Western Premier Cricket: Geary’s pride at leading champions Dumfries

JOSH Geary expressed his pride after guiding Dumfries to the Western Premier Division title. The Australian led from the front with 67 as the Nunholm side held off closest challengers West of Scotland.

Geary only took the reins as Dumfries entered the closing straight of a rain-hit campaign when Stuart Corbett-Byers opted to stand down. And Geary, who is unlikely to return to Scotland next season, said: “It’s real honour for me to captain this group of players to this success. Winning the title in our first season in the top flight is a fantastic achievement by all concerned.

“Stuart deserves big praise because he got us on course with some great results early in the season and it was easy for me. I think the key to our success has been good teamwork.”

It was not all plain sailing for Dumfries on a day which could have seen Clydesdale come from behind to clinch the title.

After being put in on a soft wicket, the home side were 30-3 before Geary and Tommy 
McBride put on more than 100 runs for the fourth wicket as they posted 196-7.

John Blain’s 3-18 seemed to have kept West in contention but Dumfries bowler Alan Davidson claimed 6-30 as the visitors subsided to 134 all out.

Dumfries’ success meant Clydesdale’s seven-wicket win over Greenock was in vain.

Majid Haq claimed four wickets as the Glenpark men were shot out for 95. Richie Berrington hit 33 and claimed three wickets but his efforts were unable to prevent Greenock being relegated.