Cricket: Young Scots crush Ayr

May 1 2009

AYR crashed to a ten wicket defeat at home to Scotland under 19s as their season made a disastrous start.

And there is still no news on an arrival date for Kiwi pro Michael Papps as the club continue to battle red tape.

After losing the toss and being put into bat. Ayr were skittled for 70 after 35 overs. Only Mark Renny (13) and Neil Smith (10) made double figures, with the top score being extras at 17. In reply, the under 19s quickly rattled off the runs in 12 overs for a comprehensive victory.

Saturday sees Ayr with another home game against Heriot’s in a match sponsored by Willie Chalmers (12 noon start). It also sees the beginning of the club’s 150th anniversary with unfurling of a new flag before the match and a sportsman’s dinner in the evening with guest speakers John Gahagan and Scott Glynn.

The 2nd XI match against Kelburne was cancelled due to heavy overnight rain in Paisley. This week they hope to get their season underway with a league match away to Anniesland.

Meanwhile, frustrations are growing as Papps is stuck in New Zealand. Chairman Andy Baird said: “We were told three weeks ago that it could take two to eight weeks to get a licence but we still haven’t heard anything.”

PRESTWICK open their Second Division campaign away to Falkland on Saturday while the 2nd X1 entertain Langloan in a match sponsored by William Duncan & Co.

The under 15s entertain Kelburne on Friday. Junior matches are sponsored by Quantum Reid. On Sunday, the under 13s are away to Dumfries in the National Club Championship.

The 2nd X1 had the best of a draw away to Torrance House. Prestwick ran up 283-4 with top scores from Calum Rodger (81), Glenn Docherty (48 not out) and Kevin Lawler (45). Veteran skipper Phil Stafford took 3-75 to restrict the hosts to 190-7.

The Oval club’s overseas amateur, 18-year-old Hayden Pryce from Western Australia, is due to arrive this week.

lMagners Irish Cider is offering players in Scotland’s senior leagues a case of pint bottles if they achieve a 50 or five wickets over the first official weekend of league play on Saturday. Players must be over 18.