Aberdeen hit by Nqweni’s health battle

All of the clubs in the CSL Eastern Premier Division have been shocked to hear that Aberdeenshire professional Solo Nqweni is currently receiving treatment in intensive care ahead of this afternoon’s league action.

South African Nqweni, 25, scored 52 and took two wickets for the Mannofield club seven days ago against Arbroath.

However, he was taken to hospital in the early hours of Monday morning and he has been receiving treatment ever since in the Intensive Care Unit at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. A club statement said: “Solo’s family and loved ones have arrived by his bedside having made the journey from South Africa. It has been a tough time for both Solo and the people close to him and we ask that the privacy of Solo and his loved ones be respected at this time. Everyone at – and associated with – Aberdeenshire Cricket Club wishes Solo a speedy recovery.”

It has been a tough few days for the Aberdeenshire players but today the bottom side are on the road to Edinburgh to face Heriot’s, who are fourth and in need of a win to keep their slim title hopes alive.

Hayes van der Berg captains the hosts with Keith Morton unavailable, while Duncan Hamilton and Bilal Ashraf come into the XI.

Leaders ion8 Forfarshire are unchanged as they make the trip to Myreside to take on Watsonians. Rory Johnston returned from injury for Forfs last weekend and then smashed 147 not out for the Scotland Performance Academy in midweek against the Yorkshire Academy.

Mazars Grange are second in the table and they are at home to Stewart’s Melville. Tom Foulds, Jack Jarvis and Connor Shorten come into the side in place of Jamie Cairns, John Blain and George Munsey. Third-placed Carlton visit Arbroath and Pete Gill comes into the Carlton XI having scored runs for the second XI of late. Arbroath will want to build on last week’s win at Aberdeenshire and they have Bryce Carnegie coming into the side for Ben O’mara.

RH Corstorphine take on Stoneywood-dyce at Barnton. Mikey Grant comes into the home side, while the visitors will be looking for a win to set them up for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup final at Carlton.