Aberdeenshire’s clash with north-east neighbours Forfarshire looks like one of the stand-out ties in tomorrow’s (Sun) Citylets Scottish Cup first round.
Just a fortnight after producing a run-feast at Forthill, the Eastern Premier big guns go head-to-head again – this time at Mannofield.
It was the Dons who prevailed in the league encounter, Chris Venske’s men chasing an improbable 340 in what was widely acclaimed as a classic cricket match.
Both Venske and Forfarshire counterpart Umair Mohammed hailed the contest as one of the best in which they had been involved and agreed that cricket was the winner.
Spectators are in for a treat if today’s encounter comes anywhere close to matching it for drama and excitement.
If the Ganite City side hold the psychological edge, Forfarshire have plenty match-winners in their own ranks and perhaps none more so than Chris Greaves who, while waiting for his first big club score since his move from Glenrothes, has recorded centuries for Caley Highlanders and MCC in recent weeks.
Another all-Eastern Premier clash sees the 2015 cup winners Arbroath travel to meet high-flying Watsonians at Myreside.
The pair boasted a 100% record going into yesterday’s round of matches and a close one looks on the cards.
Arbroath will be boosted by the return of Fraser Burnett who is poised for his first appearance of the season.
A third all-Eastern Premier tie sees SMRH host Carlton.
Elsewhere, Glenrothes’ meeting with Poloc at Gilvenbank is perhaps the most attractive of several east v west encounters.
Both are reaping the benefits of shrewd close-season recruitment and they share the same “dark horse” status in their respective leagues.
Another intriguing one sees Prestwick entertain Falkland at the Henry Thow Oval.
Minnows Marchmont and Edinburgh have home advantage against Ferguslie and Greenock respectively but the away teams are likely to strike a blow for clubs in the west.
Clydesdale begin the defence of their crown at Stirling, the cup holders having settled well with a new-look side following the close-season departure of several big-name stars.
Several of Dale’s old players have surfaced at Weirs and the Albert Park club, resurgent under former Scotland batsman Qasim Sheikh, start favourites when they visit Drumpellier.
Majid Haq, who lifted the trophy last August as Clydesdale captain, begins another quest for glory when his RH Corstorphine side head to Freuchie.
Kelburne and West of Scotland may have swapped divisions in recent seasons, the Paisley side having taken West’s place in the top flight, but the pair should be well-match in their Whitehaugh showdown.
Capital rivals Grange and Heriot’s should prevail at the expense of Stoneywood-Dyce and Penicuik while Meigle are eyeing a shock when Uddingston arrive at Victory Park.
An all-Western Premier clash sees Ayr host East Kilbride while Division One rivals Stenhousemuir and Renfrew meet at The Tryst.
