ABERDEENSHIRE coach David Cox looked back on his side’s second home-turf success on the trot and admitted he can’t wait to send them into battle against his old Grange chums.

In a weather-affected encounter, Cox and Co slapped down the challenge of newly promoted SMRH.

But the ex-Scotland seamer was quick to stress that his charges will have to raise their game to have any chance of taking the scalp of his club.

He declared: “The recent wins we have had have been against teams from the lower end of the league.

“I reckon we will need one more success to counter the threat of relegation - however we know that Grange will provide a much tougher test.”

Shire made 149 for nine in their 35 overs, James Musgrave top-scoring with 34 - then dismissed SMRH for 135 - thank mainly to a fine spell of bowling from Connor Shorten (three for 10 from five).

Shorten’s most crucial wicket was that of pro Shaylen Pillay for 80.

Cox went on: “Connor performed really well after being promoted to take the new ball.

“The display of the whole attack was much improved, and James’ knock showed maturity.”

Cox was echoed by skipper Chris Venske, who said: “We lost an important toss and there was a big wet patch just on a length.

“We battled hard in the first 10 overs, in some of the most difficult batting conditions I've ever experienced.

“In the end we could have posted about 170, however I did think 150 was enough on that deck.

“The sun then came out, and with the pitch drying we knew it would be a tough ask to defend.

“Their pro batted well, but in the end a decisive catch and over by David Gamblen made all the difference.

“We played gritty cricket, as a team and hopefully it proves to be a momentum building win.”

New signing Aman Bailwal helped Watsonians claim a crucial victory over Glenrothes - and told of his contentment at Myreside.

The all-rounder, who switched from Forfarshire at the start of the season, scored a useful 22 and produced a tidy spell with the ball to thwart the Fifers.

The Chalmers clan were to the fore as Watsons 257 for six - Ewan hitting 72 and Andrew 46 in a stand of 128.

Glens - without inspirational captain Safyaan Sharif - crumbled to 104 all out with former international seamer Dewald Nel bagging three for 30.

Bailwal said: “It was an excellent all round performance which produced the result we wanted.

“We had an inconsistent start to our campaign, so the aim is to build on this win.

“From my own point of view, there is a great bunch of guys at the club and they have made me feel very welcome.

“The big advantage for me is not having to travel back and forward to Dundee.”

In the only other tussle to beat the elements, the Forfarshire revival was stepped up at the expense of understrength champions Carlton at Forthill.

In awkward conditions, the hosts grafted their way to 179 for six in 39 overs.

Matty Parker led the way with 35 before they routed the capital brigade for only 126.

Skipper Umair Mohammed was the pick of the attack with three for 24.