Leask returns to aid Forfarshire

THE Scottish Cricket season starts tomorrow with a busy weekend for Forfarshire.

Their opening league fixture against Watsonians at Forthill is followed by the Murgitroyd 20/20 finals day on Sunday.

This was held over from last season after being washed out.

The Dundee side have recruited well during the close season with Michael Leask returning after being released by Somerset and Bill Kruip joining as an overseas amateur from Brisbane.

They are hoping for a good start when Watsonians call with the Edinburgh side an unknown outfit after changes to their line-up.

Arbroath start as favourites at Lochlands as they host Stewart’sMelville FP.

Although the Lichties have lost two top players in Elton Willemse and Brendan Ford they have signed a professional from Sri Lanka and a South African overseas amateur. They will be looking to go one better after last year’s heartbreaking final day loss which cost them the title.

Glenrothes are also at home, facing Carlton who won last season’s Scottish Cup. This could be a close encounter on what will be a slow wicket.

Last season’s champs, Heriot’s, have lost players and will be hard pushed to repeat their surprise title win.

However, they should be too strong for Corstorphine when they meet at Goldenacre.

Aberdeenshire travel to the capital to face Grange who have just announced the signing of ex-England seamer Ryan Sidebottom. He will make a big difference to their bowling attack. However, he won’t be playing tomorrow.

In the Western Premier, top games are the clashes between Uddingston and Ayr at Bothwell Castle and the Ferguslie-Clydesdale meeting at Meikleriggs.

On Sunday, Forfarshire, Watsonians, Dumfries and Clydesdale will battle it out to be crowned Scottish 20/20 champions for last season. Games are at Stirling (11am). Postponements saw it held over to this year.

Michael Leask, pictured during his previous spell with Forfarshire, is looking to get among the runs again back at Forthill.