Burnett confident Arbroath capable of extending run towards the title

CAN burgeoning Arbroath United mount a sustained title challenge? That's the burning question in cricket's Division 1 as the Lochlands Parkers, propelled into second slot by successive victories over prime contenders Heriot's and Drumpellier, play host to a dangerous, in-form Stoneywood-Dyce.

"Both teams are presently playing really good cricket," affirms Lichties skipper Fraser Burnett, whose timely return from injury has instantly re-ignited his team's momentum, "but we beat them earlier on their patch, and we're confident we can keep our run going." Opposite number George Ninan is equally upbeat about his People's Park side, aiming to make it seven league wins on the trot: "We've been doing well chasing runs lately, and the theory is, if it ain't broke don't fix it, but, equally, if the deck turns out to be dry and a bit worn after all the sun, it might well be susceptible to spin."

Stoneywood introduce Scotland U17 batsman Omar Afridi for unavailable opener William Anderson, while Peter Clarke's absence for Arbroath affords a chance to young Matthew Swan.

Leaders Heriot's face a stiff test from visiting Ayr, yet to lose away from home. "Historically we don't have a good record at Goldenacre," concedes Ayr skipper Mark Renny, "but Michael Papps has just delivered three successive centuries and, if we can get through the first ten overs relatively unscathed, then we can pose some serious questions of our own." Key men Alan Davidson and David Johnstone, unavailable for Ayr, are replaced by young Calum Leck and Adam Gilbert, whilst Heriot's, again looking to Sean Weereratna to strike early, are without Andre van Nierkerk, but Chris Goddard returns after injury.

A keen contest is also in prospect at New Williamfield, where mercurial Stirling County welcome a Drumpellier side whose challenge has faltered somewhat of late with successive narrow home defeats to Stoneywood and Arbroath. "Although we're down in sixth place," County captain Phil Rees pertinently points out. "We're effectively just one game away from second top." Veteran Alan Stevenson, who turned back the years with a remarkable outfield catch for the seconds last week at Whitehaugh, returns in place of holidaying Stevie Allison for Drumps, who again look to their top five batsmen to set the tone, led by Aussie Greg Lewis.

As the top six do battle among themselves, so too do the bottom four. Poloc, presently in freefall with five successive defeats, will be desperate to make home advantage pay against second-bottom Stenhousemuir. Dan Walton and Scott Millen will return for Poloc, although there is till no Keith Sheridan, whilst for Stenhousemuir keeper Sanjay Rakshit will return, and Australia-returning veteran Iain Philip will be taking what is likely to be his final bow in Scottish cricket, appropriately in a match involving two clubs he served so well.

Elsewhere bottom club Penicuik again ring the changes for their visit to Falkland, Jamie Mitchell, Sean Taylor and Ross Liddle returning for Craig MacKellar, Michael Yan Hip and Dougie Liddle. Prolific pro Harsha Cooray holds the key for Falkland, who bring in young Geordie Gallagher and Adam Ferguson for unavailable Graeme Watson and Michael Cachia.

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