Skipper Clarke wants Uddy to build on first victory as they visit Poloc

Uddingston skipper Bryan Clarke is relishing the challenge of today’s visit to Poloc as his side aim to build on their first win of the campaign.

The Bothwell team were one of several to break their duck last week with an impressive win over Stirling and Clarke is looking for more of the same.

Uddy launched a late run to finish third last season and Clarke said: “Hopefully we can get a bit more momentum this time and the weather doesn’t intervene.

“It was a really strong performance against a Stirling team who look like they’ll do well in the Premier division.

“Going to Poloc will present another challenge for us – they are a different team from last year but seem to have started pretty brightly and are always strong at home.”

Clarke cited South African pair Jurie Snyman and Coenie Nel, along with batsman Craig Young, as potential dangermen but has matchwinners in his own ranks, none more so than Ross Lyons, who has forced his way back into the Scotland reckoning after an absence of almost eight years.

Lyons, pictured, took 6-21 a week ago and Clarke added: “I can’t praise Ross highly enough. We are fortunate to have him and his input to the team and club overall is a huge part of what we’re doing at present.”

Poloc, who lost the southside derby a week ago, are looking to recapture the never-say-die spirit that saw them win a last-over thriller against West of Scotland on the opening day.

Stirling will play their first competitive home game in almost a year when they entertain leaders Ferguslie who, having won three in a row at Meikleriggs, are on the road for the first time. Stirling skipper Matt Tweedie said: “We’re really looking forward to this one – not only will it be great to face the top team in the league but just playing at New Williamfield will be special.

“So many games were hit by the weather last year that we haven’t had a competitive home game since 8th July – so it’s been a long wait.”

Ferguslie, having overpowered Ayr last week, travel with an unchanged side and skipper Jamey Carruthers said: “Last week was the sort of performance we are looking for every week and we really underlined our intentions going forward.”

West of Scotland have emerged as Ferguslie’s closest challengers and the Partick men will be wary of a backlash when they visit Ayr today.

Dumfries and Greenock are looking for their first wins as they entertain Clydesdale and Prestwick respectively.