BRENDAN Ford and Craig Wallace produced a stunning batting display to prove that their is life at Forfarshire after Ryan Watson.
The Broughty Ferry side had feared they would struggle to fill the void left by the former captain's departure to Glenrothes. But any jitters were quickly dispelled by the pair as they propelled Shire to their nine-wicket home-turf success against Ayr.
Having pegged the visitors to 194 for eight, Shire made a shaky start to their reply, losing John Hancock with only a single on the board. But then came the fireworks from Ford (104no) and Saltires wicketkeeper Wallace (78no). They raced to the target in only 26 overs without being parted, much to the delight of club spokesman David Thomson.
"We admit the Ayr bowling attack was not the strongest, but the job still had to be done – and they did it brilliantly. The remarkable aspect of the partnership was that between them they only offered one half-chance when Brendan lofted the ball between two fielders. Obviously the loss of Ryan, along with Umair Mohammed, was always going to have an effect on the side but performances like this will certainly give us heart."
Ford was not the only century-maker in the latest round of pool matches.
Scotland colleagues Fraser Watts and Preston Mommsen both passed the milestone to help Carlton demolish Falkland at Grange Loan.
David Ross was also in great nick for Heriot's with 136 as they hammered local rivals Edinburgh Accies at Goldenacre.
Fallen giants Greenock were given hope for the future when new overseas amateur Craig Schlebusch claimed a ton in the triumph over Poloc at Shawholm.
Another three-figure player was SMRH's Brayden Tracy, whose effort wasn't enough to stave off defeat by Prestwick in a high-scoring thriller at Henry Thow Oval.
Etienne Nagel emerged as the main man with 136 as Stenhousemuir snuffed out the challenge of Freuchie at The Tryst.
Scott Beveridge claimed five wickets as Dumfries made it two wins from three with a nine-wicket demolition of Penicuik who were dismissed for 78 at Kirkhill.
Stewart Kampman (72) and Shahid Mahmood (5-19) were the heroes as East Kilbride produced one of the shocks of the day by carving out a comprehensive 115-run win over West of Scotland at Hamilton Crescent.
There was another major surprise at King George V Park, where holders Uddingston were outgunned by Renfrew.
Elsewhere, there were wins for Clydesdale against injury hit Arbroath and Grange over Fauldhouse.
Ferguslie edged out Stirling County on wicket count after they finished level at Meikleriggs.
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