Cricket: Ferguslie's fall writ large by Dumfries

HOW the mighty have fallen. Barely two years ago, Ferguslie were among the top five clubs in the country, however on the evidence of events at Meikleriggs, they could now face a battle to stay in the SNCL ranks.

Having been relegated twice in successive seasons, they were clearly on a slippery slope and were swept aside with contempt by a well-drilled Dumfries outfit.

The Nunholm side went close to being promoted last term and, despite losing a couple of frontline players over the winter, they should again be challenging for elevation come the end of August.

Fergie must have fancied their prospects after bowling out the visitors for a moderate 169 in the 47th over.

Wicketkeeper Stuart Corbett-Byers was the mainstay of the innings with a solid 55, while Greg Cameron weighed in with three for 31 for the Paisley unit.

But, other than pro Prav Mullick (54), the host batting proved insipid and limped to 96 all out.

To complete a bad day at the Paisley cricketing office, Kelburne marked their return to the SNCL stage with a heavy defeat at the hands of RH Corstorphine. The home troops poked and prodded their way to 146, thanks mainly to 45 from Steve McLister.

Their tally was less than daunting for the capital men and David Ross (56) combined with Mohammed Ramzan (51) to guide them past the post with comfort by seven wickets.

Freuchie launched their campaign by accounting for SMRH at Inverleith. Steve Rowley and Scott Birrell snatched eight wickets between them to skittle SMRH for 114. Rowley followed up with 33 not out and Scott Galloway struck 32 to ease the Fifers home by three wickets. It was a stroll for West Lothian at Boghall, where Weirs were the victims of an eight-wicket humbling and Renfrew rattled up 230 before getting rid of Edinburgh at King George V Park for 170.