Cricket Scotland's Regional Series bids to bridge the gap

CRICKET Scotland's new Regional Series starts today when Caledonian Highlanders and Eastern Knights meet at Strathmore. The two super-teams will be joined in the competition by the Western Warriors in an 40-over format, played over six matches at the start and finish of the summer.

Featuring most of the Saltires squad, plus players on the fringes of the national team, the concept has been designed to bridge the gap between the Scottish National League and the ECB's domestic league, a gulf ear-marked for remedial action by technical director Andy Tennant. But the chance for youngster's to impress is set to keep the established order on its toes.

"You want those up and coming guys to step up and show their skills," said Caledonian captain Jan Stander. "But it will also help them get comfortable with being in an environment with the other Scotland players. As senior guys, that will put us under pressure as well. And that's entirely a good thing."

The northern squad will be without injured Scotland seamer Gordon Goudie for their initial test while Ryan Watson opts instead for a marathon debut in Lochaber. The Knights, skippered by Gordon Drummond, can field nine full caps as can the Warriors, led by Qasim Sheikh.

"Everyone's seeing us as the underdogs," Stander admitted. "Most of the Scotland players are in the central belt so we're not fancied. But that makes it more exciting for me. You have a lot of good kids coming through so we'll see if they can stand up and be counted."

REGIONAL SERIES FIXTURES: 18 April: Caledonian v Eastern (Strathmore). 25 April: Eastern v Western (Myreside). 3 May: Western v Caledonian (Titwood). 5 September: Western v Eastern (Uddingston). 11 September: Caledonian v Western (Arbroath). 12 September: Eastern v Caledonian (Grange)