Agony for Shire as Wallace century not enough to beat Grange

Gordon Goudie played down the lethal bowling display that propelled Grange to glory against Forfarshire – and diverted praise to home skipper Craig Wallace.

Wallace’s superb century at Forthill turned the contest into a much closer affair than seemed likely – and at least gave the Edinburgh outfit a scare.

Needing 251, the hosts rallied to 227 for nine, with Wallace hitting 100 not out and seamer Goudie snapping up five for 30.

Goudie said: “It was a very composed and risk free hundred that got them a bit closer than we would have liked.”

His former Scotland colleague Majid Haq was also in great nick as he inspired newly-promoted RHC Lions to success at the expense of Glenrothes at Barnton.

Elliot Foster’s 92 was the mainstay of the home side’s 256 for seven.

Then Haq grabbed five for 21 to send the Fifers sliding to 128 all out.

Another centurion who ended up on the losing side was Arbroath stand-in skipper Calvin Burnett.

For Burnett and Co, Mannofield has been a happy hunting ground in recent years but on this occasion they were beaten by four wickets by Aberdeenshire.

He hit 105 not out and was involved in a three figure stand with Blair Carnegie (52) after they were in peril at 30 for five.

Despite the stirring rally, the tally of 218 for seven proved a straightforward pursuit for the Dons, who crossed the line with almost 10 overs to spare.

Kenny Reid (79) and James Dickinson (43) were the batsmen who mattered.

Carlton enjoyed victory over neighbours Watsonians at Grange Loan, while champions Heriot’s beat Stew-Mel.