Cricket: Patel unsure what is in the Knights' armoury
The newly-promoted Fifers introduced themselves with an opening-day win over champions Aberdeenshire and Patel put his similarly unbeaten side on full alert, saying: "There have been very few previous fixtures between our clubs but I do know Knights have an extremely capable professional in Alastair Gray and a couple of good spinners."
Grange have ex-Warwickshire bat Michael Powell available on a day when Cameron Coles is resting a groin strain in preparation for Sunday's Scottish Cup trip to West Lothian and Patel says the club will continue its search for a professional after a double recruitment blow.
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Hide Ad"Warren McSkimming is out for the season with a stress fracture of his back and we had (Saltire] Dewald Nel lined up before he signed for Kent," he revealed.
Despite those problems Grange have started well including a victory last week at Carlton on what was an emotional occasion for Patel after the death of his father, former Cricket Scotland president Mahendra, a few days earlier.
In the circumstances, an innings of 76 was a particularly satisfying achievement of which he said: "I was particularly pleased my mum was able to attend the match and the Carlton players were especially gracious.
"I had no expectation of runs when opening the batting after the minute's silence and time spent with my father during his illness restricted preparation.
"The first few overs at the crease just seemed to take care of themselves," said the proud skipper.
Elsewhere, Watsonians recall Euan Stubbs for the trip to Uddingston ahead of a home Cup tie with Heriot's 24 hours later while Carlton are at Clydesdale before returning to host SMRH in the Cup on Sunday.
In Division One, Heriot's are at Ayr while highlight of Division Two is the Edinburgh v RH Corstorphine derby. Also at home are SMRH who await Kelburne.