Clackmannan began their home campaign against Heriot’s second eleven with skipper Ashraf losing the toss and being asked to field.

Clackmannan welcomed the return of Keith Hefer who took the new ball with the skipper and the two of them were almost unplayable. Ashraf producing one of the finest spells of bowling seen at the Arns for many a year, bowling five consecutive maidens and taking two wickets.

His subtle changes of pace and movement off the pitch making it look as if a wicket would fall at any time. Heriot’s found themselves at 5 for 13 in the 12th over with Ashraf taking 4 wickets for 1 run.

Everyone at the Arns thought this would be a very short game and after 26 overs, Heriots were only 43 for 7 wickets with Mehboob bowling his left arm in-swing to good effect.

However, Hamilton and Mackellar played with patience and pounced on the bad ball to take Heriots past the 100 mark until Mackellar fell to a brilliant overhead running catch by Band. Heriots were eventually all out in the 50th over for 126 with Hamilton top scoring for the visitors for a well-played 36.

Most experienced observers at the Arns felt this was a well below par score and so it seemed when Mehboob and Oliver got the target below 100 before Oliver fell in the 7th over with the score on 28. Twenty eight for 1 quickly became 43 for 3 with Mehboob and Dolan playing away from their body to be well caught and suddenly Heriot’s felt they had a chance.

The experienced pair of Sultan and Hefer then put on a partnership but just when it looked Clackmannan had control they fell in quick succession to leave the score on 80 for 5.

Calm heads were now required and skipper Ashraf joined Rasul at the crease but he got himself needlessly run out going for a second run.

Rasul was then a judged LBW soon after and at 84 for 7, Heriots were now favourites.

Alamgir had other ideas playing a most responsible innings, ably supported by Graham and Band.

He blocked the good balls and attacked anything loose hitting 3 fours and a massive six over long on, finishing 32 not out to see Clackmannan home by 2 wickets.

Parkside Man of the Match goes to Alamgir for his match winning innings and taking a wicket with the ball.

Clackmannan have another home tie against Edinburgh Accies at the Arns on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the second eleven achieved their first win of the season against Tranent 3rds with Rory Dow scoring his maiden hundred for the club, making 116.

This innings along with a notable contribution from Bryant Nichols got Clackmannan to 203 for 9 in their 40 overs.

Tranent were never really in the hunt and were all out for 92 with Bryant Nichols taking 4 for 44 and Hutchison 2 for 5.