He is one of Scotland's most accomplished cricketers, yet the feeling remains that Richie Berrington's best days might still be in front of him.
The 28-year-old Clydesdale all-rounder, who performed impressively in several matches at the recent World Cup, is a dashing batsman and, whether stroking his way to an accomplished 50 against New Zealand in February, or smashing the century which propelled his country to their maiden victory over an ICC Full Member, Bangladesh, in 2012, he is one of the most precious amalgams of technical excellence and titanic hitting who has ever pulled on a Saltires shirt. But frustratingly, these pyrotechnics have often been interspersed with periods of inconsistency which have been a microcosm of the Scots' problems on the global stage in recent times.
The feeling persists that Berrington might have benefited from joining an English team and putting himself through the gruelling schedule of county cricket, which has helped several of his Irish counterparts to advance their careers. But, for the foreseeable future, his sights are set on helping the Titwood club challenge for the Cricket Scotland League Western Premier Division which commences on Saturday.
He and his colleagues launch their campaign with an away trip to Ferguslie and the former Greenock man is relishing the opportunity to enhance their championship bid and build on the progress which they displayed last summer, before eventually being pipped by Ayr.
It would be surprising if they weren't in the mix, even though they will be missing the talents of Majid Haq for the next few weeks through suspension. However, Berrington appreciates this could be an extremely close competition in the months ahead. "There's always an edge to these matches, where the teams in the West are playing each other," he said. "We know there are plenty of talented, ambitious youngsters around who watched the World Cup on TV and it made them even more determined to try and gain national selection."
"At this stage, considering we don't have any word on the strengths of the various professionals at the different clubs, it's difficult to predict how things will pan out.
"But Ferguslie will be tough, Ayr finished top in 2014 and will be determined to build on that achievement. West of Scotland have lots of ability in their ranks and are moving forward on and off the pitch and Uddingston is never an easy place to go to. You can go right down the list and there are no easy games.
"So, it will be a real test for everybody in the mix. Coming back from the World Cup, I've noticed there is a lot of buzz around the clubs again, and it's also important that we prepare properly for the Reivers games and getting ready for the World T20 qualifying event in June. There is lots at stake."
He is at an age where he should be settled and comfortable in his own skin. But Berrington is a searingly honest individual, somebody who takes his responsibilities seriously, and he realises Clydesdale will rely on players in his mould to raise their standards from how they often fared 12 months ago.
"We have been working with our coach Con de Lange and I don't doubt we have the ability in the side to be competitive," said Berrington. "However, one of the areas which we have to sort out is the consistency of our batting.
"Last year, our bowling was very strong and we frequently dismissed opponents for pretty small totals, but then we couldn't chase down the runs later in the afternoon. We lacked consistency and we appreciate that we all have to improve on that.
"But another important lesson we have learned is to take every fixture as it comes. In something such as this Western Premier event, there will be difficult matches almost every week and you can't win every single one, or it is very unlikely.
"What you can't do is look too far ahead. The one-day format often provides the chance for shocks and you can be terrific one weekend, and off the pace the next. The teams who will be most in contention will be those who know how to dig out victories when they aren't at their best. But this is always an exciting period when you are about to start a new season. The World Cup was a great experience, but it's in the past now and I am focused on looking ahead, both for Clydesdale and Scotland."
Berrington hasn't entirely ruled out a move further afield. He added: "If something comes up, I would consider it," but he seems most committed to encouraging the spread of the sport in the West. He enjoys mentoring youngsters and has been active in promoting the Kwik Cricket format, and he is completely suited to the demands of the Twenty20 milieu.
But he still has ample opportunity to translate his undoubted gifts into somebody who genuinely scares the living daylights out of rivals when he walks to the crease. Clydesdale will be hoping they can get the best of Berrington as summer proceeds.
Because when he's good, he is very, very good....
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