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GREENOCK coach Tony Judd hailed the “dignity, professionalism and determination” of former Scotland captain Craig Wright after the surprise opening day triumph over champions Grange at Glenpark.

Wright marked his first competitive match as skipper of the side by inspiring them to a highly efficient - if not clinical - performance in the spring sunshine on the banks of the Firth of Clyde.

And Judd was under no illusion that Greenock can benefit from his decision to hand over the national squad reins to Ryan Watson following the World Cup campaign in the Caribbean.

Judd declared: “I know just how hard it must have been for Craig to relinquish his position with Scotland because he had been totally devoted to the job. It was his whole life and, personally, I was quite taken aback when he did step down.

“That is history now, and if Greenock get the positive by-products of that then we will obviously be delighted. There were certainly a lot of very good signs in this match.”

Judd added: “We had been a bit apprehensive in the build-up to the game because two of our leading players, Richie Berrington and Sean Weeraratna, were still travelling back from a coaching stint in Spain. “It meant extra responsibility being heaped upon Craig and other more senior members of the team and their response was wonderful.

“Craig’s opening bowling spell along with Tom Black set the tone against the strongest batting line-up in the country. It was also one of the most complete fielding performances I can remember, with the likes of Ryan Begley really shining.

“Fraser Watts then provided the backbone of the run-chase, and it was fitting that Craig should be at the crease to finish the job.

“His attitude to Greenock is the same as it was to Scotland. He loves the club and the people here have embraced him since the day he arrived.

“I am not saying we will win the league, but no team will surpass us in terms of spirit. It has been a happy start.”

Grange batsman Neil McCallum admitted: “We were caught cold and perhaps our preparations were not as thorough as they might have been.

“Greenock deserved their win, but there will certainly be no panic in our camp. It was a wake-up call, no more than that.”

Wright prevented the visitors from establishing any momentum with his niggardly opening spell which cost only 12 runs from 10 overs, six of which were maidens. In addition, he captured the scalp of Gregor Maiden, while the evergreen Tom Black removed Neil MacRae and Sanjay Patel.

It was left to Giles Holmes (62no) and McCallum (40) to steady the ship - though the target of 180 never looked like testing the hosts.

Watts and new pro Tim McIntosh piled up a century stand before Kevin McLaren (27) and Wright staved off any prospect of a Grange rally.

Elsewhere, Mo Afzaal marked his debut for Clydesdale with a five-wicket haul as they claimed a 16-run success against Ferguslie at Titwood. There was also a solid half century by Rohit Ralhan on his first appearance for Dale.

A typically robust 81 from Zulfi Shahid and four wickets for Keith Sheridan proved the foundation for Poloc’s 35-run home win against Heriot’s, for whom Steve Knox’s 50 was in vain.

And it was a gloomy weekend for both promoted sides, West of Scotland and Ayr. West were outgunned by Uddingston at Hamilton Crescent, despite 90 from pro Barrington Rowland, while the seasiders were skittled for 71 in reply to Carlton’s 206 for nine at Cambusdoon.

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