Cricket: Farrell praises teen stars as Heriot’s claim cup win

Australian Farrell’s 75 not out lit up the match at Clydesdale’s ground in Glasgow and, as a result, he was rightly named man of the match in the seven-wicket victory, but he was the first to heap praise on youngsters Bradley Kneebone and Mark Watt.

Kiwi Kneebone, 19, hit a battling 51 not out and provided great support to Farrell during their side’s successful run chase while 16-year-old spin bowler Watt took 1-30 from his ten overs and looked composed on the big stage.

Farrell, 24, said: “Brad batted really well because during the middle overs Watsonians were putting us under a bit of pressure, but he held firm and we managed to put together a century partnership to take the side home.

“I thought he showed great maturity, as did Mark. He has forced his way into the team recently and did not look out of place on this stage.”

Having previously played for Heriot’s in 2008 and 2009, Farrell returned to the club this season after a spell at 
Dunfermline Knights with whom he lost the Scottish Cup final 12 months ago.

As a result, yesterday’s success was doubly special for him, making up for the defeat he suffered in 2011 and helping the club that first brought him to Scotland pick up some 
silverware.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have helped Heriot’s win the Scottish Cup,” he said. “I love it at the club and we have a 
really good team spirit and it is reward for what we have put in over the last few months.”

Having won the toss and decided to bat, Watsonians were in trouble early on against Steve Knox’s side, two wickets from Sean Weeraratna and one from Ali Farooq seeing the Myresiders slip to 25-3. When Andrew Chalmers – young Watt’s scalp – and Craig Wright also back in the pavilion with the score on just 83, ’Sonians were in real trouble of not being able to post a competitive total.

Skipper Stuart Chalmers dug in though and his dogged 54 along with a quickfire 33 from Pete Legget helped them to make it up to 171-9 from their 50 overs.

Heriot’s started quickly in reply before they slipped to 59-3 only for Kneebone and Farrell to come together.

They slowly, but surely, helped Heriot’s edge towards three figures and then Farrell cut loose, hitting some big sixes – including one that broke a window – to lead his side to glory.

Grange also won silverware yesterday, picking up the CS Trophy after victory over Arbroath at Boghall in Linlithgow. Batting first, Arbroath made 154-9 from their 45 overs with spinner Gregor Maiden the pick of the Grange bowlers with three wickets.

Former Scotland man Maiden then hit 30 as Grange reached their victory target with five wickets and ten overs to spare.