There was, however, enough in the performances of one or two of the Strathie youngsters for the town's cricket fans to take some hope for the future.

On Saturday, a youthful looking first eleven made the short journey through to Lochlands to take on an equally young Arbroath side.

There may have been some 30,000 visitors in Arbroath enjoying the annual 'SeaFest' over the weekend, but only a few of them were present to witness the home side get the better of their visitors.

Mike Edwards was the Arbroath's mainstay as they amassed a respectable total from their allotted overs before tea.

Stand-in Strathie skipper Mike Gourlay switched around his inexperienced attack to reasonable effect, and ensured the 'Lichties' were not able to take the game away from their visitors.

Fourteen-year-old leg-spinner Drew Orr was a revelation once he settled into his rhythm - former Scotland 'tweaker' Kevin Scott amongst his five victims in what was a hugely encouraging performance.

His comparatively vintage spin partner - Liam Sweeney - offered Drew good support and it was not without confidence that Gary Hewitson and Andy Cooper opened up for Strathie after the interval.

The loss of both openers early on brought another youngster - Mattie Simpson - to the crease along with his captain.

While these two were stroking the ball around nicely Strathie were in the game.

Unfortunately, with the loss of 'Birdie', the lengthy tail was exposed and it was left to Simpson to coax and cajole the lower order into supporting him long enough to complete an excellent half century.

Strathie will hope to finish their home league campaign in style this week when they entertain high flying Dundee High School FPs at Lochside.

If nothing else, there is a good atmosphere for the game ensured as Fiskens of Forfar make their annual visit as sponsors of the game.

On Sunday, at Lochside, home fans were 'treated' to an exhibition of something resembling cricket as the second eleven scored an easy victory from their fixture with Perth Mayfield.

The Doocot Park men found Norman Milton in belligerent form as he carved their eccentrically varied attack to all parts of the square.

It is unlikely a knock of 90 can have been completed with such an economy of stroke as the classical forward defence was interspersed in true artisan style with the full-blooded cross-batted hack.

The big question for all at Lochside is can Nom now 'kick on' from this performance and finally reach the milestone of double figures for the first team on Saturday. Ladbrokes are currently best priced at 11 to 2 against.

Clearly still in an understandable state of shock, Mayfield were easy prey for they subtlety and cunning of Jamie Conran-Smith and Craig McDonald, with not even the intermittent rain able to dampen the all round sense of joy and well-being.

In a rare Lochside 'double-header', the 'seconds' entertain Perthshire XI this coming Sunday.

For those unfortunate enough to have missed it, Norman will be available to talk through a blow by blow account of his knock from Saturday. The collection box will be going round.

Arbroath United - 185 all out (M Edwards 62, D. Orr 5-30).

Strathmore - 127 for 6 (M. Simpson 54, E Small 3-17).

Strathmore XI - 172 for 7 (N. Milton 90).

Perth Mayfield - 62 all out (C. McDonald 4-20).

The Strathmore first team for the home match against Dundee HSFP on Saturday (players meet at 12 noon for team photograph at 12.30 pm) is as follows:- Mark Stewart (captain), Christopher Milne, Nigel Hazel, Michael Gourlay, Dale Sweeney, Liam Sweeney, Matthew Simpson, Douglas Sayers, Gary Hewitson, Andrew Cooper and Norman Milton; reserve - Drew Orr.

The Strathmore second team for the home match against a Perth XI on Sunday is as follows (players meet at 12 noon for a team photograph at 12.30 pm):- Craig McDonald (captain), Mubeen Danish, Norman Milton, Douglas Sayers, Drew Orr, Stuart Lumsden, Danny Sturrock, Matthew Simpson, Fraser Couston, Gary Hewitson and Andy Sturrock; reserve, Russell Booth.

All call-offs to William Ferguson on 07738-415327.