Quietly, but impressively, Arbroath United have been taking positive strides over the past decade, so it is hardly surprising the north-east club are currently at the summit of the CSL with an 100% record in the tournament.
Last weekend, they travelled to Mannofield and gradually turned the screw on Aberdeenshire with some impressive batting from Fraser Burnett, Darren Spink and Marc Petrie, allied to a terrifically athletic showing in the field. It may have been disappointing that rain dragged Messrs Duckworth and Lewis into the equation, but there were few complaints from the hosts at the climax. Over the piece, the visitors dominated proceedings.
Petrie, at 23, is one of the new breed of Caledonian performers. He doesn't just love the summer game but is keen to make a living from it and, if that means immersing himself in the sport, so be it. The wicketkeeper/batsman already has represented Scotland at every level through to his nine appearances in the senior ranks, but he is refreshingly candid about his displays in the latter matches. "I wasn't as successful as I would have liked, but there's no point complaining about it; it's up to me to take responsibility and force my way back into contention," said Petrie. "I'm looking forward to fighting for inclusion in the Pro Series and there are a lot of talented youngsters around, all over the country. But we have to go out and prove it."
So far, Arbroath have shown their mettle, but it isn't simply where the Lochlands First XI are concerned. As Petrie pointed out, the club's Kwik Cricket structure and links with local schools have become the envy of many of their peers, while the average age of their Seconds is just 23, and that is before we even mention their thriving under-13 and under-15 sections and development side.
It is an embarrassment of riches and the captain appreciates that the increased competition for places means nobody is guaranteed a permanent berth. Instead, they have to keep pushing themselves harder, as the CSL battle intensifies.
"It's tough for the lads in the Seconds just now, but there again, they realise they will get their chance if they keep producing the goods. It's pressure, but it's good pressure and there is a really professional mentality about the club," said Petrie. "We struggled for much of last season and I think that made us more determined to come out firing this time around."
TEAM OF THE WEEK
The time was when Falkland used to live in the shadow of their near-neighbours Freuchie; not any more. The Fife clubs met three times in the last week and the Scroggie Park side triumphed each time, notably in the CSL where they skittled Freuchie for just 58 en route to a resounding 167-run victory.
TALKING POINT
Scottish cricket is in a transitional phase, so there has never been a better opportunity for the country's leading youngsters to force themselves into the international reckoning. The question is: can they do their talking where it matters?
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