Veteran Amir Gul paid tribute to skipper Bryan Clarke and Niall Alexander as they helped Tunnocks Uddingston snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Ferguslie on Saturday.

After dismissing last years Premiers for a modest 106 in Paisley, Clarke could have been forgiven for sitting back with his pipe and slippers to watch his batsmen overhaul the target.

However, his joy was short-lived, as Uddingston suffered a sudden and dramatic batting collapse. After crashing to just 50 for the loss of eight batsman, Clarke put his slippers back in his kit bag and joined Alexander with a mountain to climb. An embarrassing defeat looked inevitable, but the pair had other ideas.

“Credit to the Ferguslie opening bowlers,” said Gul. “They made the most of the seam friendly conditions and our batsmen just weren’t able to cope. Bryan and Niall were able to stick in and as they crept closer to the total, you could sense the panic in Ferguslie”.

Alexander finished unbeaten on 35 while Clarke remained not out on 21 as the pair reached the target during the tense finale, making it two from two for The Villagers in 2019.

Earlier, Uddingston’s pacemen ripped through Ferguslie, with paceman Gavin Main taking 3-20 in his first game back from Durham. He was well supported by Alexander (1-17), Abdul Sabri (2-24), Mohammad Adnan (1-14) and Gul (2-12).

“Our bowlers did a great job. Our top order batsmen just weren’t up to the standards we want to set for ourselves,” said Gul.

Gavin Bradley’s classy 53 was the highlight of Bothwell’s defeat of Ferguslie’s 2nd XI team at Castle Policies, leaving both the 1st and 2nd XI sides unbeaten this season.

Uddingston are at home to Stirling County next Saturday.