DDCA U19 stars finish in style, but lose with two balls remaining

A Scotland Lions Select provided top-class opposition for the touring Delhi & District Cricket Association U19 Stars in the final match of their seven-match visit to Scotland at Titwood on Wednesday.

Winning the toss on a bright sunny day, the Scots decided to field first, and gave their talented bowling line-up of Matthew Parker, Ally Evans, Willie Rowan, Peter Mommsen and both Chalmers a useful run-out ahead of the European A-Team Championships next week in Hollan d.

The Indian youngsters got off to a good start, with Umair Chand particularly forceful around the field. He finished with an outstanding contribution of 74, the fifth wicket to fall, well supported by Milin Kumar (30). Rowan and Mommsen got two wickets each as the Scots took some excellent catches in the deep, and the Indians ended their 40-over innings on 175 for the loss of nine wickets.

The Scotland Lions set out with serious intent on their reply, with Peter Mommsen particularly savage on the opening bowlers. At the other end, Marc Petrie was out for nine with the score on 25, and Euan Chalmers soon followed.

But Stuart Chalmers (74) and Mommsen (66) shared a brilliant and almost faultless partnership of 119 to take the Scots most of the way to their target.

There was a temporary Scottish wobble as four more wickets fell, but Rowan and Parker saw them home in an exciting finish, victory by three wickets with just two balls to spare.