Carlton shocked by Glenrothes

EASTERN Premier champions Carlton were on the receiving end of a shock on the opening day of their title defence as Glenrothes ran out winners at Gilvenbank.

Having established themselves in the top flight last season, the Fifers have shown real ambition by recruiting well during the close-season – even if their bold attempt to sign Indian Test star Sreesanth ultimately proved unsuccessful.

However, those who have arrived, together with seasoned performers, proved sufficiently potent against the champions who had a decidedly youthful look about them.

Electing to bat first, Glenrothes made the most of their decision as openers Fred Culley and Aidan Justus claimed the initiative with a brilliant stand of 167.

Culley was eventually out for 91 as a deserved century beckoned while Justus fell for 46 shortly after.

Their departures saw the hosts slump to 249-9 but it proved enough as Carlton’s inexperienced batting line-up, fell short.

If Glenrothes produced the shock of the day, Aberdeenshire provided the standout run-chase in an astonishing clash with Forfarshire at Forthill.

The home side looked unassailable after posting 340 with youngster Callum Garden the most impressive home batsman in posting 90 while fellow opener Matty Parker hit 87.

However, Chris Venske’s hard-hitting 99 set the tone for the Dons reply before a superb 109no from South African professional Lesiba Ngoepe saw the Mannofield men cruise home with five wickets and thee over to spare.

Scotland all-rounder Mark Watt was another opening day centurion but his superb 108 in a Heriot’s total of 247-8 against Grange at Portgower Place proved insufficient as the hosts eased to victory, Neil McCallum top-scoring with 80.

Watsonians were too strong for promoted SMRH, winning by 121 runs at Inverleith, while Arbroath had a four-wicket success against Falkland at Lochlands.