Cricket: Dougie Lockhart keeps high flying West at the summit

Jun 11 2009 By Matthew Leslie

A RESILIENT knock by West of Scotland's Dougie Lockhart left Greenock feeling blue as the Partick men strengthened their grip at the top.

Lockhart's unbeaten 85 helped chase down last season's runners-up to clinch a six wicket win at Hamilton Crescent.

It was timely innings given that West had lost two quick wickets early on - which included Kiwi ace Andrew Ellis - but Lockhart who was ably backed up by Ross Brown's 57, steadied the ship to wrap up a valuable victory.

Earlier, Greenock had made 214 for six with Cameron Borgas and Moneeb Iqbal both hitting half-cen-turies. Lockhart said: "We won quite comfortably in the end but we had to keep ourselves focussed as the match was in the balance in the earlier stages of our innings.

"Gregg Watson was dismissed and then Andrew followed him soon after. No doubt their tails would have been up after that one because he has been in very good form this season.

"But myself and Ian Young managed to stop their momentum and once he went, Ross was able to step in and play a very useful innings.

"I myself was pleased with my knock but Ross deserves his share of the credit too because when both batsmen are protecting their wicket well, then it is hard for the opposition to get into your tail."

Lockhart also had praise for West's bowling attack who restricted Greenock to a total far lower than the one they were projected to get.

He added: "Make no mistake, Greenock got off to a very good start with Borgas and Iqbal in fine touch.

"But one thing about our bowling attack over this past year is that they never lose heart and keep probing away.

"Sure enough their persistance paid off as we removed those two in quick sucession.

"It looked as if those two would guide them to 260 or 70 but once we got them out, the runs dried up and we were left chasing a reachable target."

Lockhart's form this season has had many touting him to win back his Scotland place.

He said: "We've two four-day games in July against Canada and Ireland and while I'd love to be involved, it is up to me to keep getting the runs for West."