Eastern Premier Cricket: ‘Sensational result’ as Arbroath upset Grange

By DAVID KELSO
Published on 20/08/2012 01:15

ARBROATH skipper Fraser Burnett admitted early in the campaign that his side would not win the race to land the Eastern Premier Division crown. But he insisted his side would most surely have a big say in where the title would end up - and the remarkable events on Saturday certainly backed up his boast.

Burnett’s team pulled off what was arguably the shock result of the season when they wrecked the “welcome home” party of pacesetters Grange. And they are in the mood to inflict yet more top-of-the table disruption this weekend when they square up to Watsonians, who - in spite of losing to Stoneywood-Dyce - regained their spot at the summit.

Arbroath president Geoff Fisher said: “It was a sensational result at Raeburn Place - and sadly I wasn’t there to witness it. I was giving American friends a tour of the Highlands and by phone never stopped buzzing with text updates from Edinburgh. When word came through that we had been bowled out for 132 my heart sank and my expectations vanished. I really didn’t think there as a chance of hearing any good news - but when the Grange wickets began to tumble my excitement level rose. My chums from the States must have wondered what on earth was going on! There was no containing my joy when I heard that the lads had bowled out Grange for 107.”

It was tough the hosts, who had hoped to mark their return to their flood-stricken ground with a crucial win. While Fisher celebrated Arbroath’s triumph, he took time out to express his sympathy for Angus neighbours Forfarshire, who are doomed to end up at the basement thanks to their narrow loss to Heriot’s at Goldenacre. He added: “The Tayside area is a cricket hotbed and we all want as many teams as possible at the highest level. The game needs local derbies and everyone at Arbroath will hope they bounce back.”

There were mixed emotions at Myreside as Sonians sneaked back to where they have been for the bulk of the season. However the unlikely loss to Stoneywood could have severe repercussions when the honours shake-up is ironed out. The Aberdonians clinched the glory by a single wicket with one ball of an absorbing contest remaining.

Scotland pro Jean Symes had top scored with 61 to guide the home brigade to 188 all out - Elton Willemse bagging four for 22. Jan Stander then provided the backbone of the response with 64 and the tail dug deep to scramble the winning runs.