The Bute captain won the toss and with the pitch looking very damp asked the opposition to bat first - an astute decision as things turned out, with the Ardrossan batsmen struggling just to survive with the ball holding up in the pitch and bouncing unreliably.

Opening bat Zeeshan, a Kilmarnock first team player, was even prompted to ask how it was possible to play any shots on the surface - there was no helpful reply!

It was hard going for the visitors, though they didn't help themselves with two run outs and a stumping, but Ardrossan will probably never play on a more difficult wicket and credit must go to the young players as they batted, and battled, out their 40 overs, built round an innings of 47 from Zeeshan, for a total of 84.

With the sun drying the pitch out as the day progressed, Bute enjoyed much the better conditions when it came to their turn to bat, and reached the required total to win the game in the 16th over with the loss of just one wicket.

In an arrangement between the two captains, the innings was continued through to 40 overs to give both sets of players a chance to have time in the middle. Pete Manvell took full advantage, making 50 quick runs before retiring, and Alan Peacock successfully avoided having to buy a jug by getting out three runs short of his half century.

Bute also welcomed a first appearance for the club by youngster Angus Sinclair from Colintraive who looked to be a very promising player in all departments of the game.

* Bute are back on league business this Sunday, August 3, with a home match against Glasgow Accies.