SNCL champions Carlton overpowered Greenock to get their campaign off to an impressive start.

The Edinburgh side, frustrated by rain a week ago, wasted little time in taking advantage of the helpful conditions after winning the toss and bowling at a chilly Glenpark.

Michael Herdman, their Australian amateur, was the star of the show, returning remarkable figures of five wickets at a cost of just six runs as an inexperienced Greenock batting line-up struggled.

The Queenslander had excellent support from Saltires skipper Gordon Drummond who conceded only two runs in his spell and claimed two wickets.

Teenager Chayank Gosain also got in on the act with a brace of victims as Carlton turned the screw.

Greenock’s only resistance came from captain and Saltires batsman Richie Berrington and Scotland U19 wicket-keeper Alex Baum who both managed to get into the twenties.

Without their efforts Greenock’s total would have been even lower than the modest 87 they managed in 34 overs of torment.

The home bowlers at least made a fight of it, Berrington claiming three scalps as Carlton lost five wickets during their fifteen-over victory charge.

Their talisman was another Saltires star, Preston Mommsen whose unbeaten 55 made a mockery of the tricky batting conditions.

Meanwhile Saltires recruit Jean Symes made a less than auspicious start to his stint as professional for Watsonians.

Having arrived in the country on Friday night, the South African may still have been adjusting to the bracing conditions at Nunholm when the Dumfries bowlers seized an early initiative with three wickets, including that of Symes for just 5.

However, Ewan Chalmers, a player who may feature alongside Symes for the Saltires, bailed Watsonians out with an accomplished 90 while former Scotland captain Craig Wright added 40 in a total of 217-9.

Pat Druce kept Dumfries in contention with five wickets but the home batsmen were unable to recapture the form which had seen them post more than 300 the previous week.

While Joe Clarke battled bravely for 51 but the Edinburgh side always held the upper-hand and Scotland U19 star Peter Legget was their most potent weapon on the day with 3-26 in a 56-run win.

Elsewhere, Stenhousemuir proved too strong for Ayr at The Tryst, first posting 221-8 and then cruising to victory by a comfortable 101 runs.

Etienne Nagel, the South African amateur, led the way with the bat, stroking 86, before Yasir Arfat’s four wickets restricted the visiting batsmen.

Meanwhile teenager Alistair Preston-Jones claimed 5-16 to help Ferguslie overpower Edinburgh Accies in a ten-wicket romp at Meikleriggs.

Clydesdale and Heriot’s made it two wins apiece with successes over Prestwick and Stirling respectively.

Arbroath made a winning start with an easy 85-run win at SMRH but five more games fell to the weather meaning that seven teams have yet to complete a match.