Cricket: Drumpellier open with a bang

DOUGHTY Drumpellier were the surprise shock troops on the First Division's opening day with the comprehensive eclipse of fancied Arbroath United at Lochlands.

The Angus men never recovered from the loss of their first three wickets for only 22 to the new Coatbridge opening seam attack of Ian Warden and former Penicuik paceman John Hutton. Drumps skipper Graham McLaren hit a swashbuckling 48 at No4, and even his eventual departure, retired hurt, was only a minor blip as Warden and Chris Keltie saw the away side safely home by seven wickets in only the 33rd over.

Title co-favourites Ayr and Heriot's, as expected, both made convincing starts.

Half centuries from prolific Kiwi pro Michael Papps and experienced Dougie Johnstone saw the New Cambusdoon men comfortable away winners at Penicuik with the loss of only two wickets.

Earlier overseas amateur Daniel Fleming's five-wicket debut haul had restricted Penicuik to 173 all out. The Kirkhill men were indebted to a fighting 50 from opener Foulds assisted by a fine 44 from Taylor at No8.

Heriot's meanwhile put a damper on Falkland's aspirations at Scroggie Park as Andre van Niekerk's five wickets for a mere 14 runs reduced the home side to a paltry 72, which was quickly seen off by captain Steve Knox's 33 in only 21 overs. Nick Cunningham's three wickets were scant consolation.

Stirling County posted a significant early marker of their all-round prowess with the top SNCL score of the day as a magnificent century from Josh Edwards and 50s from youngsters Gavin Anderson and Iain McGhee produced a mammoth 311 for three against Stenhousemuir, who capitulated in only 24 overs to lose by 199 runs. Also pleasing for Stirling was a useful three-wicket haul from new pro, former South African under-19 player, Kreeson Naicker, and two early wickets for seamer Craig Matthew.

Elsewhere, the Poloc versus Stoneywood-Dyce clash was a victim of overnight rain.