Saltires fail to tame the Lions

A BRILLIANT all-round display by Richie Berrington couldn’t prevent Scotland being outgunned by Highveld Lions in the opening encounter of their South African tour, writes David Kelso.

Pursuing a target of 187 in the T20 tussle in Johannesburg, Peter Steindl’s troops fell 20 short – in spite of Berrington’s big-hitting heroics. The Greenock player whacked 82 from only 42 deliveries in one of the best ever knocks by a Scottish batsman at this level.

Earlier, former Test man Neil McKenzie had struck 60 to guide the hosts to 181 for six, Berrington snapping up two for 26.

Despite the outcome, Scotland coach Steindl was far from downhearted. He said: “It was a decent hit-out with some positive things.

“Gordon Goudie and Richie were both impressive with the ball and bowled in good areas. Richie then followed that up with some clean striking of the ball and batted really well.”

The Scots are back in  action today against the Kolkata Knight Riders.