WESTERNPREMIER
AN ENTICING and potentially pivotal Paisley derby takes centre stage as leaders Ferguslie entertain secondplaced Kelburne at Meiklreiggs. The hosts boast a perfect record of five straight wins, while their neighbours have slipped up just once. The pair met in a West League Cup clash a couple of weeks ago, the match going to the final ball before Ferguslie prevailed by a single run. Home skipper Gregor Preston-Jones said: “We’re in good shape – and not just in the league as we’ve also been keeping up the winning momentum in midweek cricket. Games against Kelburne always have an edge to them. The rivalry is good for Paisley and good for Scottish cricket, and it’s great both sides are in the top league in the west. We will aim to stick to our plans, do our jobs well and hopefully we can keep the good run going.”
There is similar optimism in the visiting camp with Qasim Sheikh in buoyant mood. He said: “I think the West League Cup game showed how evenly matched the sides are. Ferguslie are clearly a very confident side with a number of players in top form. However, I would like to think we are also in a similar place.”
Both sides are at full strength with Michael English one of the form players for Ferguslie after a brilliant century for the Western Warriors in midweek, while Kelburne’s Brad Williams boasts four half-centuries in five league outings.
There is another derby at Cambusdoon where Prestwick are the visitors for what will be a poignant afternoon for Ayr CC, who are paying tribute to former captain and chairman of selectors Ian Masterton. Masterton died at the age of 55 eight years ago and a bench will be unveiled in his honour during the tea interval. Former teammate Bruce Patterson declared: “It’s fitting that there will be a lasting memorial to Ian. The club meant so much to him and vice versa. He was a larger-than-life figure who had a hugely positive impact.”
Elsewhere, Uddingston and Clydesdale clash at Bothwell Castle Policies in the first of a league and cup double header. Champions Dale have looked convincing on home turf but have lost their two away fixtures, while Uddingston are aiming for a third consecutive win.
Stenhousemuir, still looking to break their top-flight duck, entertain a Dumfries side on the rebound from a last-over defeat at East Kilbride, who themselves make the short journey to Langloan where Drumpellier are in high spirits following two midweek victories.