CALUM MacLeod fired a timely message to Scotland officials as he inspired the Reivers to a comfortable win over the Highlanders at Ayr.
The Uddingston batsman hit a solid 69, less than a week after being dropped for the one-day international double header against Pakistan.
MacLeod was stoutly supported by Ferguslie's Michael English (40) in a third-wicket stand which proved crucial as the Reivers responded positively to the opposition tally of 212 for eight. Reivers won with three wickets and more than three overs to spare and MacLeod was named man of the match.
Earlier, Matty Parker, Michael Leask and Ross McLean had bolstered the Highlanders innings. Parker and McLean put on 58 for the first wicket before the latter perished at the hands of Josh Edwards for a brisk 41. Leask's knock of 42 was even more urgent, but his 42-ball stay at the crease came to an end when he became one of Ayr bowler Scott McElnea's two victims. Parker was eventually removed by Majid Haq for 61.
Phil Simmons, the Ireland coach, says this week's RSA Insurance one-day international series against Pakistan is not the priority of a summer in which Ireland will bid to secure a World Cup place for a third time. Ireland host Pakistan in a two-match series in Dublin, which begins today.
"The most important games are the four games we play against Scotland and Netherlands because that takes us to a World Cup," Simmons said. "But we want to win games like this. We haven't beaten a high-class full-member here at all."
Ireland are without John Mooney because of suspension while Pakistan have pledged to field a full-strength team, so the likes of mystery spinner Saeed Ajmal and 7ft quick bowler Mohammed Irfan are likely to play.
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