WESTERN PREMIER DIVISION
West of Scotland v Drumpellier
Dougie Lockhart, the former Scotland batsman, turned back the clock with a fine century as West stayed in the hunt for title glory with victory at Uddingston a week ago and the Hamilton Crescent side's big guns will have to be on their mettle again when they host resurgent Drumpellier. Back to back wins have hoisted the Coatbridge outfit into mid-table position and Graeme McLaren's men, seeking revenge for their defeat to West earlier in the campaign, travel in confident mood.
West, one of three sides to have led the table in a stop-start season, must keep winning if they are to overhaul Clydesdale and Dumfries while Drumpellier, who also had a centurion last week in Rashid Yousaf, could climb into the top four if results go their way. West, without top-order batsman Andrew Umeed who is with the Scotland at the Under-19 World Cup, in Australia, are unchanged. Craig McDonald and Will Leslie are missing for the visitors who give a debut to highly-rated 15-year-old Nic Pyne.
Dumfries v Stirling County
Defeat at Clydesdale last week meant Dumfries relinquished top spot but they have a chance to bounce back against a Stirling side who have managed just one win all season, even without their opening batsman Tom McBride who is on Scotland U19 duty. Stirling need the same resolve from their main-line batsmen as was shown by their last pair, Obaid Hameed and George Smith, who hit 63 in the loss to Drumpellier.
Ayr v Clydesdale
Having knocked West off the top a fortnight ago, Ayr will try to do the same to Clydesdale. The home side could not build on that win when their match at Greenock last week was rained off but they are in good spirits despite the absence of Scotland U19 player Scott McElnea. The visitors, beaten in the Rowan Cup final by first division East Kilbride in midweek, are boosted by the return of Majid Haq and Safy Sharif.
Greenock v Uddingston
A rare appearance by Richie Berrington, the Saltires all-rounder, will lift Greenock for the visit of an Uddingston side led by his national team-mate Calum MacLeod. Greenock are slipping ever closer to relegation but may sense the chance to grab a lifeline against a side who have lost their last two games and any chance of taking the title.
EASTERN PREMIER DIVISION
Heriot's v Watsonians
The capital rivals meet in what could turn out to be a title decider before resuming hosilities in tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final. Watsonians won earlier in the season by a single run but they will be without coach Craig Wright and Paddy Saddler, who are in Australia on Under-19 World Cup duties. Out for Heriot's are the experienced duo Craig Mackellar and Ali Farooq and another national age-group player, Peter Ross.
Grange v Aberdeenshire
The game has been switched to Fettes College because Grange's Raeburn Place is still under repair in the wake of the July floods. They are boosted by the return of Ryan Flannigan, who takes the place of Will Edwards. Aberdeenshire, who are determined to establish some consistency, are likely to be along usual lines.
Forfarshire v Arbroath
Fraser Burnett, the Arbroath captain, has his brother Calvin back in the fold as they bid to haul themselves clear of the foot of the table. The club were disenchanted when Calvin was called up by the Saltires on consecutive weekends, but did not make the starting line-up.
Stoneywood-Dyce v Carlton
Carlton were losers at home during the Aberdonians' unexpected winning run early in the campaign but it is unlikely to be repeated with Carlton likely to rediscover their streetwise edge and earn revenge.
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