Championship: Dumfries aim to put brakes on Van Wyk's run of form

They're still undefeated, but Championship leaders West Lothian face a stern examination of their credentials today when they welcome to Boghall third-placed Dumfries.

"Kruger van Wyk's batting at number four has been the key to their success thus far," said Doonhamers veteran Davie Davidson, "and so we're aiming to get in about their other batsmen early on, and hopefully test him when the ball is still new."

Van Wyk is presently averaging a staggering 369 in all competitions. Captain Stuart Corbett-Byers returns in place of Jim Patterson for Dumfries, who continue to pin high hopes on emergent Scotland U19 batter Tom McBride, who further extended his cricketing education this week with the Western Warriors and the Durham Academy.

"We're at full strength," reports West Lothian skipper Andy Raven, "with Clinton Dixon and Jimmy McOscar returning for Jordan Hamilton and Dougie Voas, but it's going to be very tough against the champions. Hopefully the weather will hold up, as we're all sick of the sight of the pool table in Ravi's Bar."

Second-placed East Kilbride, despite the enforced absence through work of talismanic left-arm spinner Ross Lyons, will be confident of maintaining the pressure on the Linlithgow frontrunners when they welcome to Fortress Torrance House second-bottom Edinburgh Accies. Unchanged Academicals, winners of just one league match in five, are greatly encouraged, however, by their last outing, a stirring eight-wicket Scottish Cup success against Poloc.

Renfrew in fourth slot travel to Shawholm to face sixth-placed Poloc in what is remarkably the first SNCL contest between the two clubs, despite their geographical proximity. Adding extra spice to the encounter is the fact that Renfrew's line-up will include two ex-Poloc players in Sai Majeed and Kashif Pervez.

It would have been three, but sadly ex-Shawholm pro Mohammed Ramzan has had to return suddenly to Pakistan due to a family bereavement. Poloc make one change from the side that took the field last Saturday in the only SNCL match to start, 15-year old Elliot Rousen making his league debut in place of injured batsman Scott Millen. Ghulam Rabbani steps up for Renfrew.

RH Corstorphine, bolstered by the fine form of batsman David Ross and recent recruit from Edinburgh CC, bubbly leg-spinner Abdul Majeed, restore Azhir Abid and Jay Arun for the visit of Ferguslie to Jim McFadyen. In the continuing absence of pro Prav Mullick, the Meikleriggs men are hopeful of registering an overseas amateur from Guyana.

SMRH will make a late decision on the fitness of key overseas amateur Braydon Tracey, struggling with a foot injury, for the visit of Weirs, who look to the slow-bowling triumvirate of Gilchrist, Young and Els and pro Ruan du Plessis to secure a first win at Inverleith.

Elsewhere, Kelburne, upbeat after three successive wins, welcome back Scotland U17 all-rounder Jamie Cook for the visit of Falkland, who restore Geordie Gallacher for injured Michael Cachia, whilst rejuvenated Stenhousemuir travel confidently to Kirkhill to face bottom club Penicuik.