The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Captains hail sides as Lichties and Shire get off to winning starts
Neighbouring skippers Marc Petrie and Umair Mohammed were in buoyant mood after guiding Arbroath and Forfarshire respectively to solid openingday home-turf successes in the Eastern Premiership.
Petrie, whose men were pipped at the post by Heriot’s for the glory last year, was thrilled with the all-round display of new Sri Lankan pro Shanuka Vithanawasam.
He compiled a fine half century then bagged a five-wicket haul to sink Stew-Mel.
Petrie said: “It was a very good start for him and the team. He has been brilliant since he arrived in Scotland.
“Not only is he a fantastic player, but he’s also bought into the way we do things at the club.
“He bowls left arm spin and he has a number of skilled variations which is enjoyable to keep wicket to.
“I know I’m always in the game and will get catching and stumping chances when he is in action.
“He and Craig Ramsay operated well as a partnership, causing most of the damage.”
Vithanawasam hit 51 to guide Arbroath to 222 for seven before sharing eight wickets with Ramsay, skittling Stew-Mel for 91.
Craig Wallace thumped 85 and Scott Cameron 59 not out to propel Forfarshire to their fivewicket victory over Watsonians at Broughty Ferry.
Mohammed said: “I was delighted with the result and performance. It was important to start with a win, especially with everyone contributing. We take things a game at a time, and make sure we keep on enjoying our cricket.”
The Glenrothes versus Carlton showdown was rained off.