England-beating duo resume their rivalries

As team-mates, Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif played major roles in Scotland’s recent stunning triumphs over England and the Netherlands.

However, today the allrounders will be rivals when Forfarshire meet Glenrothes at Broughty Ferry.

The hosts will be hoping Leask will help to propel them back into the title race, while Sharif’s struggling Fifers reach the midway point of the campaign still seeking their first victory.

And both players made it clear they are looking forward to the contest.

Leask declared: “I hope to continue my good form and carry on where I left off.

“I am sure Saffy will feel the same and it will be great for us to pit our skills against each other.

“He is a class act – the best seamer in the Scotland ranks – and if we can keep him quiet we will enhance our chances.

“We have a strong line-up and I can’t wait to get back into league action.”

Sharif insisted Glens’ position in the table does not reflect the true abilities of the team.

He said: “It should be an excellent contest at Forthill.

“Forfarshire are a powerful outfit, but I am confident that if we perform to our capabilities, we can earn the result we are looking for.”

Champions Heriot’s are at home to an Arbroath side who are without skipper and new dad Marc Petrie.

The Lochlands men will be eager to get back to a winning consistency and enter the second half of the summer with at least a chance of claiming silverware.

NE CHAMPIONSHIP CRICKET