Champions Clydesdale are taking nothing for granted in derby clash
Clydesdale today launch the defence of their Western Premier title with a mouthwatering Glasgow derby against West of Scotland.
Seven months after their thrilling last-day decider at Ferguslie, Dale make the short trip to Hamilton Crescent and are taking nothing for granted against a club who traditionally relish the local rivalry.
Paddy Barbour, Clydesdale’s captain, said: “We really enjoyed our success – for a few months it was all we talked about but when training re-started I told the guys it was time to concentrate on a new challenge.
“It’s always harder to defend the title than to win it the first time – we’re the only team to have managed it in 2015 and 2016 so hopefully we can do it again. But it will be difficult – a few teams have strengthened and West are always competitive.”
Dale themselves are bolstered by the arrival of Scotland Under-19 all-rounder Kess Sajjad, while West’s young Australian duo, Joe and Tom Colgan, have impressed in pre-season.
Last season’s runners-up Ferguslie host Stirling in a rematch which may have painful memories for the Paisley side, a one-run defeat then ultimatelyprovingcostly.ferguslie skipper Riyaad Henry said: “We will always believe we can beat anyone but we know we have to produce the goods every week.”
Perhaps the closest match to call sees Uddingston, fourth last season, entertain Prestwick who were one place higher. Uddingston, having added Aman Ramzan and former Scotland star Moneb Iqbal, have lost opening bowler Niall Alexander to Eastern Premier champions Heriot’s.
Uddy skipper Bryan Clarke said: “It’s great to welcome Moneeb and Aman to the club. Moneeb is a great addition – a classy batter who will give us real strength in the middle. Aman is a young guy who should have a big future. On the downside, it’s disappointing to lose Niall who has moved to Edinburgh for work.”
Prestwick go into action withoutformerplayer-coach Majid Haq, who has taken up umpiring.
Ayr, division one champions last season, mark their Premier return with a trip to Dumfries. The Cambusdoon club have snapped up Scotland star Hamza Tahir, left, along with former U19 international Neil Flack. Skipper Andi Mcelnea said: “The recruitment has been excellent – we’re very excited about having Tahir in our bowling ranks. He is a player who will be a threat in all conditions.
“Flack is another we’re happy about – he is a player with enormous talent who has lots to offer with bat and ball.
“We are confident we can contest against the big clubs.
“Dumfriesarealwaysateam that fight hard so we’ll have a highly competitive match to kick off our campaign.”
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Kelburne, who have South Africanbatsmangarnetttarr to bolster their first top-flight campaign since 2017, open with a home clash against a Langside team led by Anwar Hafeez following his switch from Uddingston.