Cricket: Omer included in Lions squad

Jun 18 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

PAISLEY Cricketer Omer Hussain has been included in the Scotland Lions squad that will compete in the English County 2nd XI Championships.

The former Ferguslie CC batsman, 24, who left the Paisley club to join SNCL Premier Division side Clydesdale, takes his place in the 12-strong pool of players along with captain Richie Berrington, Ewan Chalmers, Stuart Chalmers, Moneeb Iqbal, Dougie Lockhart, Ross Lyons, Matthew Parker, Willie Rowan, Qasim Sheikh, Ryan Watson and Sean Weeraratna.

And Andy Tennant, head coach, reckons the squad at his disposal is the future of the sport in this country.

He said: “Everyone now agrees that the key to Scotland’s future at international level lies with these groups of players, and we aim to give them the vital experience they need before they perform at the top level.

“This is our third season playing in the County 2nd XI Championship.

“We’ve had our successes, and we aim to become more consistent in our performances, to secure our presence in this tournament.

“We caught a glimpse of the challenges ahead when we played England’s U18s a couple of weeks ago.”

The Lions season starts with a significant challenge, as they play the Yorkshire 2nd XI over three days this week at Westwood, Leeds.