WHILE Preston Mommsen’s sparkling century against his old club was the main talking point of Grange’s derby victory over Carlton, there was a personal triumph for another new signing, Harris Carnegie.

The wicketkeeper, who made the switch from Arbroath, contributed to the success with three smart catches and two stumpings.

His ebullience afterwards underlined how much he is enjoying life in the capital.

“I am settling in wonderfully,” said Carnegie. “Everyone at Raeburn Place has made me feel so welcome and I am really enjoying my cricket with a good bunch of lads.

“Combine that with two wins in the first two league matches and there is nothing more you can ask for.”

Mommsen’s unbeaten 156 guided the visitors to 310 for four at Grange Loan - a tally that was always going to be beyond the reach of the hosts.

He was ideally supported by veteran Neil McCallum (73) and Harris Aslam (46).

Aslam then snapped up four wickets to send Carlton limping to 226 all out.

Carnegie added: “Preston’s knock was just brilliant after we were in a bit of trouble at the start.

“He and Aslam smashed it around to create the momentum, with Macca coming in to play his own game.”

Former Scotland skipper Mommsen stated: “It is always nice to get runs and contribute.

“We have an excellent set-up at Grange. We have the best facilities in the country and John Blain is doing a superb job as coach.”

Ex-Grange ace George Munsey emerged as the main man for Watsonians in their convincing win against Aberdeenshire at Mannofield.

Munsey bagged three scalps in quick succession to curb Shire to 100.

He then thumped 41 not out in the cruise to the target.

Glenrothes didn’t have their trouble to seek last season as they struggled to adapt to life in the top flight.

Fast forward a year, and they have signalled a clear intent to be up among the title challengers,

In the wake of their opening day triumph over Carlton, they earned the honours in the Fife showdown with Falkland at Scroggie Park.

And bowling stalwart Kenny Crichton warned there will be much more firepower to come when new recruit and skipper Safyaan Sharif has shaken off an ankle injury.

Crichton said: “Yes, it has been a great start to our campaign.

“We know there are things we still have to work on, for instance we are giving away too many extras and the middle order should be scoring more heavily.

“On the attacking front, obviously when Saffy is able to bowl, we will have more in our arsenal.”

Despite his handicap, Sharif did impress with the bat as his 37 helped to propel Glens to 192.

But it was wicketkeeper Jamie Penman who really caught the eye.

Crichton added: “His 46 meant we has a defendable score after losing wickets on a regular basis.

“He played very sensibly at a crucial stage of our innings.

“Vasu Reddy then underlined his experience with the ball to claim four cheap wickets.”

Only overseas pair Harsha Cooray (65) and Aaron Paul (43) were able to offer meaningful resistance for Falkland as they slid to 171 all out.

Also nursing an unblemished record are Arbroath, who easily swept aside the challenge of newly promoted SMRH at Lochlands.

Elton Willemse was the all-round star. He created momentum by grabbing two early wickets, then took the last one as the visitors crumbled meekly to 102 all out.

Willemse then completed the victory with an unbeaten 32.

He stated: “We expected a tricky encounter because SMRH will be desperate to get off the mark in the top division.

“We bowled and fielded tightly, not allowing them to build any significant partnerships.

“Calvin Burnett was particularly effective, maintaining intensity throughout his spell.

“We stuttered a little at the start of the chase, but Ross McLean stood firm with 44, which included some excellent stroke play.

“From my own point of view, it is always nice to contribute with bat and ball.

“We now look forward to our tussle with Aberdeenshire.”

Forfarshire stumbled again as Heriot’s proved too strong at Forthill.

Hayes van der Berg (86) and Pete Ross (78) inspired the Goldenacre men to post a target of 247.

But the hosts were never in the hunt and fell 26 short, though there were positives in the shape of 71 not out by Scott Cameron.

Ryan Brown and Adrian Neill shared an eight-wicket haul for Heriot’s.