Anailbiter forCounty

It wasn’t just the national team who were involved in a thrilling cricket match at the weekend.

On Sunday, Scotland stunned England in the one-day international in Edinburgh, winning by six runs in a high-scoring encounter.

Twenty-four hours earlier, both of Stirling County’s sides featured in nail-biters.

At New Williamfield, Dumfries were visitors in the Western Union Premier Division and they batted first on winning the toss and helped by a century-partnership by Dawson (83) and Bellwood (65), they posted 236 for six off their alloted 50 overs.

County had moved to 71 for two off 15 overs when thunder, lightning and heavy rain forced the players off. The target was revised to leave County chasing 144 to win in 26 overs.

Skipper Matthew Tweedie made 41 and Tom Jones hit 28 but County ended on 143 for eight, the match finishing in a tie.

Stirling 2nds were at Dumfries 2nds in a Second Division fixture. Fielding first, they were to regret a number of wides which helped the home side to 249 all out. Andrew Reed scored 66 with Akash Rawal taking three for 58.

In reply, Stirling were always in the hunt but fell eight runs short after a valiant attempt. Jonathan Bowes was top score with 62 not out and other major contributions came from skipper Andrew Paterson (40) and Vamsi Machana (32).

Saturday’s matchball sponsor was Alex Ritchie.

This weekend, County are away to Greenock while the 2nds are at home to St Michaels.