St Johnston claimed only their second league victory of the season as they stunned Brigade by 30 runs under DLS at Beechgrove, compounding what has been a miserable defence of the Premiership title for the hosts.

Batting first, St Johnston posted 251 for six from 48 overs, with Jack Macbeth and Michael Rankin laying the foundations with a third wicket century partnership. Macbeth struck eight fours and a six in 59 from 67 balls, while Rankin made 68 from 59 deliveries with five sixes.

Conor Olphert then added a valuable 49 before David Anthony finished unbeaten on 37 as St Johnston pushed beyond 250. Iftikhar Hussain and Trent McKeegan claimed two wickets apiece for Brigade.

Rain reduced Brigade’s chase to 238 from 41 overs, but they never established the momentum required. Scott Macbeth top-scored with 34, while Gavin Roulston made 29 and Iftikhar Hussain 28, but wickets fell too regularly.

Scott Devenney led the St Johnston attack with three wickets, while Ryan McAuley and Sam Macbeth took two each as Brigade finished on 207 for nine. For St Johnston, it was a rare bright moment in a difficult campaign, but it's always nice to beat Brigade given the family connections involved.

For Brigade, however, the result summed up a season in which little has gone right, aside from an almost meaningless to them Sammy Jeffrey shield. 

The reigning champions have never found the consistency of last year and, after another disappointing afternoon, will be more than ready to draw a line under a frustrating title defence.

Expect major surgery at Beechgrove over the close season.