Lichties on mission to grab glory from Stewart’s-Melville

It has been a long, mightily frustrating winter for Arbroath’s cricketers.

Eight months have passed since Marc Petrie’s troops had the Eastern Premiership title snatched away by Heriot’s in a dramatic finale.

Today the Lochlands men embark on their mission to grab back the glory.

They open their campaign on home turf against Stewart’s-Melville – and skipper Petrie can’t wait for the action to begin.

He said: “We’re massively looking forward to the new season and after a couple of very productive warm-up games, we feel well prepared.”

Arbroath have lost star stalwarts Brendon Ford and Elton Willemse, who have retired, however they have drafted in two overseas players.

Petrie said: “Our pro is Shanuka Vithanawasam, a Sri Lankan allrounder, while the amateur is Bryce Allchin, an opening bowler from South Africa.”

Petrie will be without other frontliners for this afternoon’s tussle.

Fraser Burnett has work commitments, Ross McLean is visiting his girlfriend in Cambodia and Jack Waller is due to sit university exams.

The captain added: “I’m sure Stew-Mel will be well prepared and we must make sure we’re on top of our game right from the start. League positions from previous seasons mean nothing – we must start again.

“But we are confident in our ability and know it takes a lot for any team to beat us if we’re performing at our best.”

Forfarshire’s prime aim this term will be to find consistency, following last year’s roller-coaster existence.

They also launch their campaign at home, with Watsonians visiting Broughty Ferry.

Skipper Umair Mohammed said: “We have signed Bill Kruip, who is a bowling all-rounder from the Valleys club in Brisbane.

“We are also delighted to have Scotland man Michael Leask at our disposal after his spell at Somerset.

“I am sure both players will bring special qualities.”

New recruits are Bill Kruip from Valleys, Brisbane. Bowling all rounder. Michael Leask is back.

Shire appear to have a strong line-up on duty with Matty Parker, Craig Wallace, Chris Greaves and Brock Ditchmen all included.

Glenrothes, again led by Scotland hero Safyaan Sharif, open their account against Carlton at Gilvenbank.

The Fifers will be hoping he will reproduce the form that made him a leading light in the recent World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe.

STRATHMORE AND PERTHSHIRE