Scottish Cricket: New era dawns for domestic leagues (24 April 1998)
A NEW era in Scotland's domestic cricket unfolds tomorrow when the first matches get under way in one of the Conference Leagues, the finishing places in which will determine the structure of a three-divisional National League in 1999
24-Apr-1998
24 April 1998
Scottish Cricket: New era dawns for domestic leagues
By Keith Graham
A NEW era in Scotland's domestic cricket unfolds tomorrow when
the first matches get under way in one of the Conference
Leagues, the finishing places in which will determine the
structure of a three-divisional National League in 1999.
Conference C starts a week ahead of the other two sections,
because it contains 11 teams as opposed to 10 in A and B. With
four teams going into the First Division from C (three each go
through from A and B) it promises to be the most keenly
contested of the three sections.
This section contains at least six teams who may legitimately
harbour First Division ambitions. Tomorrow, for instance, Ayr
travel to Aberdeenshire, Freuchie to Ferguslie and Stirling to
Greenock, while Clydesdale receive Uddingston.
Aberdeenshire will hope that the woes of last season are behind
them. They have acquired the services of two Australians, Brad
Wigney and Garth Nottle, while Colin Smith, back from a winter
in Australia, has recovered from injury, and this week at least,
Mike Smith will be available.
Ayr's batting has always been their strength, but they have also
recruited batsman Kevin Roberts from New South Wales and another
Australian left-hander, Ashley Hooper, as their overseas
amateur.
Old heads are likely to lead the way when Stirling visit
Glenpark tomorrow. Bruce Russell and new captain Jon Taylor will
be to the fore for Stirling while Greenock boast the evergreen
Tom Black, although the return of Guyanan Andre Percival and the
introduction of Australian seamer Chris Swan should make up for
the loss of Peter Duthie who has retired.
Although Clydesdale have elected Greig Williamson as their
captain, they may find his appearances limited by international
commitments. Thus again, much will depend upon Amir Hanif.
Tomorrow's clash ought to be a formality, especially as there is
doubt about George Reifer's fitness for the visitors.
Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)