INSPIRED Irvine Cricket Club are celebrating one of the biggest wins in their recent history.

The Marress men went into Saturday's Western First Division home clash with runaway leaders West of Scotland in confident mood.

West had won six straight games going into the weekend and were firm favourites.

However home skipper Rafy Ashraf fully believed his team could win the match.

They won the boss and elected to bat.

There was a promising opening partnership from Ashraf and Indy Singh, who hit 33 and 24 respectively and that was a good foundation.

South African amateur Jonathan Waspe was then bowled for four. Brandon Harwood then took to the crease and hit an excellent 60.

However Moeen Alil, David Ingram and Mike Ingram all went cheaply for nine, three and a duck respectively and Hafeez Muthair also went for 0.

A valiant innings from Jon Conway saw him hit 10 as the home side ended their innings on 166 for nine off 50 overs.

However Irvine were in great form with the ball and Harwood completed a great all-round performance with three three for 23, while Muthair, Ashraf and Singh took to wickets apiece and Jonathan Waspe took a wicket as West were bowled all out for 145. This gave the hosts a fine 21-run victory.

Skipper Ashraf said: "People said we were underdogs but I was confident we would win. Batting first is always the best option at Marress. We have a good young team and can hopefully make the top five. We are at Stenhousemuir on Saturday and must look to win that game."