East meets west in the top tie of the second round as Eastern Premier challengers Heriot’s entertain a Prestwick team who are going well in the Western Premier.
The capital troops may start favourites but the Ayrshiremen travel with hopes of repeating their 2017 Grand Final success against the Goldenacre side.
A low-scoring affair saw Prestwick defend a lowly total of 97 to win by five runs and it could be just as close again on this occasion, both teams boasting strength in all departments.
Prestwick skipper Tom Fleet is unavailable for the clash but is confident his side can prevail.
He said: “We’re looking forward to playing Heriot’s again. The final was a great game and I know they’ll be wanting to get their own back.
“Craig Morrison will captain the team in my absence. He did a great job when I was away on holiday, maintaining a 100% record and he’ll be wanting to keep that going.”
Another east v west encounter sees Clydesdale head north to face an Aberdeenshire team who have endured a difficult start to their league campaign.
However, Colin Mitchell, Dale’s cricket chairman, refutes the suggestion that the Glasgow team start as favourites.
He said: “Aberdeenshire always provide a tough test. They have home advantage and they also have an overseas professional which we don’t.
“I think it will be a close contest.”
The visitors, who upset Uddingston in the first round, are without Scotland all-rounder Richie Berrington and Zeeshan Bashir.
Holders Grange should have too much firepower for Carlton at Grange Loan but the other all-Eastern Premier tie between RH Corstorphine and Arbroath at Barnton is harder to call.
The Edinburgh side enjoyed a comprehensive league win at Lochlands on the opening day of the season, setting the tone for a campaign which has seen Corstorphine prosper and Arbroath struggle.
However, home captain Majid Haq is wary, saying: “It will be a hard-fought game against an Arbroath team who have got a great history in the Scottish Cup.”
Elsewhere, Western Premier champions Ferguslie make the short journey to face Renfrew, one of three Western Division One teams still in the competition. Another one, Weirs, have home advantage for a Glasgow derby against West of Scotland while Irvine make the long trip north to face Stoneywood-Dyce.
Minnows Kinloch, struggling at the foot of the Strathmore & Perthshire Union, travel to New Williamfield hoping to cause an upset against Stirling.
