Cricket: McBride commits to Dumfries and eyes top-flight promotion

TEENAGE batsman Tom McBride is set to commit himself to Dumfries in the hope of helping them climb to the top flight of Scottish cricket.

The talented age-group internationalist has already played a major part in the club's surge to the Second Division title. And in the build-up to their final match against SMRH at Nunholm, McBride underlined his commitment.

He said: "The new format for the SNCL is very exciting and we want to keep on progressing.

"I believe we have a great opportunity to earn promotion again a year from now and it would be great to be part of that." McBride has hit a series of big scores during the season - two in the league for Dumfries, one for Scotland and one as a guest for MCC.

He added: "It has been a tremendous few months for myself at the club and as far as this weekend is concerned, we want to keep up the momentum to the end and a win on home turf would be the ideal way to round things off."

Elsewhere, it is a tense situation at the basement after Kelburne leapfrogged over Weirs into second bottom slot. It means a win for the former over local rivals Renfrew at Whitehaugh would ensure their survival.

Weirs have to negotiate a tricky trip to the capital to take on Imans Edinburgh while Ferguslie will cement the runners-up place by beating Freuchie at Meikleriggs and Corstorphine round off an inconsistent campaign at home to West Lothian.