Mixed fortunes for city clubs

THERE were differing fortunes for Highland and Northern Counties on the opening day of the new Macallan Senior League season.

Title hopefuls RAF Lossiemouth provided the opposition for Highland at Fraser Park where home captain John Paul led his side to a stunning two-run victory.

Paul led from the front in his side’s total of 115 all out with a battling 54, while Rory Harris was the leading wicket taker for the airmen, managing four for the loss of just 21 runs.

It then got even better for Highland as they dismissed Lossie for 113 all out as Saiju finished with bowling figures of 3 for 35, despite the best efforts of Harris who ended the contest 35 not out.

Inverness rivals Counties were not so fortunate as they went down by seven wickets to Ross County.

The city club could only manage 73 as the Ross County bowlers all picked up wickets with Jonathan Crabtree the pick of them as he finished with 3 for 10.

This total proved far to short for Counties and with Mark Watson unbeaten on 28, County passed the total for the loss of only three wickets to claim a convincing win.

Defending champions Forres got off to a winning start as they thrashed Nairn by nine wickets.

Nairn batted first and were all out for the days lowest total of 67 as Gus Farr, John Duff and Dave Durrance all took three wickets apiece

Forres batsman Pal Dhami then ensured there was no shock result as he made 42 not out to help his side cruised past the total required for the loss of a solitary wicket.

Buckie and Fochabers served up a close match as both looked to get into stride quickly, but it was the latter who came out on top by four wickets.

Buckie could only make 100 all out with John Valentine taking 5 for 10, despite a knock of 33 from Daniel Walls.

Despite a few scares along the way, Fochabers ensured the got themselves across the line courtesy of Milind Metha’s unbeaten 36 and Steve Shorten’s 22.

In the final fixture, it was runs aplenty as Fort William racked up an impressive 226 for 5 in their match against Elgin as Colin Jennings made 74, while Fort skipper Kevin O’Meara hit 43. This score was far too much for Elgin, who were all out for 138.