Maclean eager to make Whitehaugh a fortress as Kelburne find their feet
Ross Maclean, the Kelburne captain, claims his team will learn from last week’s chastening experience against Western Premier champions Clydesdale.
The Paisley club, back in the top flight for the first time in five years, suffered a crushing seven-wicket defeat after collapsing to 78 all out.
However, upbeat Maclean believes it will be a different story when Prestwick visit Whitehaugh this afternoon.
He said: “We have spoken about the massive jump in standard between division one and the premier – lots of us played in the premier before so we know where we need to be.
“Clydesdale are a fantastic team but
I was disappointed with our application – I’ve watched the game back and pretty much everyone in the team gave their wicket away cheaply. That’s something we need to work on.
“We bowled and fielded well but with 78 on the board you don’t stand a chance.”
Maclean believes playing at historic Whitehaugh, once an international venue, can herald a change in fortunes, adding: “In previous seasons it’s our home form which has allowed us to have a bit of success.
“We need to make Whitehaugh a place that’s hard to leave with anything and we will be targeting these games as key to our season.”
A further key could be the form of overseas duo, Garnett Tarr from South Africa and Australian youngster Ali Nasar who have already had a positive impact.
“They are both really good cricketers and are working extremely hard around the club,” said Maclean. “It’ll just be a case of adapting to Scottish conditions. I’m really excited to see what they can do this summer.”
As for today’s challenge, Maclean acknowledged: “Prestwick are a good team – that has been proved by their league positions over recent seasons. They will be well drilled and it’s my job to make sure everyone goes into the game knowing what the expectations are.
“There is a definite buzz around the place and we will be going into the game with confidence – it’s just about us now bringing it all together and getting that first win on the board early.” Prestwick are also in confident mood after a convincing win against West of Scotland and their skipper Fraser Macdonald said: “There are no easy games this year and Kelburne will no doubt be a tough one but we showed against West that we can dig in when we have to.”
Elsewhere Stirling will bid to build on an eye-catching win over Uddingston when they head to Hamilton Crescent to face West.
Captain Matt Tweedie, though, takes nothing for granted, saying: “We’ve had a good start to the season but it’s only one game and we need to build on it.”
Uddingston, for whom Amaan Ramzan impressed at Stirling, entertain an Ayr team who are without injured skipper Andi Mcelnea, pictured inset.
Clydesdale make the short trip to face southside rivals Langside while last year’s runners-up Ferguslie, convincing winners at Ayr seven days ago, are on the road again to tackle Dumfries.