Cricket: West of Scotland record opening day victory over Uddingston

May 6 2010

Ian Young

PARTICK aces West of Scotland got the cricket season off to a flying start as they saw off Uddingston by 39 runs.

On a bowler-friendly wicket, West were put into bat and were restricted to 171-6 off 50 overs.

However, the visitors found the going tough in reply with West's new overseas professional Leighton Burtt cashing in as the Kiwi took three for 29 as Uddingston were all out for 132.

Skipper Ian Young said: "The wicket was a bit tricky as the rain during the week had a bit of an effect. It was hard to bat on as the scorecard shows and while we were hoping for a bigger total, the one we got proved to be enough. Although it was a seamer-friendly pitch, it was the slower bowlers who had the effect in restricting the run-flows.

"Leighton did well considering the tricky start he had in controlling the ball. Apparently it was a different model than he's used to in New Zealand but he managed to adjust and help us win it."

Clydesdale got their campaign to a winning start as a half-century from Qasim Sheikh and four wickets from Greg Williamson helped them to a 43-run win at Greenock. In Division One, Poloc's match with Stoneywood -Dyce was called off due to overnight rain.