Captain Wallace hits superb ton but Grange are just too Goudie
Modest Gordon Goudie played down the lethal bowling display that propelled Grange to glory against Forfarshire – and instead diverted praise to home skipper Craig Wallace.
Wallace’s superb century at Forthill turned the contest into a much closer affair than seemed likely and gave the Edinburgh outfit a scare.
Needing 251, the hosts rallied to 227 for nine, Wallace hitting 100 not out and seamer Goudie snapping up five for 30.
The latter said: “It was a great all-round performance but, while Craig was at the crease, they always had a chance. We batted very well to make a great total on a wicket that offered a bit of movement. Having noted that from our innings, we knew where to bowl to make it tricky for their batsmen.
“Craig stuck it out exceptionally well. It was a very composed and risk free hundred that got them a bit closer than we would have liked.”
Goudie’s former Scotland colleague Majid Haq was also in great nick as he inspired newly-promoted RHC Lions to success at the expense of Glenrothes at Barnton.
Elliot Foster’s 92 was the mainstay of the home side’s 256 for seven. Then Haq grabbed five for 21 to send 0 Carlton batsman Arun Pillai sweeps hard during his side’s win over Watsonians on Saturday. the Fifers sliding to 128 all out.
He stated: “It was a fantastic all-round team performance. Elliot batted superbly and took the game to the Glenrothes bowlers.
“We had valuable contributions all the way down the order and our captain Joe Kinghorn-gray added great impetus in the last ten overs.
“With the ball, 18-year-old Calum Clarkson bowled superbly with beautiful flight and guile, taking two for 29. Will Blease effectively made sure of the win by removing Ben Wilkinson and Safyaan Sharif. I just cleaned up the tail!”
Another centurion who ended up on the losing side was Arbroath stand-in skipper Calvin Burnett. For Burnett and Co, Mannofield has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, but on this occasion they were beaten by four wickets by Aberdeenshire.
He hit 105 not out and was involved in a three-figure stand with Blair Carnegie (52) after they were in peril at 30 for five.
Despite the stirring rally, the tally of 218 for seven proved a straightforward pursuit for the Dons, who crossed the line with almost ten overs to spare. Kenny Reid (79) and James Dickinson (43) were the batsmen who mattered.
Elsewhere, Ross Mccann’s superb unbeaten 123 was the highlight of Carlton’s triumph over neighbours Watsonians at Grange Loan.
In the other capital derby, champions Heriot’s made it two wins out of two as they brushed aside the challenge of Stewart’s-melville at Inverleith.