Scott McElnea produced a match-winning display as Western Warriors edged out Eastern Knights in a low-scoring thriller.

Scott McElnea last night produced a match-winning display as Western Warriors edged out Eastern Knights in a low-scoring thriller.

The star-studded Knights, boasting eight full caps, started as firm favourites against an inexperienced Warriors line-up as a new Regional Series kicked-off at chilly Goldenacre.

But debutant McElnea, a member of Scotland’s World Cup-bound U19s, claimed the key wickets of Preston Mommsen, Ryan Flannigan and Ewan Chalmers as the visitors took control.

The Knights never recovered from McElnea’s early burst and two wickets apiece for Mo Afzal, Josh Edwards and Moneeb Iqbal saw them crash to 111 all out.

Ayr youngster McElnea also showed nerves of steel with the bat as the hosts fought back to have the Warriors wobbling.

Stuart Chalmers claimed five wickets and appeared to have put the hosts on course for an unlikely win by reducing West to 101-9.

However, last man McElnea helped Majid Haq eek out the remaining runs needed for victory.

The Warriors face their next test when they entertain champions Caley Highlanders on Sunday.

Regional Series Score:
Eastern Knights 111 (S Chalmers 24no; S McElnea 3-16, M Iqbal 2-14, M Afzaal 2-25, J Edwards 2-25) lost to Western Warriors 115-9 (J Edwards 22, C MacLeod 20, M Haq 18no; S Chalmers 5-24) by one wicket.