran spinner Keith Sheridan for 16. His departure left the stage clear for Cowan and Webber to display their full range of skill.
Even when the former was dismissed, there was no respite for the threadbare Poloc bowlers. In came grinning newly-retired Scotland cult hero Paul Hoffmann, who promptly thumped 10 off his first two deliveries.
Meanwhile, Grange underlined their tag as SNCL title favourites by sweeping aside Watsonians in the Edinburgh derby at Myreside. Sonians were shot out for only 87, and though the visitors lost six wickets they were never in danger of blowing their chances, with the evergreen Stuey Davidson emerging as the destroyer-in-chief for Grange. The all-rounder snapped up four for 21, while Gregor Maiden and Johnny Gray weighed in with two scalps each at a total cost of only 25.
Swami Rajagopal and young Scotland prospect Ryan Flannigan were the only two Sonians to offer any meaningful resistance with 23 and 18 respectively.
Rain forced the cancellation of the opening of Greenock's title defence at Ferguslie, along with Clydesdale's home encounter with Heriot's.
The full article contains 723 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
