Candid captain Steve Knox has shoudered the blame for the defeat for Heriot's that enabled Watsonians to take another significant step towards the CSL Eastern Premiership crown.

But the experienced campaigner warned Sonians that he and his team-mates can still have a big say in their ultimate title aspirations.

Knox issued his statement of defiance as he relived his moment of disappointment at Goldenacre, where the visitors made the most of his mistake to earn a three-wicket triumph.

He lamented: "It was a really close match, but the pivotal moment was when I dropped Ewan Chalmers early in his innings.

"He went on to make 69 not out and that proved to be the difference between the sides. It was very frustrating - but that is cricket for you!"

Knox had top-scored with 42 for Heriot's as they were shot out for 154 - leaving Chalmers to guide Sonians to success in the 44th over.

On their prospects of Watson's maintaining their 100 record in the final three weeks of the campaign, Knox stated: "I believe Grange will take them right to the wire and it could be a very tense finish.

"We can still have a big influence on how things pan out because we still have Grange to play.

"My assessment is that the Sonians bowling attack is stronger, while Grange have a very deep batting line up."

Grange stepped up their challenge with a straightforward win against Aberdeenshire at Fettes College.

Gregor Maiden (four for 37) and Ryan Flannigan (50) were the men who mattered most for the victors, who reached the target of 131 with five wickets and more than 15 overs to spare.

At the other end of the table, the experience of Ben McGill and batting power ofd pro Harsha Vithana spurred Arbroath to local derby victory over Forfarshire - a result which carried them over their Tayside rivals and Aberdeenshire.

Arbroath were in deep trouble during the opening exchanges at Forthill, however Vithana (107) and McGill (42) not only steadied the ship but propelled them to a lofty 223.

McGill then carried on the good work with the ball, grabbing five for 26 to send the hosts hurtling to 93 all out - Vithana claiming three scalps.

When McGill clean bowled Dean Fearn, he hit the 300-wicket mark in national league hostilities.

In addition his analysis was the best of his competitive career.

Elsewhere, Mike Herdmann produced a fine all-round display to help Carlton continue their rally by thrashing Stoneywood-Dyce at Peoples Park.

Herdmann bagged three cheap wickets as SD slid to 138 all out - then he hit 61 not out in tandem with Preston Mommsen (52 not out) to make sure of the nine-wicket stroll.