Kinloch look for champions’ scalp

Despite gloomy forecasts, a full card of fixtures went ahead on the opening day of the Strathmore and Perthshire NEC but for one of the five winners, something will have to give.

Kinloch won at Perth Doo’cot and now face last year’s champions Arrowdawn Gordonians at home and, having won on the road, must fancy their chances against a side who lost six wickets in overhauling a modest Strathmore total of 84.

Mohammed Shoaib collected 38 but they may have to sharpen up the bowling attack which let Perth get to only 11 runs short of target before despatching them in the 43rd over.

Dundee HSFP travel to Strathmore, where they played last week, although it was a designated home fixture as Dalnacraig underwent repairs, and will be looking to do better than falling 19 runs short as they did against Stoneywood Dyce.

However Strathmore will have to be a lot more convincing and amass more than the total they struggled to against Gordonians.

Neither Perth Doo’cot nor Arbroath United II collected a win last week and home advantage for Perth could prove important.

Meigle, who came out on top against Arbroath last week, will be looking for the same again, particularly from Matt Farmer who scored 47 and took four for 17.

Opponents Forfarshire II hit the second highest total of the day when they came within six runs of chasing down Mannofield but will look to support their top order who put them in a winning position with Richard Rennie, Jack Hogarth and Graeme Garden all among the runs before the last six wickets fell for 13 runs.