Watsonians run riot at Scroggie Park

Watsonians can now only be their own worst enemies as the Eastern Premier campaign heads towards its final month of action.

That was the widespread verdict in the wake of events at the weekend – particularly from Falkland, the team thrashed by the apparent champions elect – and Carlton, the only side that can realistically maintain a challenge.

While Sonians were running riot at Scroggie Park, Forfarshire’s gallant bid to keep up with the top two was severely dented as they crashed to Carlton in the capital.

Victorious veteran batsman Fraser Watts said: “It was a good solid win against a strong Shire line-up, but I honestly can’t see Watsonians throwing it away now. “The title is theirs to lose. “However, if they do show signs of slipping up in August we will be ready to capitalise.”

Cheeky Gosain snatched the key wicket of big-hitting Forfarshire captain Craig Wallace for 46, while Ali Evans got rid of playercoach Graeme Beghin for a duck as they were shot out for 191.

Rory McCann then led the chase with 67, paving the way for the hosts to cruise to glory with more than 10 overs and five wickets to spare.

Former New Zealand Test seamer Andy McKay was again in stunning form for Watsons in Fife.

The visitors had a far from easy first knock, posting a tally of 183 for nine. However, McKay ran riot after the tea break, claiming five cheap scalps as Falkland collapsed to a miserable 36 all out.

Host stalwart Ryan Hepburn admitted: “Our performance was an embarrassment. Yet again our batting was simply not good enough.”

Arbroath returned to winning ways in the competition by demolishing Glenrothes at Lochlands.

Robbie Wright was the only Glens man to pass the 30-mark as they limped to 163, with Craig Ramsay taking four for 44.

The Fifers took an early wicket, sending Ross McLean packing, but there were no further breakthroughs as Arbroath captain Marc Petrie (73 not out) and Fraser Burnett (70), completed the pursuit in the 26th over.

Stoneywood-Dyce skipper Shaun Coetzer insisted his strugglers will not give up their battle against relegation, in spite of another morale-busting defeat, their 11th on the trot.

Kevin McLaren emerged as the destroyer-in-chief at People’s Park, his urgent 86 propelling Heriot’s to 256 for six in only 28 overs.

Pro Breyden Stepien (68) made the Edinburgh outfit briefly toil for their 91-run success, but the depth of support was just not there.