Eastern Knights 265-4 (CS MacLeod 109, DE Budge 92*) beat Caledonian Highlanders 264-9 (C N Greaves 151*, AC Evans 2 for 55) by six wickets

A century from Calum MacLeod ensured that Eastern Knights maintained their perfect start to the Cricket Scotland Pro50 as they eased to victory over Caledonian Highlanders at Forthill. A magnificent innings of 151 not out from Chris Greaves was to ultimately prove in vain as the men from the east recorded their second win of the campaign.

Greaves produced a superb display as he stroked fifteen boundaries in a 150 ball knock. After the departure of skipper Safyaan Sharif (27), however, the Highlanders struggled to build significant partnerships around the Forfarshire man and with only three other batsmen reaching double figures in the innings their total of 264-9 always looked below par.

After their strong batting display against Western Warriors yesterday the Knights began the chase in confident mood. The eastern side quickly lost George Munsey (2), however, Aaron Paul taking the catch which gave Scott Cameron a wicket in his second over.

The captain’s departure heralded the arrival of MacLeod, and after putting on 57 with opener Michael Herdman (31) both he and Dylan Budge took control of the game as they shared a partnership of 173 for the third wicket. Scotland international MacLeod struck thirteen boundaries on his way to 109 and by the time he fell to Brock Ditchmen the two had ensured that the result was clear.

Budge followed his half century against the Warriors with another impressive innings, finishing unbeaten on 92 as the victory was confirmed with more than four overs to spare.

The result has added significance to the game between Caley Highlanders and Western Warriors at Titwood on Monday 29th May as both sides look for a first win of the campaign. With victories over both their rivals, meanwhile, Eastern Knights look well-placed in their bid to retain the trophy.