IF ever a match epitomised the thrills, spills, ups and downs of derby cricket it was Arbroath’s surprise triumph over title pacesetters Forfarshire at Broughty Ferry.
Not only did it turn out to be one of the shock results of the season, it could end up being the most thrilling and significant encounters of the 2019 summer.
In a nerve-jangling climax, the hosts needed three from the last two deliveries to snatch the glory.
Scott Cameron scampered a single off Craig Ramsey, leaving Brock Ditchmen to face the final ball, but the guile of Ramsay proved too much and the visitors clung on for the one-run success.
The tussle had featured two superb centuries – one for each side. Pro Wihan Lubbe’s 104 from 78 deliveries propelled Arbroath to 262 then Chris Greaves was the star turn of the Forfarshire pursuit, hitting 101 in vain.
Understandably, Arbroath skipper Marc Petrie was thrilled with his team’s result and performance. He declared: “The outcome aside, it was a brilliant match and a great advert for Scottish club cricket.
“Obviously it was a very important win for us in the context of our up and down season. Every week I’ve spoken of my confidence in the squad and this showed just what we’re capable of achieving. Lubbe’s knock was fantastic – as was the one from Greavo, which in other circumstances would have led to a victory.
“The Angus derbies are always exciting but this was one of the more memorable ones that I’ve played in. Others worthy of mention are Calvin Burnett, who supported Wihan excellently and bowled really well in the last 25 overs. Sixteen year old Ben O’Mara held his nerve to bowl seven tight overs under pressure.
“Daniel Salmond continues to impress and had a huge impact in the field and with the ball then Craig kept calm at the death to see us home.
“We now know the standard we expect of ourselves and we must make sure we continue to play in that manner and climb the table.”
The defeat allowed champions Grange to close the gap on Forfarshire, thanks to their nine-wicket demolition job on Aberdeenshire, who look ever more destined for the drop.
Oli Hairs underlined his all-round talent by grabbing three wickets and hitting 85 as Grange passed the 171 target in only 24 overs.
Elnathan Meiri with 104 and Ryan Brown (five for 10) were the main men as Heriot’s powered to a convincing 154-run win over RHC at Goldenacre.
Carlton were 65-run winners of their capital derby against Stew-Mel at Inverleith and Liam Lindsay’s ton century set up Stoneywood-Dyce to complete the league double over Watsonians at Myreside.
