Home professional Hayward was on top form, hitting a superb century, ably supported in a stand of 169 by veteran Graham McLelland.

For the visitors, the bowlers all stuck to their task in a match reduced to 40 overs per side due to morning rain, but could do little with the South African and McLelland in such good form.

Nigel Hazel did take the opportunity to pick up a rare five-wicket haul.

After the interval, Hazel and Gary Hewitson laid a solid enough foundation which was supported initially by Mattie Simpson.

Unfortunately, the loss of a couple of wickets exposed the lack of depth in the batting, with only skipper Mark Stewart making any contribution in the middle order as Strathie ended some 90 runs short at the close.

The good news is that the selection committee should have a few more regulars available for consideration for the coming weekend.

Strathmore need to be at full strength as they face a difficult away trip to Mannofield on Saturday before entertaining Western Union side Irvine on Sunday in the semi-final of the Lloyds/TSB Trophy.

The second eleven, boosted by the inclusion of one or two top-team men, recorded a morale boosting victory against previously unbeaten Montrose at Union Park on Sunday.

In a thrilling match, Gary Hewitson and Chris Milne made valuable contributions in a final total of 216.

The home reply went all the way to the wire for Montrose to eventually lose their last wicket just one run short.

Milne was top wicket-taker but mention should be made of Jamie Conran-Smith who bowled six overs of his improving spin, picking up a valuable wicket for only 17 runs conceded.

Results:

Forthill 258-8 (W. Hayward 104, G. McLelland 72, N. Hazel 5 for 42).

Strathmore 167-9 (M. Simpson 43, M. Stewart 39, G. Black 4 for 18).

Strathmore XI 216-6 (G Hewitson 67, C. Milne 46, M. Simpson 34).

Montrose 215 all out (C. Thomson 42 no, G. Hutchison 38, C. Milne 3 for 29).

The Strathmore first eleven to travel to Mannofield on Saturday (players meet at 10.45 am) is as follows:-

Mark Stewart (captain), Christopher Milne, Nigel Hazel, Michael Gourlay, Callum Howie, Matthew Simpson, Gary Hewitson, Alan McKay, Liam Sweeney, Dale Sweeney and Andrew Cooper; reserves Graham Hewitson and Angus McCormack.

The Strathmore first eleven to play host to Irvine on Sunday (players meet at 12 noon) is as follows:-

Mark Stewart (captain), Christopher Milne, Nigel Hazel, Michael Gourlay, Mubeen Danish, Mark McIntosh, Gary Hewitson, Alan McKay,Liam Sweeney, Dale Sweeney and Andrew Cooper; reserves - Graham Hewitson and Angus McCormack.

The Strathmore second eleven for the trip to Rossie Priory on Sunday (players meet at 11.30 am) is as follows:-

Craig McDonald (captain), Graham Hewitson, Angus McCormack, Douglas Sayers, Andy Sturrock, Danny Sturrock, Stuart Lumsden, Russell Booth, Henry Rymer, Ewen Hart and Jennifer Mudie; reserves - Bilaal Ahmed and Shezie Ali.

All call-offs should be intimated to William Ferguson.