County Ayr raid leads to victory
Bradburn and Anderson wreak havoc
Stirling County took their second west coast scalp of the season when they defeated Ayr by 14 runs in their latest Western Union Premier Division clash.
The New Williamfield side had scored a below-par 178 all out after opting to bat first on their home track but three wickets each for Tom Bradburn and Gavin Anderson saw the visitors crumble to 164 in reply.
The win is County’s second in the league this season after their opening day victory at champions Prestwick.
As well as his three wickets, 16-year-old Bradburn was top score for Stirling with 36, helped by another teenager, 18-year-old Brandon McMullen, the club’s overseas amateur from South Africa, who scored 35. Graeme Taylor’s 32 also helped.
In reply for Ayr, professional Kian Peters scored a slow 57 but only Hafeez with 32 made any other telling contribution.
Bradburn took three for 35 while Anderson’s three for 25 swung the match Stirling’s way.
On Saturday, County are on their travels when they head to Poloc in the league and on Sunday, they welcome Heriots FP to New Williamfield in the Scottish Cup.
Matchball sponsor on Saturday was John Howell c/o Bridgeway Security.
Stirling 2nds lost by one wicket in a close affair at Galloway in a Second Division match on Saturday.
Skipper Fergus Martin scored 80 and Vamsi Machana 45 as Stirling made 203 for eight in 50 overs.
The home side lost wickets at regular intervals but it was 31 from W Jones at No 10 which saw them over the line at 204 for nine. Martin was in the wickets as well taking four for 36 with Chris Morton capturing three for 58.On Saturday, the 2nds are at home to Langloan (Drumpellier 2nds).
The Sunday XI lost by two wickets to St Modans in a high-scoring affair.
Stirling made 178 for eight with Ian Brett (41 not out) and Steven Hopper (38) the main contributors.
Saints looked in control but when Mark Wetton (46) and Jack Mould (93) were dismissed, it looked like Stirling would sneak home.
Alan Ford’s two boundaries, however, won the match - the winning runs coming in the final over.
Eleven year-old Ollie Jones took two wickets.