DOUG STAYING UPBEAT DESPITE DUTCH SETBACK

Doug Watson has urged his Scotland squad to stay positive after two successive ICC CWCL2 losses in three days in the Netherlands.

 

The Scots lost to the hosts by 19 runs on Saturday, two days after a heavier defeat to UAE, but Watson sees incremental improvement in performances despite the results.

 

"Saturday's result was obviously not ideal, but we definitely played better in all three departments of the game compared to the UAE match on Thursday. It was a big improvement, but we aren't where we want to be at the moment," said Watson.

 

"I thought the bowlers pulled it back nicely after the first ten overs. Brad Currie was exceptional in his last couple of overs, and for him to pick up four wickets was pleasing with him just back in the lineup. I felt we kept the Dutch below par on what was a very good wicket and outfield.

 

"George Munsey was fantastic with the bat, and I felt that partnership he had with Fin McCreath was excellent and one that was possibly going to take us home and win us the match. Unfortunately we kept losing crucial wickets at the wrong time, and weren't able to string again a partnership at the end long enough to get us over the line."

 

 

The Scots have an immediate chance to avenge both defeats as they face UAE again on Wednesday in Utrecht, before concluding this series with a rematch against Netherlands on Friday. The Dutch have climbed to the top of the CWCL2 table, and will visit Scotland in June.

 

"In the final two matches we need to keep making sure we are better and hold the upper hand in these games for longer, and keep striving for a little more consistency," said Watson.

 

"The squad are still feeling good and are determined to finish the tour on a high with two wins, so we'll have a short break, rest and recover well and then we'll be ready to go on Wednesday against UAE again and aim to finish strong."