Clarke prepared for a tight finish to the season as front-runners all win

Bryan Clarke, the Uddingston captain, believes this season’s title race could be the most absorbing in years.

Clarke’s side maintained their slender advantage at the top of the table with a comfortable win over Poloc at Bothwell Castle, while Prestwick stayed hard on their heels by ending Greenock’s recent winning run.

And, with West of Scotland also still firmly in contention after victory over Drumpellier, the last few weeks of the season are sure to produce many twists and turns.

Clarke, pictured, said: “It’s probably the best title race I can remember and certainly one that it’s great to be involved in.”

Uddingston had Poloc on the back foot after a delayed start, thanks to Niall Alexander’s three early wickets. The home side never loosened their grip, meaning Poloc had to be content with 149 for seven. Uddy were wobbling on 20 for two but a partnership of 121 between Anwar Hafeez (63) and Gavin Bradley (53no) carried the leaders to a sevenwicket win.

Clarke added: “Niall’s done a fabulous job for us since he joined at the start of the season and really does deserve more recognition for his efforts by getting a go at the next level up.” Prestwick were also in early trouble, slumping to six for two against Greenock after being sent in to bat at the Henry Thow Oval.

But skipper Tom Fleet responded to the crisis by hitting his highest score for the club, a superb 92no which, together with 39 from Mitchell Rao and 37 from Sachin Chaudhary, propelled the Ayrshire team to 229 for six.

Greenock looked capable of a successful chase while Saurabh Bandekar was at the crease but when the in-form Indian was dismissed by Tom Lord for 63, the visitors fell away to 143 all out.

South African Rory Kleinveldt top scored with 76 as West of Scotland posted 206 for five against Drumpellier in their 37 overs at Hamilton Crescent. Drumpellier’s Sri Lankan pro Gayan Maneeshan then fought a lone battle with 84 but Simon Brown’s three for 21 proved crucial as West eased to a 57-run win.

Ferguslie saw their last hopes of a successful title defence extinguished when

Stirling, inspired by Tom Bradburn’s 70 and three for 37 fromrukmanhewage,carved out an excellent 86-run win at Meikleriggs. There was more suffering for East Kilbride who had looked on course to break their duck against

Clydesdale at Titwood, only to lose by one wicket from the final delivery.