SEAMLESS
Heriot’s skipper Keith Morton reckons the evolution of his side since last season’s title triumph has been extensive but seamless.
His assertion is certainly borne out by results thus far, Saturday’s demolition job on Forfarshire completing a sequence of four wins out of four.
Morton observes: “We’ve had a really solid start to our campaign, despite having a muchchanged line-up.
“The new boys have settled in very quickly and they have bought into our ethos of trying to play positive cricket.
“It has been great to see so many guys contributing at different phases so far. We’ve got a strong core squad of around 15, all of whom are capable of putting in match-winning performances.”
Hayes Van der Berg and Peter Ross struck superb centuries at Forthill to propel the capital outfit to 279 for six.
The hosts were curbed to 253 for eight, featuring an unbeaten 77 from Christian Robertson and 56 by Michael Leask.
Morton added: “It was a pleasure to watch Hayes and Peter out in the middle together. I felt that they each had an innings like that in the pipeline – and they produced them at the same time!
“The bottom line is that we’re a group who simply enjoy playing together and we’re looking forward to seeing how the season unfolds.”
Grange also maintained their 100 per cent record as their youth-infused team made light of the challenge of Glenrothes at Gilvenbank.
KEITH MORTON Nick Farrar emerged as the allround star of the show, snapping up four scalps to send the Fifers sliding to 139 all out, then hitting 82 not out as Grange cruised across the line in only 22 overs at the expense of one wicket.
Arbroath disposed of Carlton at Grange Loan to obliterate the painful memory of their last-day capitulation on the same turf which wrecked their championship quest. Pursuing 233, they completed the four-wicket success with almost seven overs to spare.
Sri Lankan import Shanuka Withanawasam provided the backbone with 59 – after Craig Ramsay struck four times to help dismiss the home troops.
Arbroath captain Marc Petrie said: “Again, I was very pleased with how we went about the chase. We had not been at our best with the ball, with the exception of debutant Craig Ross, who bowled very well. We made sure we were focused with the bat, having spoken about getting partnerships in the top order and taking responsibility in our own performances.”
RHC Lions also produced a top-notch team effort to earn the capital derby spoils against Watsonians at Barnton.
But it was a different story for neighbours Stewart’s Melville, who were crushed by Aberdeenshire at Mannofield – Ian Kirk making 63 notoutandcallummackaness taking a five-for. Gregg Watson believes West of Scotland can hit the heights after they continued their promising return to the top flight with victory over Ayr at Cambusdoon.
The Hamilton Crescent outfit, traditionally one of the country’s leading clubs, spent two seasons rebuilding in the First Division but after claiming their third win in four starts, the signs are that West are back to stay.
Watson said: “It was a great win by the lads with a lot of good individual performances. We’ve made a really positive start and we’re certainly looking up rather than down.” Replying to Ayr’s 210 for seven, West appeared to be wobbling on 64 for three but they refused to press the panic button, instead rebuilding carefully through the efforts of Nick Boller and Simon Naitram.
The former anchored the innings with an unbeaten 31 while Naitram hit out to topscore with 66 from just 46 balls. His departure, bowled by Andi Mcelnea, saw Jon Fearn arrive in the middle to steer West to a six-wicket win with a composed 46no.
Elsewhere, teenager Zain Ashraf helped Clydesdale recover from the brink of defeat to record a two-wicket win at Dumfries.
Chasing 153 after Scott Beveridge’s 40 had helped Dumfries post 152 for eight, Dale looked out of it when they slumped to 52 for six. However, Ashraf showed immense composure to nudge his side towards the target with a brilliant 52 before Billy Prizada’s 17no completed the recovery.
Uddingston also had to dig deep to record victory, though this time it was the experienced Ross Lyons who came to their rescue at Poloc.
Needing 182, the visitors had slumped to 102 for six before Lyons played the decisive knock with 62 from 96 balls. The left-hander received vital support from Gavin Bradley (21) and Niall Macleod (20) as Uddingston won by two wickets.
Leaders Ferguslie maintained their perfect record with a 40-run win at Stirling while Prestwick won by 84 runs at Greenock,though the gloss was taken off the Ayrshire team’s victory when they were unable to raise a team for yesterday’s Scottish Cup clash with Arbroath.
“The new boys have settled in very quickly and they have bought into our ethos of trying to play positive cricket”