Lochlands men will be at full strength for the first time this season

The midway point of the competitive season may have come and gone – but it is only now that Arbroath will unveil their real selves, according to skipper Marc Petrie.

Petrie’s side have endured a stuttering two months because of the unavailability of several front-line players.

However, today – for the first time in the current campaign – they will be at full strength for the tussle with Aberdeenshire at Lochlands.

The captain said: “It has been great to have a full squad from which to select.

“I am particularly excited about having Fraser Burnett back in action.

“He is one of the best batsman in the league and I believe he can rediscover his best form and help us in our remaining matches.”

Arbroath were defeated by Shire at the start of the term, but Petrie insisted: “Revenge is not the motivation.

“The focus is on making sure we build on recent momentum and become more consistent.

“I do feel we’re getting very close to producing the complete performance.

“This is always an entertaining fixture, there will be a good crowd and the weather forecast is good.”

Third-place Forfarshire will be without skipper Umair Mohammed, so Greg Cameron takes the reins for the trip to the capital to take on title pacesetters Grange.

Chief chasers Heriot’s will be confident of maintaining their challenge by taking the scalp of Stew-mel at Goldenacre.

Watsonians are boosted by the return of Scotland star George Munsey for the south Edinburgh derby with Carlton at Myreside.

And RHC Lions will head for Fife, determined not to let struggling Glenrothes break their duck.

Marc Petrie is looking forward to Arbroath having a full squad to choose from.