Ayr Cricket Club make a mixed start to the new season

Apr 22 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR Cricket Club made a mixed start to the new season with a defeat and a win in their opening two games.

Local Life Ayr lost to Uddingston on Saturday but won a close game against Drumpellier with victory off the second last ball.

Uddingston batted first on a wicket which was slow and damp after the previous week’s rain. They ran up 208-5 with their overseas amateur Alec Day scoring 127 on his debut for the club.

In reply, Ayr were always struggling with Andi McElnea (38) and Dougie Johnstone (59), which included 29 in one over, the only batsmen to seriously trouble the Uddingston attack as the home side were bowled out for 135.

Sunday saw a much closer game with Drumpellier batting first against a youthful Ayr team and being bowled out for 120. Matthew McClymont took three wickets while there were two each for Andi and Scott McElnea.

The Ayr reply did not get off to the best start, losing wickets at regular intervals, but were saved by a fine innings of 52 not out from Andi McElnea who won the game hitting a six off the second last ball.

This weekend, the Cambusdoon XI start their league campaign at home to Shawholm in the newly formed SNCL Reserve League while Local Life Ayr have a friendly at home to West of Scotland on Sunday.

MGM Prestwick open their Western Union season at home to Helensburgh on Saturday in a match sponsored by Jim Boyce.

But they have had no match practice after last weekend’s friendly double header against West of Scotland and Kelburne was called off.

The St Ninians X1 head to Motherwell in a match sponsored by Frankie and Benny’s.

On Sunday, Prestwick X1 entertain Ferguslie in a friendly, sponsored by the club’s golf section.