Spinner McElnea leads Ayr to victory at West

Published on 23/07/2012 00:00

ANDI McElnea was the bowling hero as Ayr knocked West of Scotland off the top of the table with a four-wicket win at Hamilton Crescent.

McElnea, better known as an opening batsman, claimed 5-32 with his off-spinners to restrict West to 153-7. South African Craig Thyssen then led Ayr to victory with a controlled 60no.

McElnea said: “It was a great result for the team and one which will give everyone a lift.”

Dumfries reclaimed top spot after making light work of Greenock at Nunholm.

Scott Beveridge’s five wickets helped dismiss Greenock for just 115. Chris McCutcheon weighed-in with three scalps while Sailesh Prabhu offered the only resistance with 31. Dumfries slumped to 19-3 before Beveridge showed his batting skills with 38 as the hosts eased to a five-wicket win.

Safy Sharif was another bowler to claim five wickets as Clydesdale continued their revival with a four-wicket success at Stirling. Sharif, still on the comeback trail from a side injury, proved that he is nearing full form with 5-21 as County were bundled out for 175.

Patrick Balfour (41) and Zeeshan Bashire (30) were ’Dale’s main scorers.

Drumpellier may have been idle for much of the season, completing just two games prior to Saturday’s Lanarkshire derby at Uddingston. However, they took out their frustrations in fine style with their first victory of the campaign.

Asid Mohammed scored a half-century and skipper Graeme McLaren 45no as the Coatbridge side overhauled Uddingston’s 163 with four wickets and eleven balls in hand.