Scottish Cricket: Promotion forecast unsettled (14 Aug 1998)

14 August 1998

Scottish Cricket: Promotion forecast unsettled

By Keith Graham

THE scramble for places in the Conference tables intensifies this weekend with all captains casting a wary eye on the table and, perhaps, an even warier eye on the inclement weather.

If some issues seem settled - in Conference A, Heriot's, Grange and West Lothian seem assured of first division cricket next season - there is equal pressure concerning places in the second and third divisions.

Dunfermline face rampant Grange on Sunday at McKane Park with the third division beckoning. But who will join them is still in doubt making tomorrow's clashes between Watsonians and Forfarshire and Stenhousemuir's visit to Hillhead crucial. GHK and Kelburne have even more daunting fixtures away to Heriot's and West Lothian respectively.

Conference B is less clear-cut with West of Scotland seemingly destined for the top division yet their depleted resources mean that a visit to Strathmore tomorrow has added significance especially as the home team have rallied of late.

Carlton in second place also have a difficult journey to Stoneywood Dyce, who have made a remarkable climb from the Aberdeenshire Grades.

The most intriguing group, however, is Conference C. If Ayr and Aberdeenshire seem destined for division one with Ferguslie increasingly likely to join them, the scramble for the vital fourth place is hotting up.

Clydesdale's mixed season may continue when Ferguslie visit Titwood. To have any hope of first division status, the Glasgow team must win but they will have to play without the influential Ian Stanger, on duty for Scotland.

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