SCNL Premiership: Leaders in opposition (21 May 1999)

21 May 1999

SCNL Premiership: Leaders in opposition

Keith Graham

Aberdeenshire and Carlton, the front-runners in the SCNL Premiership, meet at Grange Loan tomorrow with the former in confident mood after crushing defeats of Ferguslie and West of Scotland.

Former West of Scotland professional Jason Arnberger has strengthened Aberdeenshire's batting and in Kevin Thomson, David Cox, Peter Baxter and overseas amateur Steve Gribble, they have a strong seam attack.

Carlton's start - also two victories - has been less convincing. Victory over Stoneywood Dyce pointed to a struggle against the drop for the Aberdeen team but last week's conquest of Grange will have lifted Carlton captain Alan MacLeod, despite the Raeburn place side looking weaker than in recent seasons.

Ayr have also started well. Professional Graeme Rummans has two half-centuries to date and the arrival of left-arm seamer Phil Wilson gives their attack a better balance. West Lothian, the visitors to New Cambustoon, have struggled though they scraped a narrow win against Heriots last Saturday.

The Goldenacre side are unlikely to find a visit to West of Scotland any more rewarding. Last week's reverse at Mannofield featured a poor West batting performance by all but professional Corey Richards. Gregor Maidens returns briefly for the Hamilton Crescent side.

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