AFTER launching his Heriot's career by dismissing three Scotland internationalists on his debut and following up with two more victims in another victory a week later, new recruit Jamie Innes is patiently awaiting the chance to demonstrate his batting ability.
But, as Ayr descend on Goldenacre tomorrow for another Lloyds TSB cricket premiership clash, Innes would be delighted to wait in the wings so long as Heriot's success continues.
A mini-streak at the expense of Carlton and Greenock has lifted Her
iot's well clear of any relegation worries at the halfway stage and the good news is that, if required to bat, paceman Innes can call on a fair bit of experience.
"I've been opening the innings for Edinburgh University including on a Caribbean tour so batting is hopefully something I contribute as and when required," said the 22-year-old Bristolian, who has a Scottish father.
Carlton's Ross Lyons, Bryn Lockie and Steve Gilmour were first to be exposed to the swing and penetration of a geography student, who is spending the summer in the Capital as he prepares to undertake further studies in plantsmanship and horticulture.
Innes, a product of Clifton College, which reared England Test star James Kirtley, added: "I've had a very enjoyable start to my time at the club. I joined after mentioning to my Scottish Universities trial colleague, Chris Goddard of Heriot's, that I would be staying on after the end of term.
"Much of the credit for my form should go to our captain, Steve Knox. After my initial couple of overs against Carlton Steve reckoned I could be more effective from the pavilion end, and that's how things worked out."
Last week, Jamie had a key role in a gloriously-exciting victory against Greenock.
"I was a bit despondent when the last over of my spell went for 14 runs (he finished with 2-37 off six overs to add to the 3-42 off nine against Carlton) and I saw their pro, Cameron Borgas, dropped off my bowling. But Andre van Niekerk took a wicket with the slowest of slow balls on the final delivery of the match to leave Greenock six runs short of our total and Borgas high and dry."
Heriot's have Ali Farooq back but Gavin McIntyre is unavailable while Ayr's only change is likely to be the return of Matt Rennie following a back injury.
A knock of 72 from a 2nd XI league total of 136 last week followed by a President's Trophy match half century has earned Ben Fox a Premiership debut for Watsonians at home to FS McCrea West.
Fox replaces Ewan Chalmers, who is on international duty.
Back from injury are wicket/keeper batsman Euan Stubbs and batsman Dwayne Batchelor but Watsonians are missing James Easton due to hamstring damage.
Elsewhere in the Premiership, Carlton entertain Greenock while Grange head for Uddingston.
In Division One, Penicuik's home meeting with Forfarshire provides an early opportunity to avenge a recent Scottish Cup defeat against the Taysiders. SMRH look to complete back-to-back wins in Division Two when they entertain Renfrew while Edinburgh entertain West Lothian. As for RH Corstorphine, a home clash with Freuchie is a chance to round off in style a fine week which saw them qualify for Thursday's Masterton twenty:20 trophy final away to Carlton.
Skipper Kevin McLaren is not looking beyond tomorrow. He said: "We're lying second and need leaders Falkland to slip up but I firmly believe we are the best team in our division.
"With league reconstruction a possibility (a meeting is set to determine any changes on July 13) it is a matter of trying to finish as high as we can and then awaiting any decision on regionalisation.
"Regardless, we can succeed at any level with a side in which Preston Mommsen, Tim Hancock and 17-year-old Paddy Saddler are all doing particularly well."
