A potentially explosive day in the Western Premier title race turned into a damp squib on Saturday as none of the scheduled fixtures reached a conclusion on another rain-hit weekend.
However, there could still be fireworks as the major issues at both ends of the table go down to the wire on the final day of the season.
It had looked as if long-time leaders Prestwick might clinch the title on Saturday when their clash with out-going champions Clydesdale got underway at the Henry Thow Oval.
With second place Ferguslie’s match at Greenock having already been abandoned, the Ayrshiremen knew victory would be enough to clinch glory and they kept themselves firmly in contention by restricting Dale to 191-9 during a hard-fought first innings.
Scotland spin prospect Mitchell Rao was the pick of the home attack with four wickets while Mo Awais scored a half-century for the visitors.
Prestwick, who have scored in excess of 200 runs in the majority of their matches this season, would undoubtedly have backed themselves to complete the job but their innings never started as persistent heavy rain set in during the interval.
The upshot is that Prestwick must travel to Torrance House on Saturday and beat an East Kilbride team who need to win to have any chance of staving off relegation.
Defeat for Prestwick would open the door to Ferguslie should they beat Uddingston at Meikleriggs
.
The weather, though, could yet have the final say especially since five of a scheduled eight games at Torrance House have been abandoned this season and a further cancellation at the action-starved venue would be enough to see Prestwick take the title while relegating East Kilbride.
However, Prestwick coach Andy Tennant said: “We’d much rather win the title on the pitch than under a brolly so fingers crossed for a dry week.
“It was shaping up to be a great game against Clydesdale but it was a frustrating end. Hopefully we can end the season on a high because the guys have played some great cricket.”
No play was possible in the other four fixtures.