Robertson bowling burst paved the way for Forfarshire win

CRICKET: Young seamer got visitors off to a flying start before batsmen took control

All rounder Michael Leask couldn’t contain his glee after helping Forfarshire to pull off a clear-cut derby victory over Arbroath at Lochlands in the Eastern Premiership.

And the Scotland star labelled the performance of the visitors “truly amazing”.

The form book was turned upside down as the hosts were dismissed for 180 before the Broughty Ferry brigade surged to success by eight wickets with more than 16 overs in hand.

Young seamer Christian Robertson inflicted the initial damage by taking five for 20 in a devastating burst.

Then Leask (67 not out) and Craig Wallace (47 not out) combined to finish the job with a dazzling century stand.

Leask said: “It was a brilliant win thanks to a superb team performance.

“We had been toiling a little when Arbroath were on 120 for three after 25 overs, but then Christian changed the complexion of the game with a high quality spell. “With the bat, we were really clinical. “The openers were solid and got us off to a great start before Matty Parker departed.

“Then Craig played a really good anchor roll to guide us over the line.

“The two of us put on more than 120 and ran the opposition ragged.”

The worries of Glenrothes continued as they were swept aside by Watsonians at Myreside.

Mike Carson again emerged as the main man for Sonians, bagging three wickets and hitting a typically crisp half century.

Scotland star Safyaan Sharif’s 78 was the mainstay of the Fifers’ 230 for eight.

Then Carson (71) and Ewan Chalmers (67) figured in the partnership that made sure of glory .

It was a brilliant win thanks to a superb team performance. MICHAEL LEASK

Picture: Ian Potts. Forfarshire’s Michael Leask on his way to an unbeaten 67 from 61 balls watched by Arbroath wicketkeeper and captain Marc Petrie.