THE weather - and Clydesdale - were the winners yesterday on a day when only two matches survived in the Western Union.

Clydesdale's efforts to get their clash with Ferguslie played paid dividends when they prevailed by 46 runs.

A damp patch on the wicket was the main cause for concern at Titwood but patience was rewarded when a 24 overs a side match got under way at 4.20pm - the latest permitted starting time.

Clydesdale skipper Majid Haq opted to bat first in less than perfect conditions though it was a triumph for the groundsman and his helpers that play was possible at all.

Haq may have been questioning his choice when he was out cheaply to be quickly followed by Kasim Farid as Dale toiled on 26-2.

However, Mo Awais led the recovery with a counter-attacking innings of 27 - Paddy Barbour and Basit Ali then added 39 before the former was run out for 35.

Basit went on to top-score with a hard-hitting 40 as the league leaders hoisted their final tally to 141-7.

Ferguslie made the worst possible start when Abdul Sabri struck with the first ball of the reply.

Sabri pounced again to reduce the visitors to 8-2 but Zimbabwean Keith Dabengwa looked in the mood to spearhead the chase and he, along with Michael English, gave Ferguslie hope with a solid 46-run stand, but Ferguslie quickly subsided to 94 all out.

It proved a crucial win as, in the only other match to survive, second-top Kelburne were too strong for Renfrew at Whitehaugh.

The bottom-of-the-table side could make just 109 as the home bowlers dominated, Fraser Macdonald returning the best figures of 3-30. Kelburne cruised to their target with six wickets in hand.

The entire Eastern Premier card was washed out without a ball being bowled.