Falkland’s difficult week with the bat was a running theme on Saturday as the 1st XI were comprehensively beaten by Heriot’s at Goldenacre, bowled out for just 84 in reply to the hosts’ imposing 279 for 7. It capped a weekend where all three Falkland sides struggled for runs - and this match underlined how costly that can be against one of the league’s strongest batting units.

Heriot’s chose to bat first and made steady early progress. George Cutler struck twice in the powerplay, removing Brown and Elliott, while Asifulla Khan bowled superbly for his 2 for 19 from 10 overs, keeping Falkland in the contest. But the defining innings came from V Maritz, whose outstanding 114 from 119 balls controlled the entire first half of the match. He punished anything loose, rotated well, and ensured Heriot’s always stayed ahead of the rate.

He was supported by R Brown, who added a brisk 48, and late hitting from Mackay‑Champion and Alexander pushed the total to 279 for 7. Falkland’s bowlers worked hard - Tassawar’s 1 for 38 was tidy, and Cutler finished with 3 for 56 - but Heriot’s batting depth and tempo proved too strong.

Chasing a big target, Falkland needed a solid start. Instead, the innings unravelled quickly. Steven Meikle played positively for 16, and Asifulla Khan battled for 14 from 56 balls, but wickets fell relentlessly. Alexander and Dickinson ripped through the top and middle order, and Falkland collapsed from 29-3 to 60-7 in a spell that summed up the club’s batting struggles this week.

Kyle Lottering fought hard for 14, and Daniel Styer added 5, but Heriot’s maintained complete control. Falkland were bowled out for 84 in 35.2 overs, never able to build a partnership or apply pressure.

It was a tough afternoon and a tough week overall - across all three Falkland teams, runs were hard to come by, and this match showed how quickly games slip away when the batting doesn’t fire. The 1s will regroup, reset, and look to respond next weekend with more intent and resilience at the crease.