JOSH Davey�s all-round heroics proved in vain last night as the Saltires failed to break their tour duck in South Africa.

The Middlesex star scored 95 and claimed four wickets against a Combined North West XI in Potchefstroom.

But the Scots were left ruing a lack of ruthlessness as the hosts edged home by two wickets.

Defending a total of 239, the tourists stayed in the hunt by picking up regular wickets.

Davey claimed 4-49 while Majid haq weighed-in with 3-50.

Earlier Davey led the way as Scotland produced a solid, if unspectacular, batting display.

The Aberdeen-born all-rounder provided the anchor role with a patient knock though few of his top order colleagues could offer sustained support.

It was left to Stoneywood-Dyce youngster Michael Leask to hit out with an enterprising 36 as the Scots accelerated towards the end.

Leask�s knock allowed the tourists to reach 239-9, a total which proved just short.

Coach Pete Steindl admitted: �It is definitely a missed opportunity to get a win on the board.

�We failed to be ruthless when we had the chance to finish the game.

�Josh (Davey) batted really Michael (Leask) again showed promise.

�But we needed more guys to make a more significant contribution.�

The Scots continue their search for the winning formula when they face North West Dragons in a 50-over match today.