Ayr Cricket Club lose by eight runs at home to Watsonians

May 6 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR made a disappointing start to their SNCL league campaign when they suffered a narrow defeat at home to Watsonians.

The visitors won the toss and chose to bat and made 229-5, Alan Davidson being pick of the bowlers with 2-37.

Local Life Ayr’s reply got off to a solid start with a century opening stand between Kiwi pro Michael Papps (88) and Andi McElnea (43). Following their departure, only Dougie Johnstone (34) seriously troubled the visiting attack as they fell agonisingly eight runs short.

Ayr begin their West League Cup campaign at home to Greenock on Thursday evening and look to get their SNCL season on track on Saturday when they host Dunfermline in a match sponsored by Malcolm Renny.

The Cambusdoon XI also return to action with an away match against Titwood.

This week also sees the juniors play their first fixtures of the season. The U11s entertain Prestwick, U13s are away to Hillhead while the U15s head to Kelburne.

MGM Prestwick made it two wins out of two when they beat GHK away.

Top knocks from Shazad Rafiq (68), Fraser MacDonald (35) and Chris Scott (31 not out) helped the Henry Thow Oval men to 251-9.

In reply, GHK were bowled out for 227 with Rafiq taking 3-40 and Derek Pettigrew (3-38).

The St Ninians X1 lost by 24 runs at home to Strathclyde. The visitors were dismissed for 197 with best bowling from John Mahaffey (3-28) and David Carlyle (4-39). Prestwick fell short at 173 despite good efforts from Kevin Lawler (48), A Koshti (35) and Bob Rogerson (40).

The Sunday X1 beat Clydesdale by 17 runs. Prestwick made 250-3 (Lawler 106 not out), Martyn Hay (96). In reply, Clydesdale were dismissed for 233.

Fixtures: Friday: U15s v West of Scotland (h), sponsored by Reid Quantum; U11s v Ayr (a), sponsored by Reid Quantum; Saturday: 1st X1 v Glasgow University staff (h), sponsored by Tommy Halpin; St Ninians X1 v Garscube (a), sponsored by Frankie and Benny's; Sunday: 1st X1 v NVT Poloc (a), Scottish Cup tie sponsored by Frankie and Benny's (a).