RAIN ravaged yesterday’s domestic cricket programme with just two Western Premier matches reaching a conclusion while the entire Eastern Premier card was washed-out.
Ayrshire may not have been exactly a hot spot but a dogged refusal to give in to the weather finally paid dividends with delayed starts and reduced overs matches at Cambusdoon where Ayr met Clydesdale and the Henry Thow Oval for Prestwick’s clash with Uddingston.
It was 25 overs-a-side at Ayr where the hosts struggled against Dale’s new-ball bowlers, Billy Prozada and Ihtisham Malik each picking up an early wicket.
Zeeshan Bashir then claimed three in quick succession to reduce Ayr to tatters at 25-5 in the eighth over, raising questions on whether they would bat out their allocation.
They managed to do so though the visitors always held the upperhand and managed to restrict Ayr to a disappointing 92-9.
Nerves may have been jangling in the visiting dressing room when Clydesdale collapsed from 64-1 to 73-6.
However, opener Sheryar Awan produced the innings of the match with an unbeaten 44 as the visitors completed a four-wicket win in the penultimate over to keep themselves in contention at the top end of the table.
It was a 24-over encounter but a much higher scoring affair down the coast at Prestwick where Uddingston reached 146-7 from their allocation.
Mo Awais led the way with 38 while Gavin Bradley chipped-in with 26.
In reply, Prestwick made a solid start and were well placed for a successful chase when they reached 64-3 but a clatter of wickets dashed their chances.
Awais and Bradley were again the main men for Uddingston as the home side were dismissed for 110.
Meanwhile, the keenly anticipated clash between Eastern Premier leaders Grange and reigning champions Heriot’s lasted for just three overs before a torrential downpour put paid to hopes of any further play while none of the other matches started.
