ON SATURDAY, Clackmannanshire 2nd XI defeated promotion-chasing Watsonians 4th in an ESCA Division 8 clash at The Arns.

After losing the toss, Clacks batted first on a slightly soggy outfield.

Following a good start in which the explosive batting of Dow (16) was complemented by Gordon Oliver’s anchor role, Clacks found runs difficult to come by.

However, by batting for their full 40 overs, Clacks were able to accrue a total of 138, losing their last wicket with the last ball of the innings.

Valuable contributions were made by Bryant-Nicholls with a quick-fire 28 and a more sedate contribution of 24 from Ali. 

Opening bowler, Timmins, was the standout performer for Watsonians with figures of 4-27 from seven overs.

On a drying outfield, the target seemed achievable for Watsonians who began their innings with considerable urgency. 

However, with the last ball of the first over, Rasul was able to draw opener, Kinloch, into a loose shot and thereafter wickets fell steadily.

Although Watsonians batted for 32 overs, some economical bowling from Scott-Angell, Smith and Rasul meant that only two Watsonians batsmen found their way to double figures in a total of 91 all out.

Patwari top-scored for Watsonians with 26 and was only removed by a show-stopping run-out from Ali at deep gully.

With other batsmen offering limited resistance, their innings concluded with three wickets for Smith and Rasul, two for Bryant-Nicholl and one for Scott-Angell.

Rasul was also awarded Man of the Match for removing key batsmen on his way to figures of 3-23.

Final score:

Clackmannanshire 2nd XI....138 all out
Watsonians 4th XI..................91 all out