SCOTLAND star Michael Leask is hoping to keep up his excellent batting form when pacesetters Forfarshire square up to his former club Stoneywood-Dyce on Saturday.
Leask goes into action at Broughty Ferry in the wake of his superb century that paved the way for the Cally Highlanders’ bank holiday triumph over the Western Warriors. But he insisted the men from the north will be no pushovers, saying: “They have been playing some really good cricket this season and have some match winners in their ranks.
“If we perform the way we should, then we would expect to come out on top however we will have to earn it.”
Leask was backed up by skipper Umair Mohammed, who stated: “It is a tricky fixture. They gave Grange a run for their money, so they will be competitive. As usual, we will focus on ourselves rather than the opponents.”
Stoneywood-Dyce veteran Shaun Coetzer declared: “Of course Michael will be a big threat but not the only one by a long chalk. Forfs have a very strong batting line-up with the likes of Rory Johnston, Chris Greaves and Craig Wallace.
“It seems as if our ex-players make all the difference against us! Gordon Goudie did the business for Grange last week and Elton Willemse punished us when he was with Arbroath.
“We hope the trend won’t continue with Leasky.”
Greig Peal will enter his 20th season for Arbroath when he goes into the fray against champions Grange at Raeburn Place. Lichties skipper Marc Petrie explained: “Greig comes in for Craig Ramsay, who is on holiday.
“He has struggled with injuries over the past couple of years, but he is feeling fit and will bring experience and leadership in addition to his proven bowling skills.
“We will go to Edinburgh with confidence following a couple of good wins. I have been making it clear to the younger guys in the squad that we can match anyone in the league.
“We are all excited at the prospect of playing on the best pitch in the country.”
Elsewhere, there are two close-looking capital derbies – Carlton v Watsonians and Stew-Mel v Heriot’s.
Aberdeenshire welcome RHC to Mannofield.
