WEST of Scotland last night sealed their return to the top flight of the SNCL after an absence of just one season thanks to an easy six-wicket win over Poloc at New Williamfield, Stirling.
The Hamilton Crescent side went into yesterday's play-off as slight favourites, but
Poloc looked in the mood to rip up the form book with some promising early batting before a dreadful collapse saw them all out for just 98.
Poloc reached 74-
2 before the rot set in, Ian Cran sparking the collapse by claiming two wickets in two balls, including that of young New Zealander Jason Dombroski first ball.
Off-spinner Niki Sood's late spell yielded 3-12 and hastened Poloc's demise.
In reply West lost professional Grant Robinson early on. However, Scotland batsman Dougie Lockhart provided the innings of the day with a carefully compiled half-century which ensured that the Hamilton Crescent side will be returning to the premier division.
By the time he was out for 54, the Partick club were within touching distance of victory and skipper Ian Young completed the job.
Meanwhile Dunfermline clinched promotion to the first division with an even easier victory over West Lothian at Lochlands.
Steven Fryer led the way with 4-7 as the Linlithgow club were reduced to 108 all out. The Fifers reached their target in just 20 overs and with nine wickets in hand.
The full article contains 248 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
