Cricket: Papps inspired Ayr are foiled

Jul 3 2009 by Mike Wilson

AYR Cricket Club are still chasing their first win after being pipped with a ball to spare.

Despite the heroics of Kiwi pro Michael Papps, who hit another century, they were foiled at the death away to Watsonians.

In a game reduced to 30 overs by a steady drizzle which meant play was unable to begin until 4pm, Ayr got off to a great start with an opening partnership of 150 between Papps (110 not out) and Andi McElnea (65) to reach 201 in their allocated overs.

Watsonians, despite losing wickets, were always up with the run rate and sneaked home for victory at 204-5 to keep Ayr at the bottom of the table with nine defeats on the spin.

Sunday saw Ayr on West League Cup duty at home to Greenock. The visitors batted first and racked up 207-3 in their 30 overs. Ayr were always struggling to keep up with the run rate and only Andi McElnea (41) was able to get on top of the bowling as they finished on 140-9 to complete a disappointing weekend.

The Cambusdoon XI continued their good run of form in the Western Union with a comfortable win at home to Whitehaugh. Batting first, they scored an impressive 270-8, Colin McCrossin top scoring with 79 and well supported by Callum McClaughlin (43), Ross Mitchell (31) and Neil Logan (35).

The visitors were always struggling in reply and were bowled out for 155 with three wickets each for Alan Martin, Richard Skinner and Derek Cooper.

On Sunday, a youthful team headed for Nunholm and put up a good display in a narrow defeat. The Cambusdoon men bowled out their hosts for 159 with three wickets for Richard Borland and Luke Speirs. In reply, they were bowled out for 118 with good knocks from Elliot Speirs and Callum Gordon.

Several Ayr juniors were in the Ayrshire schools team that beat Dumfries and Galloway last Wednesday. Top performers were Neil Smith with 130 and Callum McLaughlin with 80.

Last week also saw the Scottish Lions take on the MCC at Cambusdoon in a three day game which ended in a draw with the MCC requiring six to win off the last ball but managing only four.

On Saturday, Ayr travel to Heriot’s on league duty while the Cambusdoon XI entertain Anniesland.

MGM Prestwick slumped to bottom of the Second Division after crashing by five wickets away to SMRH. In a match reduced by rain to 33 overs, the Oval lads were skittled for 121 in 31 overs.

In reply, the capital side clinched victory at 122-5 in 30.4 overs.

Now with a home game against runaway leaders Falkland on Saturday, Prestwick are toiling to avoid a relegation play-off.

The 2nd X1 lost by eight wickets at home to Torrance House. Chasing a modest 89, the visitors chased down the runs at 90-2.

The under 15s beat Ferguslie by 17 runs in the Scottish Cup and then 24 hours later lost by nine wickets to Poloc in the last eight.

On Friday, the under 15s beat Glasgow Accies by 42 runs in the league. Prestwick made 129-7 (Ross Patterson 71) and then dismissed Accies for 87 (Mitchell Rao 3-11).

The under 18s beat Ayr by 17 runs in the quarter-finals of the Frank Smith Trophy. Prestwick made 143-2 (Ross Patterson 42 not out, Fraser Rodger 34). Ayr replied at 126-5 (Neil Smith 43, Patterson 3-19).

The under 11s beat Glasgow Accies while the under 13s beat Greenock by six wickets away. Greenock 67 all out (Saul McNally-Summers 4-10), Prestwick 68-4 (Aaron Sim 30).

The under 18s beat Ferguslie by nine wickets. Ferguslie 61 all out (Craig Robertson 2-6), Prestwick 65-1 (Archie McDonald 32).

Fixtures: Friday: U15s v Ayr (h); Saturday: 1st X1 v Falkland (h), sponsored by David Haggo; 2nd X1 v Langloan (a); Sunday: 3rd X1 v Queen’s Park (h); Monday: U18s v Clydesdale (a).