The 1st XI season opener saw Watsonians travel to Dundee to play newly promoted Forfarshire at Forthill. The Broughty Ferry men much like the Myreside outfit boasted a mix of wise old heads and talented youngsters, and despite the cold conditions and light drizzle an enthralling encounter was expected.

Losing the toss, Steve Paige was none to disheartened to be bowling first on a pitch that while in pretty good nick for May 1st had a healthy tinge of green to it. After the skipper struggled to find his usual consistency, Stuart Chalmers teamed up the naggingly accurate Paddy Sadler and both openers were dismissed in quick succession, the new recruits grabbing one wicket apiece. Former Scotland captain and highly touted Saltires prospect Matthew Parker set about rebuilding with Watson, unsurprisingly, the aggressor. A tight display of line and length from Rajeev Routray heaped the pressure on Forfs and after Chalmers completed his 10 over spell, Ross Paxton was able to capitalise removing first Watson, LBW, and then Parker, bowled, for 35 and 36 respectively. Paxton was joined in the attack by his unlikely spin twin Craig Wright and together they were able to squeeze the run rate. Wright was particularly unlucky not to take more than his 1-43 with 3 catches dropped of his bowling. Paxton on the other hand was helped out by a magnificent running catch from Stuart Chalmers on the boundary, added to a smart caught and bowled to finish with 4-36. A strong 8th wicket partnership between vice-captain Umair Mohammad (40*) and pro Kelby Pickering carried Forfarshire to 203-7 from their 50 overs, about par in the conditions.

After tea, Ryan Flannigan and James Easton lead the chase for Watsonians. Flannigan stroked the first ball of the innings through the covers but was soon beaten by a top class delivery from Pickering. As has too often been the case, he was soon followed by new professional Tim Weston and Ewan Chalmers, Chalmers given out caught behind to Graeme Quinn without feeling he touched the delivery. Stuart Chalmers looked to consolidate with Easton and was doing a good job until he was given out stumped, again with conjecture surrounding the umpires decision. Wright came to the crease at number 6 and he and Easton looked to be managing the chase well, knocking the spinners around and capitalising on any loose deliveries. Easton brought up his 50 and continued to look at his dominant best. However, when much to his disgust Wright was given out LBW to former international team mate Ryan Watson, wickets fell at all too regular intervals and the innings concluded at 147a/o.

The loss can be marked down as a blip, confounded by some poor execution, bad luck and the occasional lack of a cool head. However, with a league and cup double header next weekend, the 1st XI have an excellent opportunity to get there season going and begin their rise up the table.