RICHIE Berrington stroked a magnificent unbeaten century as Clydesdale launched the defence of their Western Premier title in style with victory over East Kilbride.

Dale’s ability to win the league for a third consecutive year has been questioned during a somewhat turbulent close-season which saw the departure of several of last summer’s key performers including skipper Majid Haq.

However, yesterday’s dominant display at Titwood may silence some of the sceptics.

Not that there has ever been any doubt over the class of Berrington who has the ability to dominate the best of bowlers.

In truth East Kilbride’s attack had already been blunted by the time Berrington walked to the middle with the total on 131-2, Mo Awais in full flow on his way to 84 from only 64 deliveries.

That effort, though, was to be spectacularly eclipsed as Berrington went about his business.

The Scotland man eased effortlessly to a half-century before moving through the gears to reach three figures from 84 balls with one of his many boundaries.

He went on to finish unbeaten on 139, having faced jut 98 balls ,stroking twenty boundaries and three maximums as Dale powered their way to an imposing 339-6.

All the visiting bowlers suffered but former Scotland leg-spinner Moneeb Iqbal claimed three wickets.

In reply East Kilbride were never in the hunt, losing wickets at regular intervals as Dale’s new-look youthful attack settled to their task.

Aliyan Qureshi marked his debut with two early wickets while Berrington removed the dangerous Iqbal before Con de Lange’s three quick-fire strikes had the visitors reeling on 88-7.

They were eventually all out for 140, de Lange ending with four wickets and Qureshi three.

Elsewhere, Poloc showed why they are strongly fancied to challenge during their first season in the top flight by beating Ferguslie at Shawholm.

Owais Shah’s 65 helped the newcomers post a challenging 235-8 before Ferguslie appeared to be cruising at 101-1.

However, the home bowlers, proving an impressive unit, stuck to their task to dismiss the Paisley side for 203, Michael English top-scoring with 47.

There was no joy for fellow new boys Greenock who went down by 61 runs to Uddingston in a rain-affected tussle at Glenpark.