CRICKET PRESTWICK
Prestwick have vowed to take the Premier title race to the last day of the season with only three games to go.
But they face another must-win crunch on Saturday when they travel to second top Ferguslie who were the last team to beat them on July 3.
In a low scoring game away to Langside, third top Prestwick won the toss but were dismissed for 102 in 38.3 overs.
Top bats were Sachin Chaudhary who was run out for 21 and Gurupreet Singh who was unbeaten on 18.
In reply, the hosts were skittled for 42 in 27.2 overs. Chaudhary took 4-14 off 10 overs while Azeem Akbar claimed 4-15 off eight overs to secure victory by 60 runs.
It’s as you were at the top after leaders Clydesdale beat West by 11 runs while
Ferguslie were four wicket winners over Uddingston.
Skipper Fraser Macdonald claimed: “It’s the best we have bowled all season. Sachin and Azeem delivered under pressure and blew them away.
“Regardless of who wins on Saturday, I feel the title could go to the last day when Ferguslie could beat Clydesdale. If we win on Saturday, we are still in with a shout, whereas if we lose our chance will be over.
“That means it’s vital we keep on winning to take the title race to the wire.”
The St Ninians XI lost by one run at home to Albert Park after an agonising finish.
The visitors posted 133-6 in 34 overs with best bowlers Phil Stafford (2-25) and Oscar Kirkwood (2-28).
The Henry Thow Oval side came up just short when they were dismissed for 132 in 37 overs. Fletcher Rao (35) and Ross Kennedy (20) were best with the bat. They now entertain Meikleriggs.
The 1st XI made the long trip to Helensburgh on Saturday and after a short delay following the home team’s late arrival, Ayr were given the choice of batting or bowling and chose to start with ball in hand.
Scott McElnea and Nari Bhandari made early inroads to the Helensburgh top order.
Skipper McElnea quickly rotated his young bowling attack bringing on u16 players Robbie Walsh and Chris Hill.
Walsh was impressive in picking up 3 for 21 and the teenagers took six wickets in total.
English and Jefferson set about the target in their normal aggressive way and with their running between the wickets.
Helensburgh were never in with a shout as Ayr cantered to victory in just nine overs.
That takes Ayr’s run to nine wins from nine games and cements their place firmly at the top of the WDCU 1st Division.
Promotion is almost within sight with three games to go and next up will be Stenhousemuir at home on Saturday.