1XI chase 220 to take win in Dumfries

The McCrea FS West of Scotland XI travelled to Dumfries, more in hope than expectation of seeing a result, with Storm Betty bringing heavy rain throughout the journey. Despite a delayed start, play began at 13:50 in a 40-over-a-side fixture.

Dumfries started well with Davidson and Malik putting on 87 before Smith took the wicket of Malik in the 18th over. That brought Scotland international Chris McBride, who played aggressively for 51 from just 40 balls, putting Dumfries in a great position at 154/1. However, that all changed when Fennah brought Umeed on to bowl. He took 3 wickets in quick succession, dismissing both settled batters and changing the momentum in the process. Dumfries eventually finished at 220/6 from their allocated 40 overs.

In reply, Sajjad and Umeed opened the batting but couldn't replicate Dumfries’s opening partnership, with Umeed (1 off 8) and Kess (23 off 15) falling in the opening stages. Oliver and Sharma came in and batted well together, both hitting boundaries with relative ease. At the drinks break, things were in the balance, with a required run rate of 5.5 per over for the final 20 overs. After losing Oliver (64), Sharma (51), and Wilson (5), Moneeb (44*) continued to knock the runs off and batted well with Fennah (11*) to see them home with 9 balls to spare.

The win secured 2nd place in the league, with Ayr comfortably beating Ferguslie and taking the league title out of reach. Congratulations to Ayr, who deserve it after an impressive season. We look forward to hosting them next week in the final game of the season.