Cooray keeps Falkland on course for title

Harsha Cooray returned to his former stomping ground to produce the innings that kept Falkland on course for the Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union top grade title.

The experienced pro struck an unbeaten 81 as the pace-setting Fifers snuffed out the challenge of Mannofield.

It was a result that kept Falkland’s noses in front of Stoneywood Dyce, who had little trouble in accounting for Perth Doo’cot in the Fair City.

Cooray also starred with the ball, snapping up three cheap wickets to help to curb them to 205 all out in the 43rd over. The pursuit was no stroll for the Scroggie Park brigade and while Cooray was standing firm, they lost batsmen on a regular basis.

Craig Nellies provided the main support with 41 and eventually they crossed the line after 41 overs with only two wickets to spare.

Forfarshire’s second stringers endured a tough afternoon at Dalnacraig as Dundee HSFP triumphed in the local derby.

The writing was on the Shire wall when they slid to 108 all out.

This left the stage clear for the hosts to cruise to glory, and they lost only two men in the process. Arbroath’s depleted back-up side could not build on the previous week’s success as they crashed at the hands of Strathmore at Lochlands.

The Lichties never looked like threatening the target of 205 and they were dismissed 54 short.

Meigle made home advantage count in convincing fashion by completing a six-wicket win at the expense of Gordonians.

It took them only 25.4 overs to overhaul the Aberdonians’ tally of 151 all out.