The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Task facing Falkland is ‘as tough as they come’
Falkland and Glenrothes have radically different incentives today.
For Falkland, survival in the top flight is the focus after their elimination from the British Village Cup at the hands of holders Sessay.
Defeat at the hands of title contenders Grange at Raeburn Place would deepen the plight of the basement boys.
Glens must beat Aberdeenshire at Mannofield to keep alive their prospects of figuring in the honours shake up come the end of next month.
Falkland spokesman Ryan Hepburn admitted the odds will be stacked against his team when they head for the capital.
He said: “Apart from being without Fred Culley and Fraser Gosse, several others are absent due to work commitments and holidays.
“Our resources are really being stretched at the moment, to the extent that three of our Under-15s are in the senior squad.
“Grange in their own back yard is as tough as it comes.
“We will strive to compete and if we do not win, it won’t be through a lack of effort.”
Glens are also minus key men for their northern foray. Scott Lucas and Jatinder Pal replace Culley and Gosse.
Skipper Safyaan Sharif said: “The priority is to make sure we get the basics right in every department.
“Aberdeenshire have their share of dangerous players, but we know that if we perform to potential we will win and maintain the momentum.”
Leaders Arbroath are ready to be fully tested at Lochlands by a Heriot’s outfit that is ever stronger.
Lichties captain Marc Petrie stated: “They have been playing excellently this season and we are under no illusions as to how difficult and important this match is.”
Arbroath recall the fit-again Greig Peal for Craig Cameron.
Forfarshire’s attack will have to be in top form to keep the clamps on Watsonians’ exciting batsmen at Broughty Ferry.
Home player-coach Chris Greaves declared: “A few of our young stars are away on Scotland age-group duty, but that opens the door for others to show what they can do.
“George Munsey will obviously huge threat and it would be great if we could dismiss him early.
“But Sonians are no one-man show as they have talented and experienced bowlers such as Dewald Nel and Andy McKay.”
Finally, champions Carlton play host to capital rivals SMRH.