EASTERN KNIGHTS END T20 BLOCK TOP OF REGIONAL SUPER SERIES
The Eastern Knights finished the T20 block of the Men's Regional Super Series with double success at Clydesdale on Sunday, to move to the top of the table.
The Knights enjoyed victory over both the Western Warriors and Caledonian Highlanders to move above the Highlanders on net run rate, with three 50-over fixtures remaining.
In the game's opening day, the Caledonian Highlanders defeated their hosts by three wickets in a low-scoring thriller.
Safyaan Sharif (4-24) helped blow away the Warriors as they were dismissed for 119, with Uzair Ahmad (27) the only player to pass 20.
In reply, the Highlanders enjoyed a positive start from Michael Leask (31 off 19), but Haris Majeed (3-20), Mohammad Nawid (2-20) and Zainullah Ihsan (2-18) kept the run chase in check - before Jasper Davidson (22*) ensured his side got across the line in the final over.
The Highlanders failed to back up that victory in their second game of the day, against the Eastern Knights, as they suffered a heavy 61-run defeat.
Finlay McCreath (72 off 53) and Chris McBride (40 from 24) helped fire the Knights to 182-6, but Jamie Dunk's 32-ball 39 was the only score of note in reply as the Highlanders were all out for 121 - Safwan Ullah (3-25) and Jack Jarvis (2-20) impressing with the ball.
The Eastern Knights made it two wins from two in a rain-affected clash with the Western Warriors, once again taking all 10 wickets as they bowled out their opponents.
Batting first, the Warriors were in a strong position at 123-2 - Muhaymen Majeed (39 off 33), Olly Pillinger (40 off 29) and Brandon McMullen (35 off 16) helping lay a strong platform for the hosts.
But the Warriors lost eight wickets for 33 runs as they collapsed to 156 all out, Jack Jarvis (4-19) and Lloyd Brown (3-8) ripping through the West side's middle and lower order.
Chasing a revised target of 133 from 16 overs, the game was in the balance when the Knights were reduced to 71-4 - but Johnathan Van Zyl (50* off 38) and Mark Watt (33* off 22) saw their side home with nine deliveries remaining.
The Men's Regional Super Series resumes on Sunday 19 July with the first round of 50-over fixtures.