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Citylets Scottish Cup Preview

Lizzie Sleet @CricketScotland
June 30, 2018 6 years

THE romance of the cup will be found at Goldenacre on Sunday afternoon when mighty Heriot’s, the Eastern Premier champions, take on little Weirs of the Western First Division.

There have been dreams of a giant-killing act ever since the Glasgow southside outfit defeated league rivals GHK in the second round to earn their day in the limelight.

Some even believe it may be written in the stars for Weirs to pull off a shock given that the club are about to celebrate their centenary.

Spokesman John McCrossan declared: “This is the first time we’ve ever been in the Scottish Cup quart-final. It’s taken us 99 years to make it this far so we’re going to make the most of it.

“The club is on a high and we’re looking forward to mixing it with the big boys and, no matter if we win or lose, we will enjoy our day and with our heads held high.

“We are obviously big underdogs but you can never rule out a shock. You just never know – we could start our centenary year in 2019 as Scottish Cup holders!!”

There is some room for cautious optimism in the visiting ranks given that they have a host of seasoned campaigners in their ranks including Sameer Zia and Mo Ali who have both played in cup finals with previous clubs.

However, Weirs are without their experienced captain Zulfi Shahid who is suspended.

Both skippers also miss out at Arbroath where Uddingston are the visitors. Marc Petrie, the Lichties captain, is taking time off following the birth of his first son Harry while Bryan Clarke is unavailable for the visitors.

It would have been a nostalgic trip for Clarke given that Lochlands was the scene of Uddingston’s cup final triumph against Dunfermline in 2011.

Aamir Gul is also absent, meaning that the veteran Paul Hoffmann, drafted into the weekend team following good midweek displays, is the only survivor from seven years ago.
Grange and Ferguslie, respectively leading the Eastern and Western Premier division, both have double-winning aspirations but both will have to negotiate tricky hurdles if they are to set up a semi-final showdown later this month.

Grange have home advantage for a capital derby against a Corstorphine side who have settled well during their first season in the top flight.

Both sides have fielded a potent mix of youth and experience this season and Corstorphine youngster Calum Clarkson’s confidence is sure to be high following his four-wicket haul for Scotland U19 against MCC in midweek.

Ferguslie meanwhile welcome Carlton to Meikleriggs and will take nothing for granted even if the Grange Loan outfit are in a rebuilding phase.

Ferguslie skipper Jamey Carruthers said: “We don’t know too much about Carlton but I’m sure they will be a strong side and we are prepared for a tough test.

“But we are confident playing at home and we will have plenty of support.”

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