Kent does well as SMRH deal blow to West Lothian title hopes

And on Saturday, former Saltires star Jon Kent underlined his all-round abilities by inflicting a crucial defeat on title-chasing West Lothian at Boghall.

Add in the shock victory for lowly Weirs over second-placed Renfrew, and it appears the path has been left clear for Dumfries to stroll to glory.

Kent (55no) emerged as the mastermind of the SMRH win, with skipper Greg Bissett admitting that one man can make a team.

He said: "There is no denying that Jon has transformed us since his return a few weeks ago.

"Not only does he impose himself on the pitch, he manages to squeeze out an extra 20 per cent from all the guys around him.

"You can sense a real buzz among the youngsters in the nets and that enthusiasm and confidence is carried into matches."

West Lothian reached 158 in their 45 overs, Andrew Brock the pick of the SMRH attack with five for 35.

On paper, it looked a stroll for SMRH as they attained the amended target of 120 with almost five overs to spare.

But Bissett added: "We had to come off a couple of times for rain and on each occasion we were behind the asking rate. It was a great knock from Jon."

Captain Stuart Corbett-Byers struck an unbeaten half-century to carry Dumfries to their expected home victory against Imans Edinburgh.

And rookie Hasan Akram again hogged the limelight for Weirs at Albert Park. Akram contributed 31 to the total of 227 for seven, then snatched three wickets at the cost of no runs to send Renfrew sliding to 102 all out.

Prav Mullick (61) laid the platform for Ferguslie's 84-run victory in the Paisley derby with Kelburne at Whitehaugh.

Another pro in form was Corstorphine's Mo Ramzan, who set up the home win at the expense of inconsistent Freuchie.