MODEST Forfarshire captain Craig Wallace shrugged off his remarkable display of big-hitting to label his side's opening day Eastern Premiership triumph over Heriot's "almost the perfect performance."

The out-of-favour Scotland wicketkeeper thumped a spectacular unbeaten 162 to inspire the Broughty Ferry boys to a clinical success at Goldenacre.

But afterwards he preferred to talk up his whole team, rather than his personal exploits.

Wallace said: "As a group of players we played almost the perfect game - and that is a nice feeling.

"A lot of work has gone into the club over the past three years or so and that endeavour is definitely paying off.

"The whole squad have been hugely excited about this season and they want to perform with a sense of enjoyment.

"Having seen what we can do so early in the campaign, the aim now is to match that display - or even better it every week, and just generally keep on improving."

Shire made 293 for eight, an impressive tally on an April pitch and outfield.

Wallace did the damage off only 142 balls, his last 62 coming from just 18 blows.

The thrilling innings - his 12th ton in all forms of cricket for the club - featured six sixes and 12 fours.

Wallace was provided with stout support by Matty Parker and new recruit Michael Leask and the target was always likely to be comfortably outwith the scope of a home side.

Heriot's set off on their reply in purposeful style, however wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

Liam Sweeney was the pick of the attack, breaking through four times at the cost of 27 to send the locals sliding to 162 all out.

Veteran opener Steve Knox (80 not out) was the only Heriot's batsman to offer solid resistance.

While Wallace took the weekend's batting plaudits, it was teenage Grange spinner Tom Sole who emerged as the top bowler.

And new Grange player-coach John Blain wasted no time in expressing his belief that the youngster will be worthy of a Scotland senior squad call-up sooner rather than later.

The former World Cup paceman issued his verdict after the youngster claimed a five-wicket haul to complete a demolition job on capital rivals Watsonians at Raeburn Place.

While delighted with the overall performance of the hosts and the manner in which they went about their business, Blain made it plain that Sole had been the star of the show, with batsman Ryan Flannigan playing a stout supporting role.

Blain declared: "If ever I saw a young spin bowler who i would call a future internationalist, it is Tom.

"Certainly, the people in the Scotland set up should be looking at him. He bowls it beautifully and has ability to change pace.

"He bats well too, fields at point and is an excellent athlete.

"There is also a solid personality there with great work ethic. A great all round package, in fact."

Sole, the younger cricketing son of Scotland Grand Slam rugby skipper David, sparked utter panic in the Sonians ranks in their pursuit of 213.

They capitulated from 93 for two to 138 all out, with Sole snapping up five for 15 from his six overs.

Earlier, Flannigan had been the bulwark of the Grange innings, hitting 82 against his old club.

Champions Aberdeenshire safely negotiated a tricky hurdle in Falkland, thanks to the efforts of Adrian Neill and Callum Martin at Scroggie Park.

Martin's whirlwind 81 not out from 41 balls guided the Dons to 254 for eight. Neill then claimed a six wicket haul to clinically complete the 140-run success.

The astonishing batting form of Hamish Gardiner continued at Lochlands, where Carlton surged to a clear-cut victory over Arbroath.

Gardiner had whacked a century in each innings to carry Scotland's second string Xl to a win against their Durham counterparts in midweek.

And he carried on where he had left off, albeit he missed out on three figures by only two runs.

Arbroath had boldly opted to bat after winning the toss. They recovered from an early dose of the jitters to make 214 for nine.

Skipper Marc Petrie led the revival with 64, with excellent back-up from young Harris Carnegie (41).

With Gardiner and Scotland captain Preston Mommsen in such rich form, such a total wasn't likely to pose a significant problem for the capital outfit and they cruised home by seven wickets.

Stoneywood-Dyce made a bright start to their campaign, disposing of promoted RH Corstorphine by seven wickets at Peoples Park.

ends