Early pointers in prospect

With doubts over some matches due to forecasts of snow, the Strathmore and Perthshire North East Championship gets under way this weekend.

A couple of matches may provide pointers for the season.

Meigle take on Arbroath United II at home. Matt Farmer, who was such a big factor in Meigle’s success last season, is back in their ranks along with promising overseas amateur Tyler Aitcheson.

Gordonians had a bounce friendly last week, when they came up on the wrong side of the scoreboard against Stoneywood Dyce.

Gordonians take on Strathmore this week, while Stoneywood Dyce travel to Dalnacraig.

Dundee will have Blake Newport as their overseas amateur.

Mannofield host Forfarshire II and, at Doo’cot Park, Perth Doo’cot are at home to Kinloch.

The Perth outfit will have some weel kent faces in the side, like skipper Graham Ferguson and Ivor Patterson, as well as overseas amateur Emeul Knoesen who comes highly recommended from Pretoria Adelaar CC as a useful spinner and exciting right-hand bat.