Brandon stars in exciting win

Last over nailbiter goes County’s way

There was an exciting finish to Stirling County’s Western Union Premier Division cricket match at New Williamfield on Saturday.

Needing three to win off the final over with the last two batsmen at the crease and Saif Sajjad not out 58 on strike, it looked like Poloc were favourites to win.

But bowler Paul Bielby held his nerve and Sajjad was run out thanks to Brandon McMullen’s throw to wicketkeeper Graeme Taylor as he tried get the two runs needed.

In a game which fluctuated from the start, County batted first and were thankful for a partnership between South African amateur McMullen and skipper Matthew Tweedie.

The 18 year-old kept up his fine form with the bat, hitting 50 off 50 balls in a partnership of 85 with Tweedie, who made 69 off a far more sedate 123 balls.

The young South African finished with figures of four for 49 to go with his half-century, run-out and a catch.

On Saturday, they make the long trip to face Dumfries.

Recent matchball sponsors were Rod Turnbull and Alan Rennie.

A sadly-depleted 2nd XI went down to a heavy defeat at Drumpellier 2nds on Saturday.

Late call-offs and transport issues meant they had to travel to Coatbridge with 10 men and they conceded 361 in the field with wickets going to Mike Philip, Vamsi Machana and John Templeton.

It didn’t get any better with the bat as Machana (42) was the only one in double figures in a total of 91 all out.

They will be hoping for better luck on Saturday at home to Dumfries 2nds.

●The Sunday XI defeated Perth Doo’cot in a close match in a Strathmore and Perthshire Union match.

Gavin Anderson scored 41 and 11 year-old Ollie Jones made 31 as Stirling reached 141, a total Perth fell seven runs short of.

Young Ollie took a couple of wickets with Mike Philip and Paul Bielby also chipping in.

On Sunday they are due to visit Breadalbane.