Two big games in north are only top league ties to see off weather

Published on 25/06/2012 01:34

the Cricket Scotland League suffered a second consecutive washout on Saturday. All the games in both Eastern and Western Premier Divisions, as well as their respective lower tiers and the East League and Western Union fell victim to the weather, but two games in the Strathmore and Perthshire Union Premier Division did beat the elements.

The matches that took place had a significant bearing on the league with Arbroath cementing second place thanks to a win over Meigle at Lochlands, while Stoneywood-Dyce climbed off the foot after their battling success at Forthill.

Arbroath were indebted to Scotland under-19 batsman Ross McLean for anchoring their innings of 191-7.

He has been struggling with an ankle injury but, desperate to prove his fitness for the U19 World Cup in August, the opening batsman hit a confident half-century in an opening stand of 88 with Gavin Swan, before going on to top-score with 63.

In the end, Arbroath had more than enough runs as Meigle, minus the inspirational Peter Drummond, never mounted a serious run chase. Their top scorer – Dennis Christie – managed just 12 as the visitors collapsed to 55 all out. Euan Small claimed 5-22.

Forthill batted first against Stoneywood-Dyce and managed a creditable 190 thanks largely to 86 from veteran Graeme Garden, with Callum Walker contributing 31. Garden and Walker also did well with the ball, taking three and two wickets respectively. However, the men from the Granite City produced a dogged run chase and reach their target with just two wickets in hand.

One game in the first division also beat the weather and joint leaders Rossie Priory beat Coupar Angus by seven wickets at the Priory.

Craig Robertson’s four wickets helped dismiss the visitors for just 90 before Bruce Stephen hit 33no and Derek McAlpine 29no seal ed the victory.