CALLY Highlanders will tomorrow (Sunday) attempt to build on last Monday’s victory over Western Warriors by inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on in-form Eastern Knights at Forthill.
The Knights, with their top order firing on all cylinders, have had an air of invincibility about them in the opening exchanges of this season’s Pro50, Oli Hairs being particularly impressive with back-to-back centuries.
However, Highlanders skipper Michael Leask, an enduringly upbeat cricketer and a batsman capable of his own heroics, will back his men to topple the champions.
Leask will be delighted to welcome back Scotland skipper Kyle Coezter who will inevitably add power to the top order. Despite Coetzer’s presence, there is still likely to be a place for Jack Mitchell, the Stoneywod-Dyce captain, who recorded a composed half-century on debut against the Warriors.
It is the home bowling attack who must rise to the challenge of facing up not only to two-ton Oli, but also fellow big-hitters Mike Carson and George Munsey, along with Dylan Budge whose task will once again be to anchor the Knights’ innings.
The Highlanders are on duty again on Monday when they head south to Cambusdoon to face a Warriors outfit who are gunning for their first victory of the campaign and a bit of revenge for last weekend’s defeat at Forthill.
Warriors are likely to have most of their big guns back with Scotland trio Matthew Cross, Richie Berrington and Calum MacLeod expected to return.