JAMEY Carruthers, the Ferguslie captain, admitted losing the toss may have been a blessing in disguise after his side came back from the dead to secure a sensational win at Dumfries.

The Paisley team’s title dream appeared to be in tatters after they collapsed to a miserable 65 all out, having been sent in to bat.

But, inspired by a four-wicket haul from Riyaad Henry, Ferguslie stormed back to dismiss Dumfries for just 57 and keep the pressure on leaders Prestwick.

Carruthers confessed: “Today was a very strange day – neither skipper knew what to do at the toss so I wasn’t too fussed to lose it.

“Dumfries bowled well early on and that combined with some poor batting left us facing defeat at half-time.

“But when we reduced Dumfries to 11-4 with two early wickets for myself and Riyaad I think we started to believe we could win.”

Henry went on to claim 4-13 while Greg Cameron matched Carruthers with a brace and Michael English, who had earlier top-scored for his team with 27, completed the comeback with two brilliant run-outs – one of them to remove Josh Forsyth who was the game’s top scorer with 30.

Neil Alexander was the home team’s bowling star with 5-22.

Carruthers added: “Riyaad’s ten overs were exceptional and Greg only went for nine runs from his six over.

“Michael’s two run-outs at the end were superb and looking at it now his 27 was massive.

“It’s a huge result to keep us in the hunt but we know Prestwick need to lose.”

The leaders, though, showed little sign of weakness during an efficient 49-run success against Greenock at the Henry Thow Oval.

Fraser Macdonald hit 71 and Tom Fleet 56 as Prestwick posted an imposing 242-8 before Mitchell Rao showed why he is on the brink of Scotland selection, the spinner claiming 5-24 as Greenock were dismissed for 193, despite the best efforts of Jonathan Hempsey who made 56.

The only disappointing note for the Ayrshire side was the news that Dumfries had failed in their modest run-chase, meaning the title race goes on for at least another week.

However, Prestwick’s coaching consultant Andy Tennant said: “It would have been nice if Dumfries had won but we must just keep taking care of our own business.”

With the top two winning, Uddingston probably have too much to do but they remain third after a 31-run win at Kelburne – a result which condemns the Paisley side to the drop.

In a low-scoring affair, Ross Lyons top-scored with 42 in the Bothwell side’s 138 while Ross Maclean’s five wickets kept Kelburne in contention.

However, bowlers remained on top in the second half, Kelburne sliding to 107 all out despite Bradley Joynt’s 30.

East Kilbride, whose home fixture with Poloc was abandoned, may now need to win their remaining two games and hope Greenock lose theirs to avoid the drop.

The mid-table clash between champions Clydesdale and Ayr at Titwood went decisively in favour of the home side, Paddy Barbour’s 79no helping Dale to a nine-wicket triumph.