Arbroath’s title hopes face ‘enormous’ test

Scotland legend John Blain has heaped praise on Grange wicketkeeper Harris Carnegie ahead of today’s big title showdown with Arbroath.

Carnegie made the move from the Lichties to Edinburgh before the start of the season. Now he can play a part in denying his old club the glory as the campaign reaches a climax.

Success for Arbroath at Raeburn Place would almost certainly enable them to secure the crown. With three matches left, however, defeat in the capital would throw the championship race wide open.

Grange player-coach Blain said: “Harris has handled things really well since making the transition from Lochlands.

“As a keeper, he wasn’t first choice to wear the gloves up there – but he is certainly our No 1 behind the timbers.

“He has developed a real focus and has filled his role superbly all summer.

“Facing Arbroath this weekend in such an important game will be the perfect stage to show his skills.

“It certainly is a mouth-watering fixture.”

Arbroath skipper and keeper Marc Petrie stated: “Every match is big – but this one is enormous.

“However, our preparations have been exactly the same as usual, focusing on us rather than the opposition,

“Harris is one of a number of talented players in the Grange ranks and we know we will have to hit top form to get the result we want.

“I am sure they will have done a lot of research on us and will feel well prepared, but we are a confident group and the aim is to go out and enjoy the occasion and the challenge.

“For the first time this season we are at full strength and we must take advantage of that.”

At the other end of the table, Falkland square up to third-place Heriot’s at Goldenacre in their bid to haul themselves clear of the drop.

Glenrothes against Watsonians at Gilvenbank is a tough one to call, and deposed champions Carlton will start as favourites at home to Forfarshire.

SMRH’s tussle with fellow strugglers Aberdeenshire looks sure to be tense and attritional.