Sharif return boosts Glenrothes for crucial clash with Watsonians

Scotland’s rising star Safyaan Sharif returns to the Glenrothes ranks this afternoon as the Fifers travel to Edinburgh for a vital match in the bottom half of the CSL Eastern Premier Division against Watsonians.

Both sides have suffered poor starts to the season and are still searching for their first league victories of 2018.

Seven days ago it was Glenrothes’ batting that let them down against Mazars Grange, the side posting just 139 all out in a nine-wicket loss.

Glens skipper Sharif missed that defeat as he was on duty with Derbyshire down south, but is available for this one and his batting and bowling prowess will give the visitors to Myreside a massive lift.

“Both teams go into this one in the same position looking for a first league win of the summer and I believe if we do the basics well then we can come away with a result,” Sharif, pictured, said.

“Watsonians have a few guys who can take the game away from us if we are not careful while George Munsey has been scoring a lot of runs for them.

“We just have to focus on our own game, do our best and work together as a team.” For Watsonians, Brendan O’connell replaces Callum Martin in the XI.

At the other end of the table, leaders Mazars Grange host Carlton in an Edinburgh derby.

The home side are bolstered by the return of experienced duo Neil Mccallum and John Blain, while it looks like Ryan Sidebottom will sign up at the Grange in the coming weeks.

Ex-ireland international Rory Mccann and Ali Shah should both start for Carlton. Second plays fourth at Goldenacre when Heriot’s take on Aberdeenshire.

Heriot’s are without batsmen Hayes van der Berg and James Hearn, with Loedolff Potgieter and Chris Ashforth coming in.

Aberdeenshire have Rutwik Hedge, Hirupam Doley and Lewis Munro joining the XI.

Third-placed Arbroath welcome fifth-placed Forfarshire to Lochlands. The home side are unchanged while for Forfs’ Rory Johnston comes in for Callum Garden.

Stewart’s Melville go into their showdown with RH Corstorphine looking for a first league win.

The Inverleith side have Kyle Mccallum and Greg and Chris Bissett back.

Corstorphine travel in fine fettle after last weekend’s win over Watsonians and for this game have Richard Mccorkell and William Blease joining the side – in for Arnie Sathiy and Kevin Meier.