Ferguslie claim top spot

Ferguslie Cricket Club top the table after the first weekend of action following a thumping win over Clydesdale.

The Paisley side were the only local team in action after the weather put a halt to the derby between Kelburne and Renfrew just a few miles down the road.

Scotland international Michael English was the star of the show at Meikleriggs with another stunning century – which was only kerbed by the end of the innings.

Following the toss, away skipper Andrew Scobie put Ferguslie in to bat first as Clydesdale elected to chase a total.

But he was soon to regret his decision as the opening stand between Gregor Preston-Jones and English put on a massive total of 140 before the wicket of Preston-Jones fell after he hit 40.

Once Preston-Jones departed, a flurry of wickets saw some pressure mount on the hosts. Elliot Moses, Riyaad Henry and Taimoor Ahmad were all back in the changing rooms as David Stafford took the stand.

But he too was to depart after his quick-fire 19, including two maximums, took Ferguslie to a total of 199/5.

However, English continued to battle away and he would be left unbeaten at the end of the innings with a total of 123, his second century in a week, which pushed the Ferguslie men up to a stellar 239.

With the ball in hand, Ferguslie were confident of keeping Clydesdale at bay.

Skipper Jamey Carruthers and coach Henry set the tone for the second innings as they both claimed a wicket each early on.

Henry finished his spell giving away just 11 runs in his 10 overs, as well as claiming two wickets.

The return of Hamza Tahir saw him claim the biggest wicket of the day, as he bowled Scotland international Richie Berrington to set the tone for the afternoon.

From here, the game was over, with Tahir, 3/ 14, claiming another two wickets in quick succession.

English finished his all- round performance off by claiming two late wickets of his own, as well as a sharp run-out.

Clydesdale would finish 133 all out, to move Ferguslie top of the league with their first win of the season.

Next week sees them hosting Uddingston back at Meikleriggs.

Scotland international Michael English was the star of the show with another stunning century – only kerbed by the end of the innings