Scotland: Aberdeenshire looking to continue their flying start (15 May 1998)

15 May 1998

Scotland: Aberdeenshire looking to continue their flying start

By Keith Graham

THESE are early days but already several clubs have put down markers in the struggle to achieve high placings for next season's three divisional National League.

Aberdeenshire head Conference C with two home victories. Tomorrow they travel for the first time, to visit winless Stirling County at Williamfield.

Brad Wigney's arrival from Australia has provided a cutting edge, captain Neil McRae is showing form with the bat and although Mike Smith has yet to find his best form, when he does the Mannofield side will be a formidable outfit. They should be too strong for Stirling who are still too reliant on the old guard of Jon Taylor, Bruce Russell and Willie Morton.

Ferguslie certainly have the personnel to challenge for a top place. The return of New Zealander Jamie Graham as their overseas amateur is already paying dividends. A return of five for 18 last week keeps him on course for another profitable wicket haul this season after taking 56 last year.

In Alan Burgess, the Paisley club have recruited excellent support. The big medium pacer is beginning to make a mark and last week was an excellent foil for Graham, taking three wickets. They should be far too strong for Edinburgh Accies at Raeburn Place.

Clydesdale's enigmatic form will not fill them with confidence for their visit to Ayr whose batting strength suggests a home win.

The new-ball pairing of Shahid Aslam, last year's top Scottish League wicket-taker, and Asim Butt, such a success for Scotland in their B&H programme, has strengthened Heriot's campaign in Conference A. With Mike Allingham and the craft of Ewan McIntyre still in evidence, they should have the measure of Dunfermline tomorrow at McKane Park.

The clash of old rivals, Drumpellier and West of Scotland at Langloan, looks to be the pick of Conference B action. Scott Purdie has yet to make an impact and the all-round strength of the visitors points to a West victory.

Stoneywood Dyce, with two wins out of two, journey to Falkland. On current form, a third victory seems likely and with Carlton set to visit Poloc little change in placings can be expected.

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