Cricket: Forfarshire storm to league summit as Watsonians falter

Umair Mohammed helped Forfarshire to snuff out the challenge of Aberdeenshire to leap to the head of the Eastern Premier title race, then paid tribute to the impact and influence of player-coach Graeme Beghin.

Carlton celebrate on their way to victory on Saturday as Watsonians Andrew Learmonth is trapped leg before wicket. Picture: Greg Macvean

The batting power of Broughty Ferry brigade was underlined on their own track – and their satisfaction level was heightened when news came through to Forthill that previous pacesetters Watsonians had been toppled by neighbours Carlton.

Mohammed said: “It was a great result which was produced by a brilliant all-round team performance.

“I am the oldest member of the current squad and when I look around the changing room, I see a matchwinner in each and every one of us.

“This is something Graeme has instilled in us. He has given us self-belief and such a positive mental attitude.”

Craig Wallace had led the charge as Forfarshire cruised to 333 for seven, smashing a typically brisk 90.

Jack Hogarth then took the bowling honours, grabbing three wickets without conceding a single run, as the Mannofield men crumbled to 182 all out.

Calum Everett claimed four wickets in Carlton’s three-wicket success over Watsonians at Grange Loan.

Only one Sonians man was able to pass the 30-mark in their total of 153, Everett’s spell yielding only 16 of them in seven pinpoint overs. Arun Pillai (48) and Fraser Watts (41) provided the ideal launching pad for the successful chase.

Grange emerged convincing victors of the other Edinburgh derby at Goldenacre, where Heriot’s were skittled for just 127 in pursuit of 261.

Preston Mommsen’s 60 was the backbone of the Grange innings, which featured collective consistency as opposed to individual stardom.

Glenrothes broke their top-flight duck in emphatic fashion, hammering Stoneywood-Dyce.

There was no prospect of a realistic challenge by the Aberdonians after Chris Greaves thumped 162 not out – 34 of which were bludgeoned in the final over.

His spectacular feat propelled Glens to 261 for four and they retained their clinical edge with the ball, disposing of SD for 107.

Arbroath bounced back to form with an equally convincing win at the expense of Falkland at Scroggie Park.

And the outcome left all-rounder Calvin Burnett wondering if training is an over-rated activity.

Burnett, who hit 71 not out and snapped up two wickets, said: “I have been extremely busy at work, so I haven’t been at so many midweek net sessions – and, on this evidence, maybe that is the way to go!”

Elton Willemse also struck a half century as Arbroath reached 231 for nine.

Spinner Craig Ramsay then took three for 24 to send the Fifers sliding to 79 all out, surrendering their last five wickets for just six runs.