Leask praises Forfarshire players’ positive attitude

Forfarshire’s surge to championship glory started with a brilliant century by Michael Leask and ended in exactly the same vein.

Despite having clinched the crown a week earlier, there was no let-up in intensity and desire as they crushed Stew-Mel at Inverleith.

Back in the chill of April, Scotland star Leask got the ball rolling by hitting 124 in the prophetic victory over then holders Grange at Raeburn Place.

And on Saturday, just around the corner, his 128 propelled Forfs to a lofty 309 all out.

After the hosts were dismissed for 177, Leask played down his scoring exploits and insisted the campaign had been about a team effort, rather than particular contributions from individuals.

He said: “I haven’t been too bothered about my own performances – all I was focused on was helping the team to win the title and adding something to the team.

“Beating Stew-Mel was hugely satisfying because it was a very poor track and to pass the 300-mark on it was a big feat.

“I suppose it just summed up the positive attitude that all the boys have had through the summer.”

Arbroath easily won the joust with Watsonians at Myreside, with spinner Craig Ramsay bagging five dismissals.

Elsewhere, Heriot’s were confirmed in third place as they claimed the scalp of Stoneywood-Dyce at Peoples Park, thanks mainly to a cheap fourwicket haul for skipper Keith Morton.

Ali Evans struck 91 at Grange Loan to pave the way for Carlton to beat basement boys Aberdeenshire.