Keith Graham: Sri Lanka consider touring Scotland (23 May 1997)

Friday 23 May 1997

Sri Lanka consider touring Scotland

By Keith Graham

CONFIRMATION of Scotland`s rising international status, following their success in the ICC Trophy, came this week when it was revealed that Sri Lanka might tour Scotland in the summer of 1998.

The world one-day champions are due to participate in a triangular tournament with England and South Africa in August next year, and a short tour of Scotland would provide them with an ideal opportunity to warm up in British conditions.

On the domestic front, Freuchie, who have been doing well again in the Alliance and Leicester Village Cup, have to wrestle with the immediate problem of trying to halt Grange`s march tomorrow in the Caledonian 80/- Scottish League Championship.

Freuchie`s league form has been mixed so far, with a comfortable victory over Stirling County, but an equally comprehensive defeat by West Lothian. In all-rounders Scott Gourlay and David Cowan, they have a couple of match winners, but the Grange machine looks in excellent trim.

With internationalists Steve Crawley, George Salmond, Gordon McGurk, Roddie Smith and Alec Davies giving the top of the batting order a solid look, the Edinburgh side have also welcomed back former professional Ian Beven.

West Lothian, who are second in the table, have performed creditably in spite of losing key players. Tomorrow they face a difficult visit to RHSM. Newly-promoted Stirling County travel to Mannofield with much depending upon the appearance of Bruce Russell, Jon Taylor and Graham Hurlbatt if they are to climb clear of bottom place.

Aberdeenshire, who have suffered from defections, are not the power they were in winning the double last year, and will be hoping that Mike Smith finds form soon.

Strathmore, too, will want their batting to show more spirit than hitherto, when they receive Heriot`s, while Arbroath, who have completed only one game so far, play host to Carlton.

Poloc`s 100 per cent record in the D M Hall Western Union will be tested by Greenock tomorrow. Glenpark is a happy hunting ground for Sagid Ali, but Brian Spence`s bowlers may not find conditions quite as helpful as has been the case in their three games so far. West of Scotland also boast an unblemished record and new captain Mark Townson will be confident of success against Uddingston.

Clydesdale, yet to get off the mark, face a difficult task at Meikleriggs, where Dawnley Joseph has, with a century and half century so far, signalled his intentions of bettering his 876 runs (average 67.38) of last season. GHK will also be hoping to break their duck when Kilmarnock are the visitors to New Anniesland, while Drumpellier will be looking for a good haul of points against Kelburne.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/)