Uddingston today have the chance to step up their title bid by completing the double over champions Ferguslie at Bothwell Castle.
The Lanarkshire side announced themselves as potential contenders with a hard-fought win in Paisley on the second Saturday of the season and have continued to set the pace at the top of the table.
However, despite a subsequent second defeat to fellow challengers Prestwick, Ferguslie can rekindle hopes of a successful title defence with victory in today’s top match.
It is a potentially pivotal clash but Uddy skipper Bryan Clarke knows nothing will be settled today especially with Prestwick and West of Scotland also eyeing the top prize.
Clarke said: “I think there’s probably more pressure on Ferguslie – they’re coming to us knowing that if they lose they are two defeats behind us and most likely West and Prestwick, both of whom you’d expect to win.
“I think this league has a good few surprises to throw up and, given the fixtures left I’d expect the eventual winners to lose three or four along the way so this certainly won’t decide anything.”
Ferguslie counterpart Riyaad Henry said: “Every game is important for all the teams now in the second half of the season but it’s all up for grabs.
“It will be a good and tough game and we are definitely up for it. We want to build momentum after last week’s win.”
Uddingston are still without injured Scotland pace bowler Gavin Main while Ferguslie are at full strength.
Elsewhere Prestwick know a home win against Poloc would see them go top should Uddingston slip up and the Ayrshire side are strong favourites to claim the spoils against a team who haven’t managed a league win against them for five years.
Prestwick, though, will take nothing for granted against opponents who had put together an impressive 3-game winning sequence before last week’s narrow defeat to West.
The home team will look to Sachin Chaudhary to add to his impressive haul of 26 wickets – more than any other bowler in the division – while Poloc must overcome the unavailability of three regulars though they do welcome back Kess Sajjad following illness.
West of Scotland may have one eye on tomorrow’s Scottish Cup quarter-final clash at Heriot’s but skipper Ian Young will call for complete focus when East Kilbride, still seeking a first win, arrive at Hamilton Crescent.
Greenock, having broken their duck last week, have home advantage as they attempt to drag Drumpellier into the relegation battle by winning again.
Clydesdale, for whom young batsman Angus Guy continues to enjoy a prolific season, entertain Stirling with both sides eager to force their way into the top half of the table.
