Championship

But the young South African also underlined his bowling prowess as his new side demolished Freuchie in the Fife derby at Riverside. He returned the remarkable figures of three for five from 6.4 overs to play a major part in sending the Muir Road men hurtling to 87 all out in reply to 213 for eight.

Beghin was given stout support by Kenny Crichton (three for ten from ten overs), reducing Freuchie to 12 for five at one stage, a perilous situation from which they were never likely to make a recovery.

Earlier, Glens made a shaky start themselves, limping to 15 for three before former Scotland skipper Ryan Watson halted the rot with 59. Glens captain Chris Greaves stressed it was not only Beghin’s on-field talents that made him such an attractive prospect.

He said: “We were very aware of Graeme’s achievements with Edinburgh South last season.

“It was the work he did with the kids there, plus his experience working with juniors in Cape Town, which carried the greatest appeal.”

He added: “I’m sure he’ll be a big help to me in my first season in charge.” The absence of Beghin was also highlighted as Edinburgh South suffered defeat at the hands of Penicuik while on home turf.

But the most emphatic win of the weekend came at Arboretum Road, where MDAFS crushed Holy Cross by 252 runs after racking up 303 for five.

Corstorphine outpowered West Lothian at Boghall, and Carlton 2s’ victory over Grange was some  consolation for the reverse outcome in the tussle of the first elevens.