Double celebration for Falkland after title rivals slip up

Falkland have struck a major blow in the NE Championship duel with Stoneywood Dyce.

While the Fifers were sweeping aside Meigle, SD suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Granite City rivals Gordonians.

At the other end of the table, Arbroath United returned to form and hauled themselves clear of the basement, a position now occupied by Strathmore.

At Scroggie Park, Meigle posted a respectable 232 all out. However the fact that they were dismissed with more than five overs in hand was to prove crucial.

The stage was left clear for home pro Harsha Cooray to dominate the remainder of the contest.

Cooray struck a marvellous 126 not out to guide his team to success in the 41st over, the winning margin being five wickets.

The Falkland celebrations intensified as word filtered through that SD had come a cropper on their own turf.

There was also a double dose of joy in Broughty Ferry.

While Forfarshire’s senior Xl were claiming the scalp of Premier pacesetters Grange, the seconds completed a comprehensive win against Perth Doocot.

Replying to 236 for seven, Doocot could only stumble to a disappointing 162 all out.

Meanwhile, Arbroath were too good for Mannofield in Aberdeen.

The Lichties battled their way to 208, then disposed of the home troops for 162.

And at Lochside Park, Dundee HSFP got the better of Strathie.

High surged to 247 for seven before curbing the hosts to 218 for seven.