ABERDEENSHIRE drew first blood yesterday in their crucial league and cup double-header against Grange.

Inspired by Daya Singh's four-wicket haul, the Dons cruised to an easy eight-wicket win, rekindling their CSL Eastern Premier title aspirations and claiming the psychological edge ahead of today's Scottish Cup quarter-final at Portgower Place.

Grange suffered the worst possible start when George Munsey was run out for a duck and Singh's first wicket, coupled with one for skipper Tyler Buchan, had the visitors struggling on 21-3.

Josh Edwards went on to top score with 31 before succumbing to the pace of Singh who finished with 4-14 as Grange collapsed to 96 all out with more than 10 overs of their allocation unused.

Calum Howard and Kenny Reid went cheaply in the Aberdeenshire reply, but Harsha Cooray made batting look simple on a day when most others struggled.

The Sri Lankan raced to 55no from only 42 balls, with eight boundaries and a six, as 'Shire romped to victory. He had solid support from Graeme Tomlinson who was unbeaten on 24.

Meanwhile, Carlton survived a huge scare before keeping their title bid on course with a nerve-jangling win over bottom-of-the-table SMRH at Inverleith.

Chasing a modest 121, the Grange Loan outfit slumped to 88-6 and then 118-9 as Craig Mackellar claimed 5-37 before the last pair got them over the line.

The one-wicket win was enough to take Carlton to the top as leaders Arbroath fell to only their second defeat of the season, going down at home to improving Watsonians.

The Lochlands side underperformed with the bat in reaching just 211-9 before 'Sonians hit their target with four wickets to spare.

Player-coach Cammy Farrell scored a century as Heriot's beat Stoneywood-Dyce by 13 runs, despite an unbeaten 84 from Jan Stander.

In Coatbridge, Drumpellier strengthened their Western Premier challenge at the expense of Ayr.

Jarod Armitage did give the home side a brisk start, but the loss of three quick wickets, including two to young Elliot Speirs, had them in trouble on a tricky Langloan track.

But a 126-stand between home captain Graeme McLare and Asid Mohammed put them in charge on their way to a challenging 224-5 and it proved more than enough against an experienced visiting line-up.

Imran Adrees, as executioner-in-chief, took 4-32 and Will Leslie 3-11 as Ayr collapsed to 111 all out in 32.2 overs. Drumpellier's victory sets up a top-of-the-table derby next week with leaders Uddingston, who overcame bottom side Stirling by seven wickets.