Dylan just won’t Budge as Grange get off to a flyer

DYLAN Budge made an instant impact in Scottish cricket last weekend – and now the Grange man is keen to kick on tomorrow.

The 21-year-old, who hails from Bradford but has played age-grade and ‘A’ team cricket for Scotland, moved to Edinburgh in January.

And last Saturday he scored 52 not out to guide Grange to an opening day CSL Eastern Premiership win over Heriot’s before two good showings for the Eastern Knights in the Pro Series on Sunday and Monday.

He scored 54 to help them defeat the Western Warriors and then he smashed 92 not out as they beat Caledonia Highlanders.

Tomorrow he will be in the Grange side that take on old rivals Carlton on league duty and he said: “It’s been a good week for me personally, but even better was that Grange and Eastern Knights managed to three wins from three. Hopefully we can kick on from here.

“Having missed most of last season due to a hip operation I took the decision to relocate up here and I am really glad I did.

“I knew John Blain [Grange and Eastern Knights coach] from my time in Yorkshire agegrade cricket so I was glad to join Grange and the guys have all made me feel very welcome.

“Last Saturday, Heriot’s batted pretty well against us, but the young openers Scott Blain and Harris Aslam did really well to get our run chase off to a good start. I was then lucky enough to bat alongside Neil McCallum, who has so much experience, and we managed to reach the finishing line.

“We know that Carlton are a good side and it should be a good match his weekend.”

Carlton are the reigning champions and will have captain Ali Evans back for this derby.

After chasing down 341 to defeat Forfarshire last week, leaders Aberdeenshire host Watsonians.

Aberdeenshire skipper Chris Venske said of the opening triumph: “It was quite simply the best game of cricket I’ve ever been involved in. We believe we can beat any team on our day.”

The Edinburgh side travel north having also won last week at new boys SMRH.

In the West, WDCU Premier Division reigning champions Clydesdale got off to a cracking start last week.

They defeated East Kilbride by 199 runs with Scotland man Richie Berrington smashing 139 not out.

“It’s good for me to get time in the middle and be able to construct an innings and clearly my contribution had an impact on the game,” Berrington said. “But it made it a lot easier that the other guys had put a good start on the board and I could play with a bit of freedom. It’s a great start for the team.”

Tomorrow they are at home against Kelburne. Ayr host Ferguslie.