NORTH CRICKET

The top North of Scotland League match of the weekend saw Highland lose their unbeaten record to second-place Forres.

Batting first, the home side made 174 for seven. Top scorer Pal Dhami was out for 45 but an excellent innings from Nigel Gerrard (42) held the team together with contributions from all batsmen, including 21 from Gus Farr. Rory Cameron took two wickets for 24 off his nine overs.

Highland found it difficult to find runs as Forres tied them down and the big hitters were kept quiet.

Up front, Euan Smith made 23 and only Regan Francis posted a notable contribution of 29 as the rest of the line up failed to get out of the blocks.

Forres bowlers Jon Benn (three for 36) and Steve Barron (two for 27) helped keep Highland to 110 all out.

At Castle Park, Huntly, the home side posted 167 all out against Elgin. Contributions from Callum Whyte (65) and Steven Muir (40) kept the Gordon side interested. Sam Fairgrieve (four for 17) and Thomas Cameron (four for 21) took the Elgin bowling honours.

It is a sign of how far Elgin have improved that they were able to chase down a total like this, led by Steve Barnett (46) and backed up with 37 from Dave Fairgrieve and an unbeaten 31 for Zac Vale.

At Nairn Links, Fort William set a challenging 183 all out at Nairn Links.

DJ Duncan top-scored for the Lochaber side, while Steven Anniss took three for 53. In reply, a century from Alex Green (116) took them most of the way assisted by Anniss (41)..

Ross County kept Northern Counties to 102, only Richard Smith (43) featuring with the bat. Wily bowling from Renato Belli (four for 19) gave the visitors to the Northern Meeting Park a chance but the Strathpeffer side fell agonisingly short on 92 as Smith took three for 23 and Nuwan Eshwara three for 14.