Forthill in line to host Scottish Cup final

Scottish cricket chiefs are set to rule out a venue change for their showpiece event of the domestic season.

Edinburgh neighbours Carlton and Watsonians will go into Scottish Cup Final battle next month.

But the tussle will still be staged at Forthill, Broughty Ferry – home of Forfarshire – instead of an alternative ground in the capital.

SC admin chief Ramsay Allan said: “There is a precedent for not changing arrangements in situations like these.

“Forfarshire are all geared up to host the match and it would be churlish to deprive them of the fixture just to suit the competing teams,”

Meanwhile, Euro red tape has prevented Scotland chief Grant Bradburn taking charge of his A-team for their three-day clash with Ireland Wolves.

The encounter starts in Dublin this morning – but the coach has been forced to stay in Edinburgh due to an immigration issue.

A Cricket Scotland spokesman explained: “Grant has a New Zealand passport which means he needs a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland by air. His EU visa ran out and he applied for a renewal back in April but for whatever reason it has not materialised.

“The situation has no impact on his future with us.”

In Bradburn’s absence, the coaching duties will be carried out by senior squad skipper Kyle Coetzer and his deputy Con de Lange.

Scotland coach Grant Bradburn has been forced to stay behind.