AYR played host to Stenhousemuir on Saturday in the Western Union First Division and fell agonisingly short in their chase of the visitors’ total, losing by one run.

After winning the toss Stenhousemuir batted first but were soon in trouble - losing both openers with only 10 on the board before recovering to 212-8.

The Ayr reply got off to a solid start and with Lloyd Jefferson (31) and Andi McElnea (91) again in fine form they looked to be control, but flurry of wickets led to a tight finish and when Andi McElnea was caught on the boundary off the first ball of the last over, it led to a nail biting last few balls and Ayr eventually required three off the last ball, but were only able to run a bye finishing on 211-8. Pushkar Bandari was top wicket taker with 3-46. On Wednesday night Ayr travelled to Kilmarnock in the final group game of the McCulloch Cup, only for rain to end their chance of victory after the young attack had bowled Kilmarnock out for 105, The home team had got off to a flying start before the introduction of Pushkar Bhandari to the attack slowed thing done as he took 4-12 to Ayr back in control, but persistent rain curtailed any hope of the second innings ever getting started.

This week sees Ayr at home to Kilmarnock in the last game of the first round of matches in the league, while the Cambusdoon XI are away to Bothwell in the Reserve League.

Prestwick, meanwhile continued their highly impressive start to the season by edging out reigning champions Ferguslie in a very low-scoring encounter at Meikleriggs.

The visitors won the toss and opted to bat first. However they lost opener and overseas amateur Tom Lord early on for just six.

Faissal Jawad then hit 13 as did Fraser Macdonald as they tried to battle back.

Sachin Chaudhary chipped in with a useful 17 and Tom Fleet contributed a useful 14 as Prestwick were bowled all out for 90 in just 35.2 overs.

Prestwick then bowled brilliantly, as they dismissed the Paisley side for just 67, giving them a 23-run victory.

Lord took 4-14 off 10 overs and Fraser Macdonald 4-25.

Chaudhary completed a fine display by taking 2-7 off 9.1 overs.

Saturday sees Prestwick visit Stirling County.