Scotland: Premier League starts - Neil Leitch reports

"Saturday 6th. May saw the first matches in the Scottish Premier League with the previous week's games having been washed out. Conditions were still not ideal & perhaps at least partly accounted for some relatively low scoring.

The exception to this trend was at Ayr where Aberdeenshire cruised to 279-6 with professional Jason Arnberger & Scotland wicket-keeper Colin Smith both scoring centuries. In reply Ayr scored 204-9 to hold out for a draw.

The two most fancied sides, Grange & West of Scotland, were both unsuccessful. Grange stumbled to a 58 run defeat at Greenock while West of Scotland were within one wicket of defeat at West Lothian. Clydesdale's Greig Williamson put aside the disappointment of Scotland's pitiful display against Wiltshire during the week by scoring a fine 86 against Prestwick as his side just fell short of Prestwick's 228-2 in a drawn game. In the final game, Carlton (192-3) drew with Heriot's FP (144-8).

The strength of clubs in this year's Premier looks stronger than last year, especially given the lower expected level of absence from National XI players. Here is my prediction of how the league will end up;

1. West of Scotland - They've lost last year's inspirational professional Corey Richards (New South Wales). However, they have secured an able deputy in James Bryant, who starred during last summer's tour by the South Africa Cricket Academy to Ireland & Scotland. The rest of the side will be unchanged, with an array of players with experience of representative cricket.

2. Grangehad a very disappointing season last year but have recruited well during the winter months. Damien Wright (Tasmania) is their new professional & they also have new faces in Andrew Wilson (Cumberland) & Cameron Coles. With 3 Scotland batsmen in George Salmond, Roddy Smith & Steve Crawley, they will do well.

3. Greenock- Another team to embark on a recruitment spree although they have the same professional in Dene Hills, who has also been contracted to play for Scotland in the Nat West trophy. The amateur recruits are the Scotland team duo of Ian Stanger (ex Clydesdale) & Neil MacRae (ex Aberdeenshire).

4. Ayr- Last season they suprised many by easily winning the Scottish Cup. With an unchanged pool of players, they look like a good bet for a mid table place.

5. Heriot's FP- Experience is one thing not lacking here, with ageless Euan McIntyre captaining a side including Scotland's Director of Cricket Jim Love & World Cup duo Mike Allingham & Asim Butt. They'll take longer to have a warm up but will do well.

6.West Lothian- Same professional in Craig Light & they also hope to hace tempted new Scotland opening bowler David Cox to transfer from Aberdeenshire. Otherwise the same pool of players will keep them in mid table respectibility.

7. Aberdeenshirecould have a difficult season with the loss of key players. However, the return of that Australian run machine, Jason Arnberger, will keep them clear of the relegation zone.

8. Clydesdale- The return of Aamir Hanif as professional at least partially makes up for the loss of Ian Stanger. However, the inconsistency shown in previous seasons could continue to be a problem.

9. Carlton- The loss of a couple of players & no new recruits could force Carlton down to the relegation zone.

10. Prestwick- West Indian One Day International player Laurie Williams is a splendid capture as professional but he will require some support to keep newly promoted Prestwick in what will be a fiercely competitive League."