AND then there was one.
Forfarshire emerged from the weekend as the only side with an unblemished record after slapping down the challenge of hitherto unbeaten Heriot’s at Goldenacre.
The other perfect record had belonged to surprise packages Stoneywood-Dyce, however, they also stumbled as Stew-Mel broke their duck in what experienced campaigner Kris Steel labelled a “must win” encounter at Inverleith.
Former Penicuik stalwart Steel believes the success can be the launchpad for consolidation in the top flight. He stated: “It was a huge match for us when you consider that Stoneywood-Dyce had made such a great start to the season following their promotion. Our guys know how arduous a task it will be to stay in this league, so claiming a result like that gives us a platform to build upon.
“We have recruited some excellent players, so our squad depth is stronger and we relish the challenge.”
Pro Shaylen Pillay and Ben Wilkinson inflicted the initial damage by taking three wickets apiece as the northerners reached 169 for nine.
Pillay then hit 56 not out – well supported by Steel (40) and Wilkinson (27) – to guide Stew-Mel past the post with more than seven overs to spare.
Along the road, Forfarshire were piling up 321 for eight, a tally that was well beyond the reach of Heriot’s.
Michael Leask led the charge of the Broughty Ferry brigade with a typically ebullient 82. Leask reflected: “It was a top-notch win and a very big team effort. That is twice we have made 320-plus against one of the leading lights and the bowlers performed with control.”
There were also half tons from Craig Wallace, Callum Garden and Rory Johnston, underlining the depth of their batting resources.
Then skipper Umair Mohammed and Brock Ditchmen shared a six-wicket haul to send the hosts sliding to 222 all out, with only Hayes van der Berg offering significant resistance with 60.
Wihan Lubbe marked his debut as Arbroath pro in the best possible way by striking a superb century to pave the way for their first triumph of the season in the basement battle with Aberdeenshire at Lochlands. The South African’s 118 propelled the home side to 240 for six, Matty Parker making 39. Shire could only respond with 181 all out.
Champions Grange made short work of dealing with Carlton at Raeburn Place after shooting them out for only 125.
Watsonians came out on top in the low-scoring capital derby with RHC at Myreside. The hopes of the visitors were high as they disposed of Sonians for 108 in an innings that featured five zeroes, but the smile was wiped off their faces when they capitulated to 101 all out.
