Shire pair put on fireworks display to overcome Ayr

The Broughty Ferry brigade feared they would struggle to fill the void left by the former skipper’s departure to Glenrothes.

But any jitters were quickly dispelled as the pair propelled Shire to their nine-wicket home-turf success against Ayr.

Having pegged the visitors to 194 for eight, Shire lost John Hancock with only a single on the board, but then came the fireworks as Ford and Wallace. They raced to the target in only 26 overs without being parted.

Scotland colleagues Fraser Watts and Preston Mommsen also hit centuries to help Carlton demolish Falkland at Grange Loan, while David Ross was in great nick for Heriot’s with 136 as they hammered Edinburgh Accies at Goldenacre.

Fallen giants Greenock were given hope for the future when new overseas amateur Craig Schlebusch claimed a ton in the triumph over Poloc at Shawholm, as did SMRH’s Brayden Tracy, whose effort wasn’t enough to stave off defeat by Prestwick in a thriller at Henry Thow Oval.

Etienne Nagel emerged as the main man with 136 as Stenhousemuir snuffed out the challenge of Freuchie at The Tryst, while Scott Beveridge claimed five wickets for Dumfries in a nine-wicket demolition of Penicuik who were dismissed for 78 at Kirkhill.

Stewart Kampman (72) and Shahid Mahmood (5-19) were the heroes as East Kilbride produced a shock with a comprehensive 115-run win over West of Scotland and there was another major surprise at King George V Park, where holders Uddingston were outgunned by Renfrew.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Clydesdale against injury hit Arbroath and Grange over Fauldhouse. Ferguslie edged out Stirling County on wicket count after they finished level at Meikleriggs.