Tunnock’s Uddingston Cricket Club on Saturday clinched the Western District Cricket Union Premier League with a convincing 85-run win at Clydesdale.
Villagers skipper Bryan Clarke paid tribute to Aamir Gul and Gavin Bradley after their match-winning knocks helped to clinch the trophy.
Uddingston clocked up 234 for 5 in 50 overs, while Clydesdale were all out for 148 in 36.
The Villagers topped the table with 284 points from 12 matches, ahead of McCrea FS West of Scotland, who have played a game more.
After three of their top order went cheaply, Gul and Bradley put together a vital partnership of more than 100 runs that effectively sealed the match.
“Aamir and Gavin were excellent,” said Clarke.
“The wicket was doing a lot early on, but they showed their experience and battled through it.
“Gavin played the role of the aggressor, while Aamir was able to frustrate the bowlers as he often does.”
Abdul Sabri dismissed Clydesdale opener Angus Gul in the second over, and the Titwood side, who were struggling against the pace of Uddingston’s bowlers, were soon two down after Niall Alexander took his first scalp.
With Scotland international Richard Berrington at the crease, Clydesdale still had a chance of victory, but he wasn’t able to get support at the other end.
Berrington was caught by Harry Singh while trying to reverse sweep an Anwar Hafeez delivery, and the game was all but over.
Gavin Main and Aamir Gul mopped up Clydesdale’s tail, sealing the win and the title for Uddingston.
“It was a career highlight for me,” said Clarke.
“The team have trained hard all year. The pleasing thing for me is that we all contributed at some point during the season.”
