THE Western Union's top-versus-bottom clash on Saturday looked exactly that as leaders Clydesdale outclassed a Renfrew side who are still looking for their first win of the campaign.
A comprehensive 167-run win leaves the Titwood club sitting pretty as the halfway stage approaches but Colin Mitchell, the team manager, continues to play down title talk.
Having watched his side compile comfortably the highest total of the season - 322-7 - Mitchell cautioned: "We know there are bigger challenges ahead. Our balance isn't perfect and we don't have great depth so we will see where we are placed at the end of July before making any predictions."
Mitchell knows that Clydesdale's biggest test will come when player-coach Con de Lange and all-rounder Richie Berrington are away for several weeks during the World T20 Qualifier.
They managed without Berrington against Renfrew but de Lange showed his value to the side with a superb century, reaching three figures with a maximum and going on to post 112.
The South African-born player, who recently made his Scotland debut, dominated a 200-run fourth wicket partnership with skipper Majid Haq who made 77. De Lange also produced a tight spell of left-arm spin as Renfrew crawled to 155-9 at the close.
"Con overwhelmed the opposition and Maj continues to find his top form after missing so much of the season," added Mitchell. "We're clearly happy to be top but I think it is folly to label us as favourites until we see how we come through July."
The biggest threat to Clydesdale's title aspirations may come from Kelburne, who now occupy second place on their own after an impressive win over East Kilbride.
Chasing a target of 174, EK were all out for a disappointing 108. Scott Hamilton continued a prolific season with the ball to claim 4-24 while Dougie Wylie took 3-24.
Uddingston, the 2013 champions, finally clicked into gear with victory against an Ayr side whose hopes of a successful title defence appear over.
Gawtham Rai fell just two runs short of a century at Bothwell Castle but his contribution was crucial in propelling the hosts to 248-8.
Uddingston skipper Bryan Clarke, savouring just a third win of the campaign, declared: "We've had a good look at ourselves and made a few changes that seem to paying off. We're playing positively and to our strengths and on this form we're as good as anyone."
While Uddingston and Ayr may have too much to do, 2012 champions Dumfries could yet force their way into contention. The Nunholm side remain on the fringes of the title race after a 109-run win over West of Scotland at Hamilton Crescent where Alan Davidson and Pat Druce were the star performers with 71 runs and 4-16 respectively.
Ferguslie, too, have more than a passing interest in the top of the table after returning to winning ways at Drumpellier.
Hamza Tahir, the Reivers left-arm spinner, claimed 4-33 as the hosts were dismissed for 145 before Gregor Preston-Jones (43) and Keith Dabenwga (41) sealed a seven-wicket success as the Meikleriggs men retained fourth spot.
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