Ferguslie triumph pays tribute to absent friend
While Preston Mommsen’s sparkling century against his old club was the main talking point of Grange’s derby victory over Carlton, there was a personal triumph for another new signing, Harris Carnegie.
The wicketkeeper, who made the switch from Arbroath, contributed to the success with three smart catches and two stumpings.
His ebullience afterwards underlined how much he is enjoying life in the capital.
“I am settling in wonderfully,” said Carnegie. “Everyone at Raeburn Place has made me feel so welcome and I am really enjoying my cricket with a good bunch of lads.
“Combine that with two wins in the first two league matches and there is nothing more you can ask for.”
Mommsen’s unbeaten 156 guided the visitors to 310 for four at Grange Loan – a tally that was always going to be beyond the reach of the hosts.
Harris Aslam then snapped up four wickets to send Carlton limping to 226 all out.
Carnegie added: “Preston’s knock was just brilliant after we were in a bit of trouble at the start.” Ex-grange ace George Munsey, pictured, emerged as the main man for Watsonians in their convincing win against Aberdeenshire at Mannofield.
Munsey bagged three scalps in quick succession to confine Shire to 100.
He then thumped 41 not out in the cruise to the target.
Glenrothes have signalled a clear intent to be up among the title challengers.
They earned the honours in the Fife showdown with Falkland at Scroggie Park.
And bowling stalwart Kenny Crichton warned there will be much more firepower to come when new recruit and skipper Safyaan Sharif has shaken off an ankle injury.
Despite his handicap, Sharif did impress with the bat as his 37 helped to propel Glens to 192.
But it was wicketkeeper Jamie Penman who really caught the eye. Crichton added: “His 46 meant we had a defendable score.”
Only overseas pair Harsha Cooray (65) and Aaron Paul (43) were able to offer meaningful resistance for Falkland as they slid to 171 all out.
Also nursing an unblemished record are Arbroath, who easily swept aside the challenge of newly promoted SMRH at Lochlands.
Elton Willemse was the all-round star. He created momentum by grabbing two early wickets, then took the last one as the visitors crumbled meekly to 102 all out.
Willemse completed the victory with an unbeaten 32.
He stated: “We bowled and fielded tightly, not allowing them to build any significant partnerships.
“Calvin Burnett was particularly effective, maintaining intensity throughout his spell.”
Forfarshire stumbled again as Heriot’s proved too strong at Forthill.
Hayes van der Berg (86) and Pete Ross (78) inspired the Goldenacre men to post a target of 247.
But the hosts fell 26 short, though there were positives in the shape of 71 not out by Scott Cameron.
Ryan Brown and Adrian Neill shared an eight-wicket haul for Heriot’s. Emotional Ferguslie players dedicated Saturday’s win over Ayr to the memory of excolleague Sandy Strang.
A minute’s silence was observed at Cambusdoon following the death of the former Ferguslie and Clydesdale player.
Up against it after Neil Smith’s 131 helped Ayr post 241, Ferguslie suffered blows when Gregor Preston-jones was forced off with cramp before James Holt and Riyaad Henry were dismissed.
However, Preston-jones was able to return and his 97-run partnership with Michael English put the Paisley side firmly on course.
Preston-jones departed for 54 but English took charge with the innings of the day, hitting the ball to all corners and carrying his bat for a match-winning 134no.
English had also claimed the key wicket of Michael Papps but Haroon Tahir was the standout bowler, his five wickets including a hat-trick.
Richie Berrington produced another scintillating display as champions Clydesdale overpowered Kelburne at Titwood.
He took five wickets as the Paisley side were dismissed for 174 despite a solid halfcentury from Brad Joynt. Berrington then raced to 74no from 52 deliveries as the champions won by six wickets with almost half their overs unused.
Clydesdale have neighbours Poloc for company at the top after the Shawholm men held their nerve to beat Uddingston by six runs.
Jurie Snyman (51) and Craig Young (46) were Poloc’s main scorers in a total of 228-9 before Ross Lyons kept the visitors in contention with a half-century. However, Hamza Tahir’s 3-27 proved crucial.
Prestwick enjoyed a fourwicket success at home against Dumfries.
Chasing 195, Scott Beveridge made it hard for the hosts with 4-35 but Fraser Macdonald hit 50 and Tom Fleet chipped in with 44no.
Greenock are still searching for a win after Moneeb Iqbal’s 84no carried East Kilbride to a five-wicket win.