Cricket: Watsonians star boosted by global draw

And, before setting sights on the domestic scene liable to be disrupted once again by rain, fast bowler Sadler welcomed a global draw that will pitch the Scots youngsters against New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"We have a chance of being competitive and perhaps winning a couple of games; while not underestimating anyone at least we have avoided the likes of Australia or India."

What will also help is that the entire squad, which also included Henry Edwards (Grange), Peter Ross (Heriot's), Peter Legget (Watsonians) and Freddie Coleman, formerly of Penicuik and now at the Warwickshire Academy, remain eligible next year.

On the qualifying tournament which Scotland won by posting eight straight wins after slipping up against Canada in their opening fixture, Sadler said: "Against Canada one of their batsmen, Nitish Kumar, who had played in this year's (senior) World Cup hit a century and we were a bit below our best.

"But the defeat focused us even more although we always felt confident having gone into the tournament as European champions. The highlight was undoubtedly beating Ireland against whom all Scottish teams have a lot of rivalry but the clinching victory (over Vanuatu) was pretty special as well.

"The fact the Saltires have been going well in recent matches was also something we could draw on as there is a real sense of belief throughout Scottish cricket at the moment."

Weather permitting, tomorrow's card is headlined by a visit from leaders Carlton to a Heriot's team reinforced by the return from the Under-19 qualifying tournament of Chris Kent who, as well as captaining Papua New Guinea, had the highest score - 166 not out - against Canada while topping the run aggregates with 474 at an average of 59.25. Subject to a late fitness test for Heriot's is Scotland seam bowler Craig McKellar.

With Scotland in action against Leicestershire in Aberdeen, leaders Carlton are without Fraser Watts, Preston Mommsen and Gordon Drummond. Stepping up are Richard Metcalfe, Nathan Pietsch and Nick Hunt.

Grange are also short-handed for their trip to Ayr with international calls for Gregor Maiden and Neil McCallum while Mike Powell is Scotland's specialist batting coach.

With Andrew Brock and James Hearn also out, the much-changed side features the returning Stuart Davidson alongside Jack Collister, Will Edwards, Henry Edwards and Legga Siaka.

The Championship programme sees Edinburgh Accies and SMRH to home to, respectively, Ferguslie and Falkland with RH Corstorphine visiting Weirs.

"There is a real sense of belief throughout Scottish cricket at the moment"

paddy sadler