Arbroath United step up title bid

Arbroath United made it three league wins on the trot on Saturday to step-up their title bid and perhaps end Forthill’s reign.

While it was the Broughty Ferry club who prevailed at first XI level in the Eastern Premiership, the battle of the understudies went firmly in Arbroath’s favour when Jack Plomer’s side recorded a comfortable win at Lochlands.

Bryce Carnegie produced allround heroics to claim four wickets while there were two each for Chris Robb and Jack Brewer as Forthill’s batting failed to fire.

Carnegie then scored a halfcentury, a feat matched by skipper Plomer whose side remain third.

That is one place below Meigle, who continued their pursuit of leaders Gordonians by beating winless Rossie Priory at Victory Park.

At the halfway stage Rossie may well have anticipated a first elusive success after dismissing Meigle for just 137.

Craig Ross was the pick of the bowlers with 4-20, while Meigle were again indebted to Matthew Farmer for his batting skills.

The Australian blazed a crucial 51 with six boundaries and three maximums from only 26 deliveries.

When he departed, the innings was in danger of falling apart until Callum Leese hit his highest score of the campaign, an unbeaten 40.

Farmer and Leese were the only home batsmen to reach double figures, and Rossie Priory’s hopes increased when their openers came flying out of the blocks.

Dodson hit three boundaries in his 21 while Mills cleared the ropes twice in his 33.

Both fell to Alan Neave, who claimed 3-15, while none of the other visiting batsmen managed to reach double figures as Charles Clark joined the attack with figures of 5-22.

His effort meant Rossie Priory were eventually all out for 106, falling 32 runs short.

Perth Doo’cot were unable to do the chasing pack any favours as they went down by five wickets to the leaders at Doo’cot Park.

Strathmore got the better of Stoneywood-Dyce by three wickets in a close encounter at People’s Park.