Heriot's defend low total against much-fancied Ayr

REJUVENATED Heriot's posted the first major marker of the campaign when they edged out fancied Ayr in a tense, low-scoring tussle at New Cambusdoon.

Skipper Steve Knox had pinpointed the wicket of Ayr pro Michael Papps as vital, and so it proved. When the prolific Kiwi departed early for just 15, snapped up by Gavin McIntyre off the bowling of new player-coach Sean Weereratna, Ayr struggled, and only a third wicket partnership between keeper Neil Smith (31) and Dougie Johnstone (34) made any impact before the tail folded to leave the seasiders 15 runs adrift, Aussie left arm spinner Matthew Thomas picking up four wickets.

Earlier Heriot's had posted 145 with Papps' five wickets applying the brakes.

Stirling County gave further indication of their valid title aspirations in the comprehensive eclipse of Drumpellier at Langloan. County captain Phil Rees had earmarked his spinners to deliver on a traditionally slow Langloan track, and Glenn Rogers responded with five wickets to bundle out the Coatbridge men for a meagre 106, replying to County's 203.

Falkland were indebted to newly- arrived Sri Lankan pro Harsha Coorey's undefeated 73, Graeme Watson's fine 80, and a bizarre contribution of 72 extras by Penicuik, which saw them overhaul the home team's 243 all out.

Stenhousemuir failed in their run chase against Poloc, by just 13 runs, chasing 229, while Arbroath United responded vigorously to skipper Fraser Burnett's demand for instant improvement, and the captain himself scored an unbeaten 87 in the total of 256 against Stoneywood-Dyce, whose cause was further hampered by the concession of 53 extras. Benny McGill's three quick wickets ended the contest.