Lichtie Murray shines in victory over Auld Enemy

A memorable display from Arbroath’s Gareth Murray helped Scotland’s men’s basketball team pull off a much-coveted upset when they defeated England 78-65 in their opening group game at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games yesterday.

From the moment the 33-yearold former Musketeer hit a three to record the first points of the entire tournament, all went near perfectly to the plan devised by Scotland’s stand-in Australian coach Rob Beveridge to topple the Auld Enemy.

Even the Australian TV commentator was impressed that Murray – the only veteran of the first Commonwealth Games hoops tourney in Melbourne 2006 – should be the first to score in the second version: “That seemed entirely appropriate,” she said.

But Murray was far from finished and in a stint of 36 minutes and 35 seconds – the longest of any of the Scots 12 – the Glasgow Rocks guard added three more threes for an impressive 50% average, hit four from five free throws and finished overall top Scottish scorer with 18 points as well as adding five rebounds and two steals.

Vying with Murray for MVP status was the other Glasgow Rocks titan, Stirling’s Kieron Achara, who in 33 minutes scored 15 points, hauled down eight rebounds, gave four assists and had two blocks, even managing to dribble out of trouble on several occasions as England vainly tried to pressure the Scots ball-handlers.

The starting point guard Jonny Bunyan (three rebounds, three steals) put in a sound 21 minutes and Rocks clubmate Ali Fraser had nine points, eight rebounds and four assists.

In the end it was their team spirit and understanding which coach Beveridge harnessed so well as he steered them clear, while England disintegrated.

An added bonus was the play of Aussie-based Bristol Flyers forward Mike Vigor as he hit two late threes for a tally of 14 and ex-falkirk junior Fraser Malcolm who played 26.46 minutes for nine points and seven rebounds.

Scotland play India’s conquerors Cameroon tomorrow with a win almost certain to book a place in the second round pool in Cairns next week while England must beat India to keep their hopes alive.