Posted on Monday 11th September 2006 by Neil Dowers

Centuries from Randy and Dan Scott set up Glasgow Accies to beat Perthshire in the Scottish National Cricket League play-off final and return to national league cricket for the first time in five years.

On a sunny afternoon in Penicuik more like midsummer than mid-September, Accies' whole season hinged on this one make-or-break game.

Fritzy won the toss and elected to bat and under intense pressure opener Ed did well to put the bad balls away and get the team off to a good start before being bowled for 13.

There was a lull in Accies' rate as the Perthshire opening bowler Crouch found his line and length, while Sutherland, bowling from the other end, saw to Murray.

At 43 for two the two soon-to-be centurions joined forces in the middle and only parted company 137 runs later when Randy finally picked out deep mid-wicket playing one big shot too many.

He had scored 101 in just 110 balls, including 15 fours and one six. Perthshire lived to regret spilling the early chances he offered.

With Randy removed it was up to Dan to force the innings onwards - and he did.

He struck 11 fours and one six and was left needing two runs off the last ball of the innings to reach his second century of the season. He went four better than that, smashing his last ball right out of Kirkhill Cricket Ground to finish with 104 not out in 102 balls.

With useful contributions from Andy Dodson (24) and Roddy (12), Accies ended with a strong team total of 286 for five.

In reply, Perthshire's captain Ferguson opened the innings and struck two sweetly driven fours before going ill-advisedly back to Kash to be bowled for 12.

Despite the setback, Barnslay, Galloway and Darwin managed to keep up with the rate through a combination of some fine strokes and some loose bowling.

The introduction of former professional Vedam Hariharan proved a vital turning point. He bowled his ten overs straight, taking one wicket for just 27 runs - effectively bowling Perthshire out of the run-chase.

From 97 for two, Perthshire imploded, losing four wickets by run-out, to finish 170 all out. Spinners Euan Sheridan and Andy Smith both finished with two wickets apiece.

Accies 116 run victory was thoroughly deserved and celebrations at New Anniesland continued long into the night.

With the season of 2006 now behind them, Accies now set their sights on next season, when they will face the tough task of consolidating their position as one of the top thirty clubs in Scottish cricket.

The team may face some tough challenges, especially given the club's policy of relying on young local talent - their championship-winning Under-18s included - rather than hiring a professional.

But for now, it's all smiles for the Brunton Miller Western Union Champions at New Anniesland.

Scorecard: Glasgow Accies (286-5) beat Perthshire (170 all out) by 116 runs

Other matches with 2 Accies Centurions

• Douglas Lockhart (113) & Alastair Lindsay (101*) v Motherwell, 1994
• Damien Greenall (139) & Charlie Craig (112) v Helensburgh, 1995
• Douglas Lockhart (114) & Damien Greenall (102*) v Helensburgh, 1997

Posted on Wednesday 6th September 2006 by Neil Dowers

Glasgow Accies' U18s have officially been crowned West District Junior Cricket Union champions.

A fantastic season saw the juniors win 13 from 15, two by concession. The losses were very tight games and the highlight of the season was an excellent team performance to outmuscle defending champions Clydesdale without the aid of the season's star, Euan Sheridan.

Sheri made 471 runs @ 59 and took 23 wickets @ 6.5. Other major contributers include: Neil Dowers 326 runs @ 54; Roddy Kelso 225 runs @ 17.3; keeper Andrew McLauchlan 105 runs @ 17.5, 7 catches, 7 stumpings; Stuart Young 15 wickets @ 10.6; and Duncan Kelso 14 wickets @ 9.

The ultimate accolade came from the Clydesdale U18s manager, who said that Accies 'deserved to win' the title as 'the best all-round side'.

As captain, I would like to thank Colin Dawson for his tireless work with junior cricket this and every season; 'Hari', as no player in the side would be what they are today without his input; Dan Scott, Fraser Murray, Richard Andrew, David Kelso and Alex Dowers for umpiring or taking the book at various stages throughout the season; Donald and Michelle Nelson, David Kelso, Willie Dick, Alex and Linda Dowers, Gary Page, Mrs. Sood and any other parent who has transported or supported the team this year; finally, all the players themselves for making the time to play, performing like the champions they can now so deservedly call themselves and a special thanks to those players who drove to away games.