Grange move clear at the top after Budge and Brock masterclasses

Player-coach John Blain hailed the talents of Dylan Budge and Andrew Brock after Grange surged clear at the top of the league.

Blain and Co crushed Carlton in the Raeburn Place derby, while champions Heriot’s suffered a shock home defeat.

A superb century by Budge followed by a cheap six-wicket haul for Brock propelled Grange to glory. Though Blain labelled the win an all-round team display, he picked out the pair for special mention. He said: “Dylan is a ruthless and talented batsmen. His hunger and dedication is clear to see. Andrew has been the unsung hero for a while. His performance against Grange was a match-winning one.”

Budge’s 100 was the platform for Grange to reach 249 for eight. Then Brock removed the first three batsmen before mopping up the tail as Carlton slid from 54 without loss to 178 all out.

At Goldenacre, Heriot’s were handed a wake-up call by Aberdeenshire. Peter Ross (53) was the only batsman to offer significant resistance as the home brigade limped to 206 for eight. And the Dons kept a grip of contest to reach the target with three wickets to spare. Heriot’s skipper Keith Morton admitted his side deserved what they got. “It was a poor day at the office for us in just about every respect,” he said. All-rounder Michael Leask couldn’t contain his glee after helping Forfarshire to pull off victory against Arbroath at Lochlands, describing the performance as “amazing.”

The form book was turned upside down as the hosts were dismissed for 180 before the Broughty Ferry brigade surged to an eight-wicket win.

Seamer Christian Robertson inflicted the initial damage by taking five for 20. Then Leask (67 not out) and Craig Wallace (47no) combined to finish the job with a century stand.

Watsonians returned to winning ways by brushing aside Glenrothes at Myreside. Mike Carson bagged three wickets and hit a crisp half century. Safyaan Sharif’s 78 was the mainstay of the Fifers’ 230 for eight. Then Carson (71) and Ewan Chalmers (67) figured in the partnership that made sure of victory. RHC Lions dominated the north capital derby with Stewart’s Melville at Inverleith. They cruised to 289 for six before skittling the home men for just 86.