THE only time that Heriot’s hit the front of the Eastern Premiership race was on Saturday evening - but they got there when it mattered most.

Having been pacesetters for the bulk of the season, Arbroath stumbled at the final hurdle with defeat by deposed champions Carlton.

And that left the stage clear for Keith Morton’s team to sneak up on the rails to snatch the glory by brushing aside the challenge of Aberdeenshire.

The Heriot’s jubilation was, however diluted when it emerged there was no trophy at Goldenacre, let alone a representative of Cricket Scotland to present it.

While skipper Morton couldn’t mask his delight, he had sympathy for Arbroath, several of whose players are close chums.

Morton said: “We were in the right place at the right time to take advantage of their situation.

“It will have been very tough for them to take, but they were the first people to congratulate us, which shows what kind of guys they are.

“This is definitely one of the highlights of my cricketing days.

“But we can’t switch off yet as we have the Grand Final against Prestwick at Meikleriggs coming up.”

Morton went on: “After losing to Glenrothes a few weeks back, our aim was to remain unbeaten in August and see where that would take us.

“We hung in there and other results went our way.”

It was also a huge day for veteran Kevin McLaren, who revealed: “The match marked the end of my career - and what a great way to bow out.

“I am so proud of the lads. They have worked so hard this year and after two tough losses in cup competitions we have got what we deserved.

“The captain and player/coach combo of Keith and Peter Ross has worked superbly for us.

“The amount of time and commitment they have both put into the club has been unheralded.

“When these two guys came on board we laid out a five-year plan to win the league - and we have achieved in in three.”

“Of course we send our commiserations to Arbroath, it's never nice losing on the last day.

“But they'll come back stronger, fighting for the title next season.”

Arbroath batsman Fraser Burnett admitted: “It just wasn't meant to be. I think the boys felt we didn't really deserve it, as we haven't played that well at times.

“I am happy for Heriot’s and my friend Keith, but we are still the winners in many respects.

“Each year we compete strongly at the top level, which is an extraordinary achievement for a side featuring so many local boys.

“We always play a team with at least Arbroath lads - and sometimes all 11 who have come through our youth system.

“I am proud to play for a team like us - AND we have without doubt the best support in Scotland!”

Opener Hayes van der Berg provided the impetus for the Heriot’s victory with a superb 102, while Mark Watt hit a robust 69 - the pair putting on a stand of 151.

Chasing 216, Shire made 172 with skipper Chris Venske thumping 84 to become the leading scorer in the league.

Across the capital at Grange Loan, no Arbroath batsman was able to reach 30 as they crashed to 120 for nine in their 35 overs.

The target proved simple for Carlton, who cruised to the win with eight wickets and nine overs to spare.

Rory McCann led the way with 60 not out.

Elsewhere, Calum Garden struck an unbeaten 101 and Chris Greaves made 71 to inspire Forfarshire to victory over SMRH at Forthill.

And Watsonians eased past relegated Falkland at Myreside.