MAJID Haq, the Clydesdale captain, knows his side have taken a significant step towards retaining their Western Premier title after a thrilling two-wicket win over closest challengers Ferguslie.
Haq acknowledged the significance of a tense Titwood tussle when he said: "It was a crucial match which both teams had to win so it's great to get over the line.
"We bowled superbly after a disappointing first ten overs when we lacked discipline and conceded 25 Extras.
"I must also mention fourteen year-old wicket-keeper Angus Guy who kept superbly and deserves a lot of credit for how he performed in such a big match."
Having opted to bowl first, Haq must have been frustrated at his team's inability to take advantage of the new ball while Ferguslie's openers Mishkal Ramsaroop and Hannes Venter posted 66 for the first wicket.
However, the home side pulled things back impressively and allowed none of the visiting batsmen to dominate.
Instead Ferguslie had to be content with a series of cameos, Michael English top-scoring with 36 while four other batsmen reached 20 but failed to convert into a significant score.
That meant the Paisley side had to be content with 182-7, a tally which looked about 20 too few until their bowlers piled the pressure on the home side.
Mo Awais had produced a fluent 79 to have his side cruising on 110-2 at the halfway stage.
But when he was bowled by Haroon Tahir, Dale began to lose their way and, as wickets tumbled, the match could have gone either way.
In the end, eight wickets were down when they scampered the winning run in the final over.
Haq added: "Ferguslie again made us work hard for our runs after Awais got out.
"Mishkal and young Haroon bowled superbly and brought them back into the game."
While Clydesdale have opened up a 10% gap over Ferguslie, they will take nothing for granted with five challenging fixtures remaining.
East Kilbride cemented third place and may now be eyeing second after a comprehensive 152-run win over Stenhousemuir at Torrance House.
Moneeb Iqbal top-scored with 66 in a total of 258-8 before Ross Lyons claimed 4-19 as Rushdi Jappie was left stranded on 70no
A fourth consecutive win means Uddingston have moved into the top four for the first time, Bryan Clarke's men producing a fine run-chase to beat Ayr at Bothwell Castle.
Michael Papps fell seven runs short of his fifth century of the season while Shujaa Khan contributed 58 to a total of 232-5.
However, Gavin Bradley's 87 and 66no from Niall MacLeod steered Uddy to a four-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
In contrast Kelburne have now lost four on the trot, their latest reverse coming at Whitehaugh against a Dumfries side who are moving in the right direction.
Niall Alexander claimed four wickets and Josh Geary three as Kelburne's batting again failed to fire, the Paisley side all out for 161before Geary's 60no carried Dumfries over the line with just two balls to spare.
Shazad Rafiq scored 73 and Mitchell Rao claimed four wickets in Prestwick's 85-run win over Drumpellier at Henry Thow Oval.
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241128 GMT JUL 16
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