Forfarshire on brink but weather is a worry

Jack Hogarth returns to the ion8 Forfarshire line-up today as the CSL Eastern Premier Division leaders look to beat Aberdeenshre – and the weather – to take a step closer to the title.

The forecast around the country does not look great, but if Forfs can get out there and play they know that a victory would edge them towards lifting the trophy in a fortnight.

Seven days ago, the Forthill men comfortably came out on top against Stoneywood-dyce and they will hope to do the same at Mannofield against bottom side Aberdeenshire.

Hogarth replaces Glenn Carnegie in the XI and, while the visitors to the Granite City will start as big favourites, Aberdeenshire are fighting for their lives and need a positive result themselves to keep up their faint hopes of avoiding relegation.

Second-placed Mazars Grange know that they need three wins from three in the closing weeks to keep the pressure up on Forfs and have any chance of retaining the title.

They are at home to fourth placed Heriot’s at Portgower Place. Dylan Budge captains Grange, while Tom Foulds and teenage duo Tom Mackintosh and Charlie Peet come into the XI. The visitors will be led by Hayes van der Berg in the absence of regular skipper Keith Morton.

Third-placed Carlton will make a late call on their XI to take on RH Corstorphine at Grange Loan. Chayank Gosain is set to captain the side with Ali Evans still at the GT20 in Canada. RHC have named the same XI that saw off Aberdeenshire to get rid of any relegation fears.

Stewart’s-melville captain Steven Parker has called on his team-mates to make the most of home comforts as they aim to make sure of their top-flight status for 2020.

The ninth-placed side host Watsonians at Inverleith and Parker said: “So far we have three home wins from four completed league games on our own patch and we aim to keep that good home form going.”

Captain Mike Carson returns for ’Sonians along with Tom Pratt.

Arbroath are at home to Stoneywood-dyce. Craig Cameron and Greig Peal come into the home XI for the Lochlands tussle.