RYAN Flannigan was an unlikely bowling hero as Grange got their Scottish Cup campaign off to a winning start against holders Uddingston on Saturday.

Flannigan, who made the switch from Watsonians to Grange during the winter, is establishing himself as one of Scotland’s best top order batsmen and he proved the point by marking his competitive debut with a half-century.

However, the 23 year-old has the potential to play a part for his new club with ball in hand as he demonstrated with a unique treble at Bothwell Castle Policies.

The Uddingston team this season will feature three MacLeod brothers – Alan, Saltires star Calum, and Niall.

However, all three of them fell victim to Grange’s new bowling star as the home side were restricted to 190-8.

Giles Holmes led the run-chase with 67 before Flannigan and Simon Smith both scored unbeaten half-centuries in a seven-wicket success.

Grange captain Neil McCallum said: “It was a pretty good day for Ryan all round and it can’t be often that three brothers have been out to the one bowler.

“He’s keen to keep working on his bowling and if he does that he’ll be a useful member of the attack.”

However, McCallum added: “Although we’re happy with the win there was a lot of rustiness in our play.

“We bowled 31 Wides and that is something we have to address quickly.”