Sunny days for Prestwick in season hit by weather

Prestwick can today move closer to clinching their first Western Premier crown if they can complete the double over Poloc at the Henry Thow Oval.

The Ayrshire side prevailed in a rain-affected encounter at Shawholm in May and the weather has subsequently had an increasingly influential role. Only one fixture has been completed in the last fortnight and every blank Saturday represents a missed opportunity for sides who still have hopes of overhauling Prestwick.

Both teams are simply hoping for the chance to play this afternoon and Andy Tennant, Prestwick’s coaching consultant, has called on his players to retain their focus.

He said: “Rain is a factor most seasons and, while it’s frustrating, I think we are all used to it. The players have to be ready to continue the good work they’ve done up until now.”

Poloc official Keith Young detailed his side’s weather woes by revealing: “In the league, only three of the last seven games – stretching back to 10 June – have been completed. We’d just love to see a game played to its conclusion.”

A Poloc win would open the door to a handful of title aspirants but the visitors must again do without skipper Craig Young, who has a torn cartilage.

Owaisshahandihtisham Malik are also absent for the Glasgow side, though Lewis James returns.

Young said: “Our recent form is reasonable but Prestwick are a hard side to beat.”

Elsewhere, it looks like a must-win clash for Clydesdale and Uddingston, who meet at Titwood.

Jamey Carruthers, the captain of second-top Ferguslie, will tell his players to concentrate on securing victory at East Kilbride but events at Prestwick will surely be of more than passing interest.

Ayr, in third place, can maintain the pressure on their Ayrshire neighbours if they can beat Greenock at Cambusdoon.

Kelburne hope to step up their survival bid when they entertain Dumfries at Whitehaugh.