Glenrothes travelled to Meigle on Saturday for their latest SPCU North East Championship fixture, where the hosts won the toss and chose to bowl first. On a pitch offering variable bounce - and with confidence still fragile - it was always going to be a testing afternoon for the Glens’ batters.

Sufyan Ahmed (25) provided a bright start, showing intent and composure at the top of the order. However, only Mayank Sautiyal was able to join him in double figures as Meigle’s change bowlers took control of the innings.

Alan Neave delivered an outstanding spell of control and discipline, returning 1 for 6 from 8 overs, while Murray Scott’s spin proved decisive, claiming 3 for 10 from 7 overs. Their combined pressure dismantled a demoralised Glenrothes line‑up, who were bowled out for 89 in the 34th over.

With the surface settling, Glenrothes needed to bowl full and straight to create chances - but too many short deliveries sat up to be dispatched. Meigle’s batters also showed far greater intent in their running between the wickets, turning ones into twos and keeping the scoreboard moving.

There were wickets for Bimal Nalupurakkal Balan and Sautiyal, but these only brought home skipper Raju Gayashan, who ended the match in brutal fashion - 30 not out from just 8 balls - to seal victory in the 12th over.

Glens continue to show glimpses of what they are capable of, but familiar issues persist: too many wides releasing pressure; short‑pitched bowling gifting scoring opportunities; sloppy fielding and slow reactions; loose shot selection on balls destined to hit the stumps; lazy running between the wickets.

These are all fixable, and the team continues to show moments of competitiveness that hint at better performances ahead.