Lockhart-Krause on song as Heriot's go top

AUSTRALIAN keeper-batsman Adam Lockhart-Krause was the toast of Goldenacre on Saturday night as his blistering 147, followed by the stumping of danger man Glenn Rogers, enabled Heriot's to leapfrog disappointing Stirling County at the top of the table.

Heriot's posted a formidable 272 for 7 against a New Williamfield side which hitherto had not conceded more than 112 runs in the league. Heriot's were also indebted to former keeper Gavin McIntyre's fine 57. In reply, County were never really in the hunt, and, despite cameos from Iain McGhee (45), Graeme Taylor (33 not out) and James Miller (32), fell 90 runs short. Pick of the home bowling was again the miserly left-arm spin of Matthew Thomas, whose four cheap scalps took his season's league tally to 15.

Drumpellier edged into third spot by disposing of Falkland in a tight tussle at Langloan. Set a D/L target of 177 in 46 overs, Drumpellier's response was spearheaded by Zaheed Mohammed (57) and skipper Graeme McLaren (33) as they sneaked home by four wickets. Earlier, opener Graeme Watson (47), supported by pro Harsha Cooray (36), had laid the foundations of a useful 182 all out by the Fifers, notwithstanding Ian Warden's four wickets.

Poloc moved up into fourth after a thrilling last-ball win over Arbroath United at Shawholm. The Angus side appeared to be in the driving seat at the interval as John Salmond's 89 and a fine unbeaten 50 from deposed Saltires skipper Marc Petrie took them to 259 for 5. Set a revised D/L target of 223 in 42 overs after rain, the Glasgow side, led by overseas amateur Carl Huyser, who followed up last week's undefeated 120 with an unbeaten 89, still looked to be falling short until heroic captain Matty Coyle (39 not out) smacked the final delivery through mid-on for four to snatch victory.

It always seemed just a matter of time before the class of Ayr pro Michael Papps reasserted itself, and struggling Stenhousemuir were the hapless victims at New Cambusdoon as the New Zealander smashed an unbeaten 160, assisted by all-rounder Dougie Johnstone (74). Johnstone then grabbed the key wickets of the Rutherford brothers as Stenhousemuir capitulated to 147 all out. Only Iain Philip, shortly to celebrate his 53rd birthday, offered any resistance with a fighting 50.

Stoneywood-Dyce notched their first win, beating Penicuik at People's Park. The visitors fell for a paltry 97 all out in the face of seamer Michael Leask, who grabbed five wickets for 19 runs. The Aberdeenshire side then cruised to victory for the loss of just three wickets, overseas amateur Liam Crowley leading the way with an undefeated 32.