Baum explodes into action as Grange get off to flying start

Alex Baum looked back with satisfaction on his Eastern Premiership debut for Grange and revealed his excitement at batting alongside a host of former internationalists.

Pete Ross sweeps during the Heriots innings but it was Carlton who claimed the opening-day win. Picture: Neil Hanna

The young ex-Greenock player top scored for the champions as they completed a demolition job on Falkland at Scroggie Park.

And considering the conditions at the Fife ground over the previous 24 hours, Baum’s knock of 44 not out was all the more noteworthy.

He said: “It was a good all-round performance from the team. I was happy to contribute and I was honoured to be out in the middle with guys who have been at the highest level.”

Baum was the mainstay of the Grange innings of 198 for nine, Safyaan Sharif and Ben Strachan sharing seven wickets. There was no way back for Falkland when Sharif perished for ten to make it 28 for five and Falkland were skittled for a miserable 42.

Glenrothes left Broughty Ferry under no illusion that life in the top flight will be anything other than a daunting battle but they insisted there is no panic in the camp. Spokesman Edward Gibbs put down their heavy defeat at the hands of Forfarshire to a combination of first-night nerves and the fact that the hosts were simply too strong and streetwise on the day.

He said: “We must learn lessons – the most important of which is the need to contain the better players.”

Gibbs’ comment was prompted by the batsmanship of Forfarshire skipper Craig Wallace, whose 68 was the most punishing knock of the contest. Gibbs added: “On a positive note, the guys did not let their heads go down.”

Only Chris Greaves (60) was able to offer resistance to the host attack as Glens were shot out for 126. Graeme Beghin inflicted the bulk of the damage with three for nine.

Arbroath convincingly claimed the scalp of Stoneywood-Dyce at Lochlands. Half centuries by Elton Willemse, Brendon Ford and Calvin Burnett paved the way to 255 for eight. The northerners threatened to cause an upset as openers Brayden Stepien and skipper Shaun Coetzer both reached the 50-mark and rattled up a stand of 106, but the wheels came off as they crashed to 130 all out.

Former Scotland pair Fraser Watts (57) and Gordon Drummond (31 not out), took Carlton to success by five wickets against Heriot’s.