Dumfries leave it late to capture SNCL crown

DUMFRIES were celebrating last night after stealing the SNCL Championship crown from under the noses of West Lothian on the final weekend of the season.

The Linlithgow men had travelled to Nunholm with the champagne on ice in the wake of Saturday’s easy victory over Poloc.

However, West Lothian were second best when it mattered and the hosts leapfrogged them to take the title at the last moment.

The writing was on the wall when they lost the toss and were put in to bat in dull and damp conditions.

And the Dumfries attack did the business by dismissing West Lothian for 148 – not a lofty total on a ground with a quick outfield.

The target proved straightforward for Dumfries as they cruised to a seven-wicket success and sealed the Championship title – the greatest achievement in their history.

Scott Beveridge 53 and pro Chad Breetzke (38 not out) emerged as the heroes with the bat.

So barring another dose of league reconstruction, Dumfries and West Lothian will compete in the top flight next term.

Twenty-four hours earlier, West Lothian had been equally convincing in snuffing Poloc out of promotion contention at Boghall.

The hosts posted a tally of 203, with all rounder Craig Black hitting a half-century and the experienced Alan Williamson making 37.

Teenager Gregor Thomson and Kevin Smith then shared a six-wicket haul to send the Glasgow side sliding to 129 all out.