Cricket: A breath of fresh Ayr

Published on Saturday 1 August 2009 22:11

RELEGATION-THREATENED Ayr last night earned themselves a stay of execution when they carved out their first win of the season against in-form Greenock. The Alloway men went into this clash at Cambusdoon knowing that there would be no way back should they falter against their Clyde Coast rivals who had won eight of their last nine matches.

They responded with a gritty display which may ultimately come too late to save them from the dreaded drop but at least offers consolation and a boost to morale ahead of today's Scottish Cup quarter-final clash at Aberdeenshire.

Some eyebrows were raised when Greenock, having won the toss, elected to bat in conditions which looked likely to favour the bowlers. However, the visitors were offering no excuses following a dismal display that saw them skittled for only 156 while Andy Baird, Michael Papps and Calum Leck all bowled with commendable control.

These three, though, were upstaged by Andi McElnea, whose part-time medium-pacers yielded a match-winning haul of 5-22. The Scotland Lions man ripped through Greenock's middle order though it was Leck who claimed the scalp of Aussie pro Cameron Borgas for 31.

Fellow Australian Adam Lockhart-Krause was the only other visiting batsman to threaten a big score with 34. Ayr's reply received a severe jolt when Kiwi internationalist Michael Papps was out with just 16 on the board.

When McElnea followed soon after, the home side were teetering on 25-2 and a familiar outcome might have been expected. Instead Dougie Johnstone provided middle order stability with 52 while Richie Borland's 29no sealed a six-wicket win with 12 overs to spare.

Ayr's victory has heaped pressure not only on Greenock but on third bottom Heriot's who slumped to a nine-wicket defeat against title chasing West of Scotland at Hamilton Crescent.

Meanwhile, champions Grange survived a scare against Watsonians at Portgower Place before preserving their place at the top of the table. Chasing their visitors' 210-6 of which Ewan Chalmers made 86, Grange slumped to 160-7 before a fine unbeaten 35 from Stuart Chalmers guided them to a three-wicket success.

Clydesdale's challenge received a jolt when they came off second best to Uddingston at Titwood.

Ferguslie's mini-revival in the First Division came to an end in a low-scoring encounter at Poloc. Ferguslie, who appeared to be hauling themselves clear of relegation, looked favourites to continue their ascent if the table after dismissing their hosts for 67. Greg Cameron returned the remarkable figures of 4-3 as the home batsmen failed to come to terms with the bowler-friendly conditions. However, having seized the intiative, the Paisley side just as quickly surrendered it with a spate of soft dismissals.