Western Union: EAST Kilbride will today attempt to prove they are genuine contenders for the Western Union Premier division title.

The Torrance House troops finished a creditable fourth in their first season in the top flight last summer and Josh Johnston, their ambitious captain, believes there is more to come from his talented side.

They were denied a notable scalp a week ago when Renfrew, the side that finished one place above them last year, were rescued from certain defeat by rain. East Kilbride, though, have another chance to measure their progress when they entertain Clydesdale, last season's runners-up and the team many expect to win the title this term.

The home side's cause may well be boosted by former Pakistan Test batsman Muhammad Ramzan who arrived in the country yesterday and will play subject to the appropriate paperwork being completed.

Ramzan may be in the veteran category but, in recent seasons with Drumpellier and Renfrew, has proved himself a significant asset with both bat and ball. Johnston said: "The signing was arranged last month but we're only announcing it now because he had coaching commitments in Pakistan and we weren't sure when he would be here.

"Ramzan is a fantastic player and could prove vital to us in the title race."

Johnston has no qualms about mentioning the words "us" and "title race" in the same sentence since his goals are rightly lofty.

"I'm aiming my sights right for the top this season. Last year was the one to bed in and find out feet. Now we have to build on that and I think anything less than third would be a bit of a disappointment.

"We were in a great position against Renfrew so it was very frustrating not to get the game finished but we're focused on Clydesdale now and what is our biggest test so far."

In addition to Ramzan, East Kilbride's challenge will be boosted by three former Clydesdale stars in Ross Lyons, Harmanjit Singh and Craig Smith.

Meanwhile, Clydesdale had hoped to welcome back Scotland spinner Majid Haq following his three-week club suspension incurred for misconduct during last season's Scottish Cup final. However, Haq, still in dispute with Cricket Scotland over his notorious World Cup tweet, flew to Pakistan this week claiming he needed a complete break from the game.

It is a blow for the Titwood club whose manager Colin Mitchell admitted: "We had picked Maj to make his return only for him to tell us he needs a break. It is disappointing both for us and for him.

"East Kilbride will be a tough test as I think they will prove themselves a top three or four side - if not better."

Elsewhere, champions Ayr will attempt to recover from last week's defeat at Dumfries when they entertain Ferguslie. Skipper Andi McElnea said: "We have to provide support for the pro (Lenert van Wyk) who has been great for us. Ferguslie are a very dangerous team."

Eastern Premier. Former Scotland skipper Ryan Watson will make his second-spell "debut" for Forfarshire today when they square up at home to Eastern Premiership form-horses Grange.

The veteran all-rounder has made the move back to his old club after playing a huge part in the emergence of Glenrothes as a major force. And his presence is certain to bolster the Broughty Ferry side's quest to challenge for the title. Watson admitted the switch was sparked by family and work commitments and Shire will be delighted to have him available on his own terms. He said: "I've really enjoyed my time at Glenrothes.

"It's been fantastic to have been part of one of Scottish crickets developing teams and to see their innovative approach. We set out with a clear set of objectives, the most important of which were increasing the playing membership and number of elevens.

"These aims and many others were achieved, and I guess the only disappointment was missing out on promotion last season.

"I'm confident the lads will put that right this season and given the results so far don't seem to be missing me all that much!"

Watson added: "Living near to Forthill, it makes sense for me and my family to return to Forfarshire and whilst I'm not sure how often I'll be playing this season, I'm looking forward to getting back involved and helping wherever I can".

Arbroath will be determined to carry on their revival as they renew hostilities with Aberdeenshire, who took over their mantle of champions in dramatic and controversial circumstances last August. Marc Petrie and Co will be heartened by there fact that they have enjoyed a string of successes at Mannofield over the past few years.

Falkland welcome back the Hepburn brothers for the tussle with Heriot's at Scroggie Park. Ryan Hepburn stated: "Matt Surry is absent through work, but we are sure Kirk Brunton will acquit himself well as his deputy.

"The guys had a couple of great wins in the league and Scottish Cup last weekend and we are keen to maintain the momentum." Carlton should keep up their sequence of victories at the expense of Stoneywood-Dyce at Peoples Park, while Watsonians make the short hop to face struggling RH Corstorphine.

Robbie Henderson and Neil Logan come in for Matthew McClymont and Ross Mitchell while the Paisley side bring in youngster Taimoor Ahmad for James Cook.

Uddingston, who broke their duck in a rain-affected clash with Drumpellier last week, entertain a West of Scotland side yet to record their first victory while Kelburne have the chance to maintain their 100% start when Drumps visit Whitehaugh.

Dumfries make the trip to Renfrew comforted by the fact that, contrary to wide belief, they were not penalised following their match against Ayr last week. A computer error suggested they had been docked five points when the sanction was actually imposed on Drumpellier. For now, though, the Nunholm side will focus on trying to climb further up the table.