Scottish Cricket: Aberdeenshire seek to regain lost ground (30 July 1999)

30 July 1999

Scottish Cricket: Aberdeenshire seek to regain lost ground

Keith Graham

Having led the SNCL Premiership table for most of the season, Aberdeenshire find themselves playing catch-up following West of Scotland's surge to the top.

Tomorrow's journey to Raeburn Place therefore takes on real significance especially as Grange have enjoyed a resurgence which has seen them climb to sixth in the table.

The erstwhile leaders have had their troubles with Kevin Thomson, a major influence in the side, still sidelined with a broken bone in his hand and Peter Baxter also injured to limit Neil MacRae's bowling options.

Jason Arnberger has gone off the boil with the bat and a big score from him is crucial if Aberdeenshire are to reverse their recent downturn. Their makeshift attack could be put to the test by Grange's powerful batting line-up. Even without Steve Crawley, who is doubtful, batsmen Roddy Smith and George Salmond are in prime form.

West's home fixture against Carlton should enable them to strengthen their position. The new leaders have struck form at just the right time and have a well balanced team whereas Carlton, too, have lost some momentum.

The Grange Loan side, however, have a strong batting line-up, especially now that Fraser Watts appears to have rediscovered form and the toss may have an important bearing on the result.

Ayr, in third place, must beat Heriot's at New Cambusdoon to retain any interest in the title. The visitors have had a mixed season and go into tomorrow's game without the services of Jim Love.

At the other end of the table, West Lothian's visit to Stoneywood Dyce is another crucial fixture. A win for the Boghall side would open a substantial gap between them and their hosts in the relegation zone and Ferguslie, if they are to avoid the drop, must beat Greenock at Meikleriggs.

The top two in Division One, Prestwick and Clydesdale, also face each other, with home advantage likely to favour the Titwood side.

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