Division 2: Barnett relieved after Weirs stage great escape

RELIEVED Weirs skipper Nathan Barnett hailed the resolve and grit of his players in the wake of their successful SNCL survival mission.

The Glasgow outfit needed to claim victory over Imans Edinburgh to retain any chance of remaining in the nationwide set up. Not only did they complete their M8 smash and grab mission, their glee was complete when news filtered through that Kelburne's defeat at the hands of Renfrew had consigned them to the basement. Kelburne will now be involved in the make-or-break playoff.

Barnett said: "It could not have been a better weekend for us, however I can't help feeling a degree of sympathy for Kelburne. They are a well-run club with some excellent players and plenty of ambition, but at least they have a further opportunity to secure their status. I cannot praise my lads highly enough. They have stuck to their task all season and produced the goods when it mattered most." The Weirs attack dismissed Edinburgh for only 93 and they reached the target with five wickets and more than 11 overs to spare."

At Whitehaugh, a four-scalp haul for Scott Hamilton couldn't prevent Renfrew compiling 187 for nine and the tally proved plenty as Kelburne could only respond with 128 all out.

Newly crowned champions Dumfries completed their programme by thrashing SMRH by 85 runs. Drew Dawson emerged as the hero of Nunholm, making 100 in the total of 253 for four. SMRH were bundled out for 168, Andrew Brock offering most resistance with 33.

Elsewhere, Ferguslie made sure of the runners-up slot by beating Freuchie, with Tim Preston-Jones hitting 78. RH Corstorphine ended their campaign with a 68-run home-turf success against West Lothian. Mo Ramzan (52) and Rob More (46 not out) were the stars.