Raven backs South African Kent to swing title outcome

The former Saltires player, who has just returned to Scotland, will be unable to propel his mid-table SMRH side to the crown. But Raven believes he will inflict serious damage on the prime contenders.

Raven issued his verdict as the league was blown wide open by Ferguslie's shock success over pacesetters Dumfries at Nunholm.

The result brought joy to Raven's squad, who staved off the challenge of stubborn Weirs to win by two wickets, and to Renfrew - who hammered Imans Edinburgh.

The one-time South Africa ODI cap Kent, meanwhile, was demolishing Freuchie at Muir Road with a marvellous knock of 152.

Raven declared: "It was a great set of results for ourselves and Renfrew. They can do themselves - and us - a big favour next weekend when they take on Dumfries. I really didn't expect Dumfries to lose, but Ferguslie do have a superb pro and a couple of decent opening bowlers.

"From our own point of view, Weirs made us fight all the way as they always do, and now we are setting our sights on beating Dumfries and Renfrew over the next few weeks.

"If that happens, we won't be too far away from the honours in the final shake-up.

"But the bottom line is that we will all have to keep an eye on Kent because he is a top-class all-rounder who can have a big bearing on any match in which he is involved."

It was pro Prav Mullick's century that paved the way for Ferguslie's win at Dumfries.

At the other end of the table, there was relief at East Barnton Avenue where RH Corstorphine ended their sequence of wretched results.

An unbeaten 78 by skipper Rob More and 73 from David Ross proved the springboard to the capital side's 122-run triumph over Kelburne.