Conference C

Freuchie turned in a performance they would rather forget to hand Arbroath the easiest of wins at Lochlands on Saturday. The Fifers had travelled in confident mood following an unbeaten start to the season. However, their outlook changed when they detected some moisture in the Lochlands wicket.

A lost toss then planted sufficient seeds of doubt to see a succession of batsmen throw away the initiative.

Even Arbroath's Neil Burnett believed Freuchie contributed as much to their own demise as he did with a splendid haul of five for 23.

The veteran seamer was highly critical. He said: ''Some of the shots they played were appalling. Okay there was maybe a bit of moisture on the track, and winning the toss was a big help, but they've got to question their attitude. I told them they should have made at least 150.''

Instead, Freuchie could manage just 79, with Burnett, ably assisted by Zahid Mohammed's four for 7 from a full quota of 15 overs.

Burnett added: ''Zahid's such a class performer that maybe Freuchie thought their best chance to score was to get after me.''

Arbroath jumped four places to third spot, but there was no such joy for Ferguslie, who lost ground after being held by Prestwick in a low-scoring draw at Meikleriggs.

Greenock also had a disappointing day at the hands of Ayr's Australian professional Kevin Roberts, who dominated the match at Glenpark with three wickets and an unbeaten 107 in a four-wicket win.

Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire continue to set the pace following a comfortable win over Udding-ston at Mannofield. It was another memorable day for the Dons' overseas amateur, Garth Nottle, who admitted to being baffled by his haul of wickets.

The young Aussie added another three as the Lanarkshire club were restricted to 113 for nine, then revealed: ''I hardly ever bowl back home, so I'm really surprised to be doing well with the ball. I just put it on the spot and hope they make mistakes.''

Uddingston duly obliged, allowing the Dons to secure their fourth straight win.

Clydesdale's Rennie Keith (82) and Amir Hanif (131no) were in sparkling form as the Glasgow club compiled a massive 261 for six. However, Stirling's dogged resistence denied Dale full points.