SKIPPER Andi McElnea led by example as Ayr overcame hosts Prestwick in a pulsating Western Premier Division match at the Henry Thow Oval on Saturday.

The all-rounder hit 60 and then took two wickets in a fine display as the Cambusdoon men returned to winning ways and knocked their derby rivals off the top of the table.

However it was a much closer contest than had been expected after Prestwick recovered from 90 for nine, with Mitchell Rao and Gavin Pitt putting on a brave last-wicket stand before the former was out for 17, with Rao unbeaten on 67 to hand Ayr victory.

Ayr won the toss and elected to bat and posted a total of 181, with the main contributions coming from Andi McElnea (60) and professional Michael Papps (36).

In reply Prestwick were always in trouble with the Ayr bowlers taking wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 90-9, with last pair Mitchell Roa and Gavin Pitt at the crease, but they managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over until only 30 were required off the last three overs, but Scott McElnea managed to entice an edge for Pitt to leave Ayr victors by 14 runs. Neil Smith with 3-16, Scott McElnea 3-34 and brother Andi McElnea 2-33 were pick of the bowlers.

Later Ayr pro Papps said: "We thought we were a little short of the runs and were hoping for 20. We knew Prestwick would keep going to the end. The guys had to keep fighting but we got there. The two boys at the end batted really well for Prestwick. It was good to get a win but we have a lot of work to do and we have to win a few games on the bounce if we want to be up near the top. If we can win a few in a row hopefully we will be in the mix."

Disappointed Prestwick skipper Shazad Rafiq said: "We tried to make a game of it but we batted poorly and the top six batsmen have to take a close look at themselves. Mitchell Rao batted really well and made it a potentially winnable game for us. If the game had gone to the last over anything could have happened. We have a game at Greenock on Saturday and it's a must-win if we want to start climbing the table."

The local rivals also met in the McCulloch Cup last Wednesday, with the result being decided on the last ball of the game.

Prestwick batted first, scoring 141-9 with innings built round 63 from Faizal Jawad. There were three wickets each apiece Neil Smith and Andi McElnea. When batting, Ayr after a solid start between Papps and Smith lost regular wickets but needed only six off the last over and that came down to two of the last ball, but Matthew McClymont edged behind to leave Prestwick victors by one run.

Meanwhile on Sunday Ayr were in action in the Western Union Cup at Titwood against Clydesdale where they lost by three wickets in the last over.

Ayr batted first scoring 163-9 with Neil Smith top scoring with 70. A total the hosts chased down with 4 balls to spare. Johnny Baines the pick of the bowlers taking 3-34.

The Cambusdoon XI hosted St.Ninians on Saturday but fell to a six wicket defeat. Batting first they were bowled out for 143, Niall McCrossin top-scoring with 43.

The visitors' innings got off to a good start with an opening stand of 73 between Lawler (59) and McGregor (34), before three quick wickets from Pushkar Bhandari gave the Cambusdoon men some hope but St. Ninians ran out comfortable winners with more than 20 overs to spare.

This week sees international cricket return to Cambusdoon when Scotland take on Namibia in the Intercontinental Cup from today (Tuesday) until Friday, with play starting each day at 11am. Entry is free.

Saturday sees Ayr hosting Clydesdale in the Western Union and away to Irvine -in the McCulloch Cup. The Cambusdoon XI are away to Titwood on Saturday. Match Sponsors: Ayr v Clydesdale - Robin Paterson; Irvine v Ayr - Clancy Consulting.