By now, like me, you will have adopted Watsonian CC as your 2^nd team and willing them to success as well as learning a few things along the way (Leave a comment here if you are, I'd love to see the readers backing the side).

But so far we know very little about the players. So today we profile the names and characters that make up the ‘Sonians 1^st XI. As well as take a sneaky look at the ground.

Remember, these guys are club players like you, albeit ones at the top of the amateur structure. If you want to be successful at club level, these men have the results to emulate.

Shake the guys warmly by the hand and wish them luck to show PitchVision Academy is right behind the drive for the Scottish National Premier League (SNPL) title in 2011.

Once you have read the profiles and seen the pictures, please leave your comments at the bottom of the article.

Craig Wright (Captain, Batsman, Off Spinner)

Craig is the former Scotland Captain who won a record 194 caps for his country before retiring in 2009 after the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 tournament. He is a powerful middle order batsman who has now turned to off spin bowling after being a medium pace bowler for the majority of his career. Craig is an inspirational and much respected leader of the squad.

Stuart Chalmers (Vice Captain, Batsman, Swing Bowler)

A top order batter and fine swing bowler Stuart finished as the top wicket taker in the SNCL Premiership in 2010. Stuart has 2 ODI caps for Scotland (both against Canada) and will be looking to put in performance for the club with bat and ball to push for further honours in 2011. Stuart also represents Scotland A and the Eastern Knights in the regional competition.

Stuart Chalmers

Ryan Flannigan (Opening Batsman, Medium Pace Bowler)

Ryan is an opening batsman who has the ability to take the game away from the opposition. Ryan forced his way in to the Scotland set up in 2010 and will be hoping to cement his place in 2011. He is an energetic and vocal member of the squad and a useful medium pace bowler.

Flannigan (right) and Weston (left) discuss tactics

 A top order batsman for Central Districts in New Zealand this will be Tim's second season at Myreside. An enthusiastic character full of energy, Tim brought a great deal to the club in his first season on and off the field before he took part in the Champions League tournament in South Africa at the end of the UK Summer in 2010. Whilst his strength is with the bat his energy and knowledge make him a valued asset on the field.

Tim Weston batting

Ewan ‘Chubby’ Chalmers (Batsman, Medium Pace Bowler)

Much like Flannigan, Ewan is looking to cement a place in the Scotland side for this summer’s campaign through club performances. He made his 1st XI debut at the age of 16 having graduated through the club's youth set up. 'Chubby' is a top order batter who has an air of calm about everything he does at the crease. Again he is also a useful medium pace bowler with the ability to control an innings in the middle overs.

Ewan Chalmers flicks one through the on side

One of the veterans of the club at the mere age of 29 James is a powerful opening batsman who hits the ball a long way. One of the biggest characters in the club and finest slip fielders 'Ducky' has been the heartbeat of the 1st XI for the past decade.

A tall opening bowler Sadler had his debut season with the club in 2010 in a year when he was named Scotland U19 Captain. Sadler is in his first year at Cambridge University and will spend the majority of the summer playing at Fenners and leading his national representative side into the U19 World Cup Qualifiers in Ireland but will look to make a big impact on opposition batters when commitments allow.

New to the club this season Tony is a big and burly opening bowler and powerful lower order batsman who will be looking to make an impact early in the season as he pushes for regional honours.

Mike ‘Guns’ Legget (Left Arm Opening Bowler)

Left arm opening bowler Legget who is a strength and conditioning coach by trade has the ability to bowl unplayable spells at the top of the order. 'Guns' has been with the club since a teenager and is the oldest of 3 cricket playing brothers.

Raj Routray (Seam Bowler)

One of the hardest trainers and nicest guys at the club Dr Routray finished 2nd top wicket taker in the SNCL in 2009 before suffering a frustrating 2010 with work and studying commitments taking a priority. A fine seam bowler Raj will be looking to start the season strongly.

Euan Stubbs (Wicketkeeper)

Another Doctor, Stubbsy has been the 1st team wicket keeper for the past 5 seasons. An intelligent batter who can operate anywhere across the top 6 he will be looking to leave Myreside in a flurry of runs before he departs to Canada for work mid way through the season.

Fraser Boyd (Wicketkeeper)

The young pretender to Stubbs behind the stumps, Boyd has just joined the club and at 19 has the energy and hard work ethic to push Stubbs in the early part of the season. If he continues to work hard he will no doubt mature as a batsman during 2011.

Peter Legget (Batsman, Medium Pace Bowler)

The younger brother of Mike, Pete is in the Scotland U19 set up and will be mixing school cricket and CWC World Cup qualifiers with pushing for a first team place. An aggressive medium pace bowler and fine middle order batsman 'Pistols' is one to watch out for in the future.

'Sonians take on National Academy at Myreside

 In addition the number of players on the fringes and pushing for 1st XI spots mean that competition is both healthy and intense for a starting slot. All of the below will be pushing hard to get opportunities During the summer.

• Steve Paige - Seamer
• Alec Sim - Seamer
• Ben Fox - Wicketkeeper/Batsman
• Andy Learmonth - Seamer / Batsman
• Ally Fleming - Wicketkeeper/Batsman
• Mark Yellowlees - Batsman / Seamer
• Vijay Saisubramanian - Off Spin / Batsman
• Chris Cash - Off Spin / Batsman
• Pat Toole - Batsman / Seamer
• Nick Boorman - Off Spin / Batsman
• Tim Boorman - Seamer
• Euan Robertson – Batsman

Good Luck to Everyone Who Represents the Team in 2011.

Another home success for the Watsonian 1st XI

We want you to feel part of the ‘Sonians team (and you are always welcome at the bar)!  If you are going to be following Watsonians results through PitchVision Academy, leave a comment or question below.