Berrington century drives Scotland to highest overseas total

A brilliant century by Richie Berrington yesterday helped Scotland to post their highest-ever total on foreign soil when they took charge of their Intercontinental Cup clash against Papua New Guinea.

Berrington’s 129 at Port Moresby propelled the Scots to 482-9 to claim the first innings bonus points.

They had gone into the third day still 215 runs adrift and hopes of a lead dwindled when Craig Wallace fell with just 34 runs added to the overnight total.

However, Berrington, right, turned the match on its head with his sixth international century as the home bowlers toiled.

The Clydesdale batsman put on 91 runs for the sixth wicket with Michael Leask who marked hist first-class debut with an accomplished 58 including nine boundaries and a maximum.

Leask’s dismissal left Scotland still 90 runs short of a first-innings lead but Safyaan Sharif hit 25 before Berrington’s 61-run stand with Mark Watt claimed the bonus points.

Berrington was eventually stumped off Assad Vala for a superb 129 – his sixth international century – which came from a marathon 297 deliveries and included 15 boundaries.

Watt finished unbeaten on 61 and, if he and Chris Sole manage a further eight runs this morning, it will take Scotland to their highest ever total in a first-class match.

With their lead already at 78 they will also hope to push for outright victory on the closing day.