AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - Close finishes ahead in promotion and relegation battles

The Ayrshire Scratch Leagues are nearing a conclusion, as the final few matches are scheduled to be completed over the next four weeks, and in many cases there is likely to be close battles as teams bid for title glory or try to avoid relegation.

In DIVISION 1, reigning champions Kilmarnock (Barassie) remain on pole position to retain their title, with three fixtures remaining to be played, after a 4 - 2 home win over Ayr Belleisle. In the only other result posted recently, Troon Welbeck maintained their place in the top half of the league with a 5 - 1 win at Ayr Belleisle, a result which almost certainly sends the Belleisle team into Division 2 next seaso.

Present positions in Division 1 are :-

26 - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE (25/17)
20 - LOUDOUN (27.5/20.5)
18 - TROON WELBECK (26/22)
16 - IRVINE RAVENSPARK (25/29)
12 - IRVINE (25/23)
  4 - AYR BELLEISLE (15.5/32.5)

Remaining Fixtures

Barassie vs Loudoun
Irvine vs Belleisle
Welbeck Vs Barassie
Irvine Vs Loudoun
Belleisle Vs Barassie
Ravenspark Vs Welbeck

In DIVISION 2, Ballochmyle are almost certain of the title after completing their fixtures with a 4 - 0 home win over Caprington and a 3 - 3 draw at New Cumnock, to leave them on 30 points. West Kilbride maintained their slim hopes with a 5 - 1 home win over New Cumnock, who were also beated by 3.5 - 2.5 at Caprington. New Cumnock's relegation worries were eased a little witn a 4 - 2 win away to fellow strugglers Kilbirnie Place.

Present positions in Division 2 are :-

30 - BALLOCHMYLE (38/22)
16 - WEST KILBRIDE (21/15)
14 - ARDEER (17.5/18.5)
10 - CAPRINGTON (17.5/24.5)
10 - NEW CUMNOCK (18/30)
  8 - KILBIRNIE PLACE (20/22)

Remaining Fixtures

Ardeer Vs Kilbirnie
Caprington Vs West Kilbride
New Cumnock Vs Ardeer
Kilbirnie Vs West Kilbride
Caprington Vs Kilbirnie
Ardeer Vs West Kilbride
New Cumnock Vs west Kilbride
Ardeer Vs Caprington

In DIVISION 3, Prestwick Str Cuthbert took over top spot from Troon St Meddans after a home win over their closest rivals by 5.5 - 0.5. largs title hopes suffered a blow with a 3.5 - 2.5 defeat at tam O Shanter.

Present positions in Division 3 are :-

12 - PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT (15.5 - 8.5)
10 - TROON ST MEDDANS (14.5 - 15.5)
  8 - LARGS (15/15)
  6 - TAM O SHANTER (9/15)

Remaining fixtures :-

Largs Vs St Cuthbert
St Cuthbert Vs Tam O Shanter
St Meddans Vs Tam O Shanter

In DIVISION 4, Ayr dalmilling lead the way in a very close section, whilst Moorpark appear destined for the bottom spot in the division.

Home wins by 4 - 2 over Moorpark and 5 - 1 over Maybole propelled Dalmilling to the top of the table whilst Prestwick St Nicholas maintained their challenge with a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Turnberry.

Present positions in Division 4 are :-

20 - AYR DALMILLING (24.5/11.5)
14 - TURNBERRY (22.5/13.5)
12 - PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS (16/14)
10 - MAYBOLE (14/22)
  0 - MOORPARK (7/23)

Remaining Fixtures :-

Moorpark Vs Turnberry
St Nicholas Vs Maybole
Moorpark vs St Nicholas
Turnberry Vs Dalmilling
Moorpark Vs Maybole
St Nicholas Vs Dalmilling

In DIVISION 5, Girvan have secured the title and promotion to Division 4, with two fixtures remaining, after nearest rivals Rowallan Castle crashed to a 5 - 1 defeat at Doon Valley in their latest fixture.

Present positions in Division 5 are :-

24 - GIRVAN (30/6)
12 - ROWALLAN CASTLE (14/22)
10 - DOON VALLEY (15/15)
  6 - BRUNSTON CASTLE (15/21)
  4 - CROSSHOUSE (10/20)

Remaining Fixtures :-

Crosshouse vs Brunston Castle
Doon Valley Vs Girvan
Rowallan Castle Vs Crosshouse
Brunston Castle Vs Doon Valley
Rowallan Castle Vs Girvan
Crosshouse Vs Doon Valley

All remaining fixtures are due for completion by late September.