SNCL Championship: Van Wyk firing for West Lothian

He delivered his verdict after they had beaten another form-horse Falkland at Scroggie Park - with pro Kruger van Wyk again emerging as the player who mattered.

Raven, however, was quick to insist that the Linlithgow outfit are by no means a one-man show, and he is convinced this season could be a real turning point.

He said: "It was a great victory against a strong Falkland side. We are still not quite performing as well with the bat as we should be, but Kruger was in magnificent form.

"We are all playing off him and giving him the support he needs to do what he does best.

"Our bowling also clicked with our two openers Alan Williamson and 16-year-old Gregor Thomson ripping through the Falkland top order.

"Then new recruits Craig Black from Zimbabwe and Clinton Dixon - from Durban but now resident here - finishing off the job as they were all out for 83.

"Kruger seems far more relaxed this season after being named captain of Central District in New Zealand for next season, and he is putting the emphasis on enjoyment. It is paying off so far with all the guys playing with smiles on their faces and being under less pressure.

"Over the past few seasons we have had a small first team squad so holidays and injuries always hit hard. This year we have a pool of 17 genuine first eleven players who can all step up to the mark and I believe we can mount a good challenge for a top four spot - or better."

Van Wyk was in imperious form, thumping a superb 65 not out to propel them to 177 for eight. The Fifers never looked like threatening the target and were bundled out for only 83.

While Falkland faltered, neighbours Freuchie earned a major confidence boost by snuffing out the challenge of strong-running new boys East Kilbride at Muir Road.

And skipper David Cowan told how Pakistani pro Junaid Mahsood played through the pain barrier to blast them to glory. First he took three for 22 to help dismiss EK for 147, then hit a whirlwind 61 as Freuchie won by three wickets.

Cowan revealed: "It was an amazing knock because not only did he suffer a groin strain at the start of the innings, he began to suffer severe cramp and needed a runner.

"He just stood still in his crease and began to smash everything straight over the bowlers' heads. He featured in a stand of 88 and 61 of them were scored by him."

Scott Birrell also claimed a three-scalp haul, while EK's Hari Singh was the other half-centurion in the game.Newly promoted Edinburgh Accies raced to a quick win in the capital derby against SMRH at Inverleith - thanks to the all-round talents of pro Dan Rixon.

The Australian snapped up four for 21 to send the hosts hurtling to 105 all out, then struck an unbeaten 62 as they reached the target from just 15 overs.

Phil Taylor was also in excellent bowling form for Accies, bagging a cheap three-wicket haul.

Stenhousemuir are anchored at the basement after their two wicket defeat at Ferguslie.

And Hasan Akram's three-wicket haul combined with an unbeaten 31 helped Poloc beat Kelburne at Whitehaugh.