Super Mario and Ali set to wreak havoc for Carlton

Carlton celebrate the wicket of Preston Mommsen. Pic: Greg Macvean

They headed to Stockbridge for the CSL Eastern Premiership clash with both sides having made great starts to the season.

But, it was the visitors who remained unbeaten as they swept aside the challenge of their Capital rivals within three hours.

Bowling first, Carlton did not let Grange settle and they managed to bowl them all out for just 74.

Scotland cap Evans took 2-11 and South African Olivier 5-21 with Hugo Southwell chipping in with 3-21.

Neil McCallum top scored with just 17 for Grange and in reply Carlton reached their victory target in just the 12th over, Fraser Watts leading the way with a quick-fire 54 not out.

On the nine wicket win, Gilmour said: “Ali and Mario set the tone bowling first and when they are both in the groove they are going be hard for opponents to handle this summer.

“They did not let the Grange’s top four settle and once we had taken early wickets we didn’t take the foot off the gas which pleased me and the guys just kept going.

“To then knock off the runs so quickly was a bit of a statement from us and we want to be up challenging at the top end of the league this year.”

Gilmour was also pleased to give promising youngster Calum Everett a run out in the first team.

Meanwhile, Watsonians and Heriot’s both secured home wins.

At Myreside, captain Ewan Chalmers (69) and Brendan O’Connell (52) led the way as the hosts made 257-7 batting first against Forfarshire.

With the ball Watsonians got off to a good start, but a century from Graeme Beghin and 47 from youngster Christian Robertson edged the visitors close to their target.

Watsonians held on to win by 21-runs, though, Kiwi Andy McKay taking 4-24 on his debut.

Spinner Ryan Brown led the way with 4-22 as Heriot’s bowled well to leave Arbroath all out for 135 batting first at Goldenacre.

Hayes van der Berg then made 61 not out on his home debut for Heriot’s and Pete Ross 21 as they won by six wickets.

Falkland and Aberdeenshire also won at the weekend.

Carlton II made it two wins from two in the Baillie Gifford ESCA Championship as they defeated Mazars Grange II by 137-runs.

Rob Thornton made 90 at Grange Loan as the home side posted 245-9 batting first.

Mike Raikes then took 4-16 as Grange were all out for just 108.

RH Corstorphine also have two wins after a seven-wicket victory at Holy Cross.

SMRH’s good start to the summer continued with a comfortable eight-wicket win at Marchmont, Kyle McCallum the star man with 69 not out.

Edinburgh put in a great run chase to win at Dunnikier while Stuart&Stuart Penicuik beat Kelso by 14 runs.