Rivals relish showpiece encounter

Dewald Nel and Fraser Watts are 37 and 38, and both have played at the highest level of the game, but neither can hide their excitement ahead of tomorrow’s Citylets Scottish Cup final between Watsonians and Carlton.

The two Edinburgh clubs meet today in the CSL Eastern Premiership at Myreside and then tomorrow both sides head to Broughty Ferry for the showpiece event.

With the sides sitting fifth and sixth in the league it points towards a tight final and whatever happens former Scotland men Nel and Watts will be key.

Seamer Nel, who has taken 19 league wickets for ’Sonians this summer, said: “I am looking forward to this. It is not every day you get to play in a final.

“We have national T20 finals day next weekend, but this is the one we are very much focused on.”

After Carlton won the top flight crown last season a lot of their more senior players stepped back from first XI duties, but batsman Watts stayed on to guide the youngsters.

With captain Ali Evans and Michael Herdman, he has done a good job. Watts said: “It has been great to see young guys step up to the first XI and make valuable contributions.”