Cricket: Rivals to be rocked by return of iron Maiden

Maiden, who despite his recent unavailability, still lays claim to the competition's highest score - 166 not out - was testing the injury in an MCC match at York this week.

Provided he suffers no adverse reaction, then the 86-times capped all-rounder will figure prominently in a key Raeburn Place clash against champions Aberdeenshire, which will see Grange look to exploit a fragile 1.25 per cent advantage at the top of the table over the chasing Watsonians.

Also due to return is fit-again international all-rounder, Stuart Davidson, while skipper Sanjay Patel is awaiting news on whether Neil McCallum will return to the Scotland side after injury for this weekend's Clydesdale Bank pro-40 double-header.

Regardless of McCallum's availability, Patel is upbeat that Grange are acquiring a more formidable look at the business-end of what has been a testing campaign.

Referring also to the back complaint that prevented Warren McSkimming from fulfilling his intention to return from New Zealand as pro, leaving a void that was only recently filled by South African Roy Adams, the captain said: "We are now where we want to be at this stage especially after a very efficient win at Uddingston last weekend." That outcome has put matters firmly in Grange hands and, while stressing absolutely nothing can be taken for granted over the two match run-in, Patel, nevertheless, admits: "If we go on to take the title, all things considered, it will be the most satisfying of the six we will have won since 2000 taking into account injuries and representative calls."

Meanwhile, Watsonians aim to keep the pressure on at home to McCrea FS West in front of distinguished guest and former professional Bob Holland, who returned from a 1981 Myreside stint to win 11 Australian Test caps as a leg spinner.

And just a few weeks ago, Kim Hughes, who pro'd at 'Sonians in the 1970s and went on to become Australian captain, dropped by and attended a match.

Little wonder 'Sonian president Ross Brooks feels the club is buzzing, quite apart from the 2nd XI hoping to close out the East League Division One title against Edinburgh 2nds at Craiglockhart tomorrow.

"Having also been in touch with another of our former pros from Australia, Andy Delmont, I am aware that there are a few people around the world keeping an eye on our fortunes over the next two weekends," said Brooks. "Hopefully, the attention will lift the lads and we can put on a show for Bob Holland, who has been playing in a vets match at Harrogate and wants to catch up with old friends.

"Similarly, Kim Hughes has always maintained contact and he brought along his baggy green (Australian) cap to show the lads." For the clash with opponents whom they defeated in the corresponding fixture, Watsonians are delaying selection until after Scotland declare their hand.

Brooks says: "Highlights of the season so far include a comeback win at Carlton and defeating Grange when we had Ewan Chalmers, Stuart Chalmers and Ryan Flannigan with Scotland A.

"That situation creates opportunities and, with the 2nds going well, players like Raj Routray (second top premiership wicket taker last season but embroiled with exams in 2010) have not only applied pressure but been able to step up easily."

Elsewhere, Carlton bid to halt a run of three defeats at home to Uddingston by recalling the experienced Cedric English after injury while ex-Minor Counties player Peter Deakin also returns.

Heriot's can move to within touching distance of the Division One title when skipper Steve Knox returns at Penicuik while, in Division Two, SMRH await Edinburgh with RH Corstorphine bound for Ferguslie.