Ross Lyons tipped for Scotland recall after demolishing Ferguslie

Ross Lyons scored an unbeaten century and claimed five wickets. Picture: SNS.

Ross Lyons has been backed for a Scotland recall '“ seven years after earning his last cap.

The 32-year-old single-handedly destroyed previous  leaders Ferguslie at Bothwell  Castle as Uddingston rose to the summit of the Western Premier division.

Lyons, pictured, first smashed a superb unbeaten century and then claimed five wickets to help Uddingston to an easy 109-run win. The all-rounder’s international career seemed to be over when he was axed in the wake of an Intercontinental Cup defeat to Afghanistan in 2010.

However, Uddy skipper  Bryan Clarke believes the selectors should look again at the rejuvenated Lyons.

He said: “I can’t believe Ross isn’t involved in some way with the national team – he has a huge amount to offer.”

Clarke, who came through the Uddingston ranks with Scotland stars like Paul Hoffmann, Calum MacLeod and George Reifer as well as playing alongside a clutch of classy overseas players, put Lyons’ effort in context when he added: “I’m not sure I’ve seen a better performance by anyone in all my years at Uddy.”

He propelled Uddingston to a match-winning 242 for seven while bringing up his century with a six off the last ball of the innings. Lyons proceeded to spin his way through the Ferguslie batting line-up to claim 5-17 while adding to his repertoire with a stunning catch.

Clarke added: “To bring up a 100 with a six from the last ball of the innings is pretty special.”

It was a day to forget for  Ferguslie, who have slipped to fourth in the table, overtaken by Ayrshire rivals Prestwick and Ayr.

Prestwick go into the second half of the season in second place after an impressive 133-run win over East Kilbride at the Henry Thow Oval.

Half-centuries from Luke Smith and Fazal Jawad helped Prestwick post 300 for eight despite four wickets for East Kilbride’s Kess Sajjad.

Scotland spin prospect Mitchell Rao trumped Sajjad’s effort with 4-43 as the visitors were dismissed for 167.

At Cambusdoon, Ayr also posted a 300-plus total thanks largely to an opening stand of 187 between Neil Smith and Michael Papps.

Smith was run out for 86, but Papps recorded his first league ton to add to two in the Scottish Cup. The ex-New Zealand Test batsman made 117 while lusty late hitting from Scott McElnea hoisted Ayr to 304 for six.

Kelburne never threatened to secure their first win of the season but may take encouragement from a reply which saw them battle to 227. Meanwhile, two of Scotland’s most exciting batting prospects scored centuries as Poloc and Clydesdale stayed in touch with the leading pack.

Owais Shah carried his bat for a wonderful 136no from 126 balls as Poloc successfully chased Dumfries’s 222 for five at Shawholm.

Hamza Tahir of Clydesdale conceded just 24 runs from his ten overs to keep the visiting batsmen in check. Mo Awais was Clydesdale’s hero with a swashbuckling 110 as the champions beat Greenock by 109 runs at Titwood.