Holders Clydesdale will put their trophy on the line when they entertain Scottish Champions Carlton at Titwood this afternoon.
In the undoubted tie of the round the respective Western and Eastern Premier champions meet in a repeat of last season’s CS Grand Final.
That clash proved to be a one-sided affair in favour of the capital troops who enjoyed home advantage on that occasion.
Now Dale are hoping conditions at Titwood could swing things in their favour.
Spokesman Colin Mitchell declared: “Our side of last year struggled against Carlton who were worthy champions and our team this year is diminished – at least in terms of CV.
“But I believe playing at home gives us a much better chance of competing with them and hopefully we will do that.
“Although we have a much more inexperienced team now, on our day we are capable of beating anyone.”
That is certainly the case if star man Richie Berrington continues in the rich vein of form which has seen him pile on the runs in all competitions.
Prior to yesterday’s trip to Uddingston, the Scotland batsman had racked-up 323 runs in just three innings and had been dismissed just once.
Fellow cap Con de Lange is another player who should play a significant part for the Glasgow club along with the dashing Mo Awais.
However, Carlton, for whom Australian Michael Herdman has been in sparkling form, may start slight favourites.
Elsewhere, Grange may not relish their trip to the Henry Thow Oval where Prestwick are always dangerous opponents.
This fixture will evoke memories of the 1998 when a Grange team featuring Roddy Smith, George Salmond and Pete Steindl won a thriller by just one run to the dismay of Prestwick such as Andy Tennant, David Haggo and Drew Parsons.
Revenge would be sweet indeed for the Ayrshire team’s coaching consultant Tennant.
Down the road at Cambusdoon, Ayr will take nothing for granted when they entertain Meigle – shock first round conquerors of Uddingston.
Ferguslie and Poloc, both with designs on the Western Premier title, clash in another fascinating tie at Meikleriggs.
Another all-west fixture sees first division Drumpellier host Greenoc, the side who replaced them in the top flight this season.
Capital big guns Watsonians and Heriot’s, the former with home advantage against Stenhousemuir and the latter travelling to meet West of Scotland at Hamilton Crescent, should both progress.
Forfarshire are also favourites to reach the last eight though they may be pushed by ESCA Championship challengers RH Corstorphine.
