LocHire Stenhousemuir now up to third in Western Premiership One
LocHire Stenhousemuir climbed into third place in the West Premiership with a thoroughly convincing victory over West of Scotland at the Tryst on Saturday.
The home side produced an excellent bowling display to dismiss their Glasgow visitors for just 70 before completing a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
West were under pressure from the opening overs, with Kess Sajjad and Husnain Atif doing the early damage. Atif claimed three wickets and Sajjad two as the visitors slumped to 35 for five.
There was little respite for West as Olly Townsend joined the attack and claimed three wickets, reducing them to 64 for eight. Riley Bettington then finished the job by taking the final two wickets to bowl West out for 70.
Townsend's three-wicket haul also saw him pass the landmark of 50 wickets for Stenhousemuir.
The run chase was largely untroubled, despite the early losses of Sajjad for five and Bahadier Esakhiel for 20. Yassin Valli steadied the innings with an unbeaten 32, while Jatin Rana remained not out on 11 to guide Stenhousemuir safely home.
It was a comprehensive performance that strengthens Stenhousemuir's position in the upper reaches of the West Premiership.
There was disappointment for the club's 2nd XI, however, as they suffered a heavy defeat against Langside 2nd XI at Albert Park.
Langside posted 176 before being bowled out, with William Sneddon leading the Stenhousemuir attack with four wickets. Pranav Bhat also impressed with two wickets.
The Stenhousemuir reply never really got going and they were eventually dismissed for 88. Peter Quinn top-scored with 20, while his brother Andrew contributed 19, but Langside secured a convincing victory.
Stenhousemuir's first XI are back on the road this Saturday at Prestwick while the 2nd XI will look to bounce back when they welcome Dumfries 2nd XI.