The introduction of Ben McGill and Craig Ramsay into the bowling attack saw the run rate reduced and they were rewarded when Ramsay had Rowley (50 from 71 balls, six fours) trapped lbw in the 28th over with the total on 92.

In the following over McGill, who only conceded 18 runs from his 10 overs, had Scott Gourlay caught by Chris Johnston.

Birrell, who completed his half-century from 134 balls, was joined by Alan Wallace (46 from 51 balls) and they gradually increased the run rate in the closing stages, reaching 215 in the 48th over before Matthew Parker had Wallace caught by Mark Petrie. In the following over Craig Anderson bowled Jock Wallace while Birrell (unbeaten 101, nine fours) completed his century in the final over with his second 50 coming from 40 balls, Freuchie closing on 234 for four.

In reply, United lost Parker in the third over caught by Michael Jackson from Gourlay's bowling. However, they recovered quickly through McGill (23 from 59 balls) and Chris Johnston as they laid the foundation for the innings with a partnership of 70 before McGill was caught by Scott Birrell from Kenny Crichton's bowling.



Johnston, who completed his half-century from 61 balls, was joined by Fraser Burnett (48 from 54 balls, seven fours) and they shared a partnership of 102 before Burnett was run out two short of his half-century.

Fifty-nine was still required from the final 13 overs and Johnston (unbeaten 114 from 113 balls, 12 fours) and Greig Peal (unbeaten (36 from 31 balls, seven fours) made short work of the target taking United to a seven-wicket victory with 5.5 overs remaining.

The match was sponsored by the Cricket Club Ladies' Darts team.

Full cricketing round-up in this week's Arbroath Herald.