Hairs hits a magnificent 179 not out against backdrop of sadness
● Scottish stalwart Morton dies suddenly ● Grange too strong for Stewart’s Melville
Olihairsproducedtheinnings of his life, then dedicated the knock to one of the greatest influences of his cricket career.
Willie Morton, unquestionably one of the most popular figures in the sport north of the border, died suddenly on Friday at the age of 58.
And just over 24 hours later, Grange star Hairs arrived at the Raeburn Place crease to embark on a remarkable unbeaten innings of 179 not out in the comprehensive victory over Stewart’s Melville.
Afterwards, he admitted it had been a day of conflicting emotions. Hairs said: “I heard the news about Morts while coming home from the Regional T20 at Broughty Ferry on Friday evening.
“But I don’t think it fully sunk in until the minute’s silence before the Stew-mel game.
“Willie had always been around when I was playing for Scotland at age group level and I was lucky enough to have him as a coach for a few years.
“I also regularly played with his son Keith for a long time.
“I learnt a lot from Willie, though unfortunately his bowling abilities didn’t brush offonme.justhavingacharacter like him around was hugely beneficial. My heart goes out to Keith and the whole family. Willie will be hugely missed.”
On his innings, Hairs stated: “Firstly, all credit to the ground staff for managing to get the ground playable when all the other matches in the league were called off.
“When we eventually headed out to the middle for a shortened contest, we had to make the most of it.
“Hopefully some of this form can continue throughout the summer in all formats.”
Hairs was drafted to the Edinburgh Rocks squad for the inaugural European T20 2 Oli Hairs hits out against Stewart’s Melville during his brilliant unbeaten 179 on Saturday. tournament in September. He added: “I still have a lot of work to do in order to be ready to score runs at that level. My main aim is to enjoy my cricket and make the most of the opportunities that come up.”
Astonishingly, Hairs raced to his tally in only 22 overs as Grange reached 262 for two.
The target was way beyond the capabilities of Stew-mel but they performed with credit to make 162 for two.
Spare a thought for visiting bowler Adam Mchoul, who was whacked for 74 from his five overs.
The win enabled Grange to remain on the heels of title pacesetters Forfarshire.