AYR returned to winning ways on Saturday with a comfortable 80 run victory away to West of Scotland.

Batting first Ayr were struggling as wickets fell at regular intervals and appeared to be in deep trouble at 156 for nine when last man Sada Palli arrived at the wicket to join Scott McElnea. The pair proceeded to put on 67 for the last wicket before McElnea was out for 101 off 89 balls in an innings that included 5 fours and six sixes, with only one ball of the innings remaining, Palli remained not out. In reply West were always in trouble with only captain Greg Watson (67) putting up any resistance as West were bowled out for 143 with Andi McElnea (four for 37) and Callum Leck (three for 34 doing the damage with the ball.

The Cambusdoon XI continued on their winnings ways with an excellent victory at home to Partick. A win that sees them close the gap on the visitors who were second in the league and leaders Titwood who also lost on Saturday to Whitehaugh. Partick batted first and got off to a terrible start as Lloyd Jefferson sent visiting captain, Johnny Graham’s stumps flying with the first ball of the game and three balls later dismissed fellow opener Macaulay. They did, however recover and were eventually bowled out for 244. The Cambusdoon innings got off to an equally shaky start as they also lost early wickets and were in trouble at 21-3 before a century stand between Nigel Howard (52) and the in form Douglas Johnstone (123 n.o.) put them back on the road to recovery and they ran out comfortable winners reaching 248 for four with almost 10 overs to spare.

In the Juniors the U18’s had a comfortable victory over Prestwick as they won by 50 runs. Jonathon Baines top scored with 30 not out as Ayr posted 110 for eight and Robbie Henderson and James Miller each took three wickets as Prestwick were bowled all out for 60.

This week sees Ayr at home to league leaders Clydesdale while the Cambusdoon XI are also away to top-of the-table Titwood.

Prestwick returned to winning ways with a vital win away to Poloc which leaves them well placed for promotion.

The visitors batted first in the First Division encounter and hit 177 for nine. ABi Prasad top scored with 56 and Ross Patterson chipped in with 44.

Poloc were all out for just 153. Visiting bowler Gavin Pitt continued his impressive run of form with four for 39, while Mitchell Rao and Prasad took two wickets apiece.

Skipper Shazad Rafiq was delighted with the performance and said: “We showed great maturity, it was an important win and we will be really disappointed if we don’t get promotion now. Two more wins should take us up although if we beat Weirs at home on Saturday we will be in a good position.” For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.