ABERDEENSHIRE’S roller-coaster Eastern Premiership campaign took another downward lurch at the weekend as they crashed to a Watsonians outfit inspired by quick-scoring Scotland star George Munsey.

And yet again the pattern of the contest at Myreside underlined the weakness of batting depth in the current Mannofield line up.

Following the early loss of Kenny Reid and skipper Chris Venske, Shire had looked set to post a challenging total as they stood on 97 for two.

But the writing was on the wall when wickets began to tumble in a spate - and they crashed to 155 all out.

Such a target was never likely to trouble a home squad that has been piling up the runs in recent weeks.

As long as Munsey was at the crease, there was no chance of a surprise Aberdeenshire revival.

Sonians surged past the post in only 25 overs, with Munsey smashing a typically punishing 57 not out.

Oh how the Dons wished they still had a bowler with the penetration skills of Adrian Neill, who played a prime part in Heriot’s tension-packed triumph over Forfarshire at Goldenacre.

The Broughty Ferry brigade had their tails up after dismissing the home troops for 187, thanks to a four-wicket haul from Brock Ditchmen.

Knocks of 33 apiece by Calum Garden and captain Craig Wallace steadied the Forfs ship after Neill removed Matty Parker cheaply.

And he returned to mop up the tail in clinical fashion to complete the 15-run win.

Neill shrugged off his own feat of taking four for 31to say: “The boys showed a lot of fighting qualities as well as sheer persistence.

“We kept the bowling tight and the fielders backed up well.

“If we want to keep on challenging near the top of the table we must keep up that level of performance.

“The aim is to keep on improving week by week and if the experienced payers remain consistent then we can stay right up there.”

Teenager Angus Beattie emerged as the Carlton hero as they routed old rivals Grange on their own patch.

First, he top scored with 60 to inspire his side to make 214 all out - then the Scotland age-group ace highlighted his all-round talents by snapping up two late wickets to end the Grange resistance and seal the 60-run success.

Mike Herdman was also in fine form for Carlton with 42 and two for 13 from seven overs.

Harris Carnegie (52) and Neil McCallum (48) mounted a century stand for the sixth Grange wicket after they had been reduced to 20 for five.

But there was to be no miraculous escape act.

Glenrothes maintained their pleasing sequence by snuffing out the threat of neighbours Falkland at Gilvenbank.

Visiting pro Harsha Cooray added spice to the derby by hitting 106, which propelled his side to a respectable 199 for eight.

The fact that the next highest score was 28 simply underlined his domination.

Skipper Safyaan Sharif staved off any possibility of a shock by making 58 not out to guide Glens to glory by five wickets with 15 overs in hand.

His leadership was hailed by team-mate Vasu Reddy, who reflected: “It was a very important result and Saffy led from the front, with both bat and ball.

“But everyone chipped in at crucial moments and we would love to think we could secure a top three finish.”

Even with half a team absent, title pacesetters Arbroath had enough firepower to demolish SMRH at Inverleith.

Rookie Euan Small and Elton Willemse each bagged three cheap wickets to send the capital strugglers hurtling to 80 all out.

Then Brendon Ford (42 not out) and stand-in skipper Ross McLean rattled up the required runs in just overs.