Cricket: Dumfries planning to unleash sunshine

Dispiriting anti-climax was the overwhelming mood on the opening day of the eagerly-awaited Western Premier League. Only two matches survived the recent rains, and both were low-scoring, one-sided affairs. Optimism remains high, though, for Round 2, which throws up some intriguing clashes.

Match of the day is at Nunholm, where ambitious, aspiring Dumfries host proven seasoned warhorses Clydesdale. Dumfries marked last week’s debut in the top flight with a crushing 111-run win over struggling Greenock. “This essentially is our first experience at this level,” stressed Doonhamers’ skipper Stuart Corbett-Byers, who set the standard with a stunning catch behind to dismiss danger man Richie Berrington. “So we’re determined not to look too far ahead.” But there’s no disputing morale is rightly high down Nunholm way. Alongside a formidable batting line-up, which has already posted a Scottish Cup 318 against Weirs, Dumfries can vaunt an exciting, penetrative new-ball attack of Alan Davidson, returned from Ayr, and ex-Galloway seamer Patrick Druce, who each grabbed four wickets at Glenpark.

The Titwood outfit remain significantly understrength, further weakened by the absence of Saltires star Saafy Sharif, still blighted by injury, and young Lyle Hill. Talented former Scotland U19 batsman Kasim Farid returns for Clydesdale, and he will also keep wicket.

Last week’s two losers, Ayr and Greenock, clash at New Cambusdoon. The Glenpark batting is bolstered by the return of overseas amateur all-rounder Craig Schlebusch and the introduction of Scotland U15 starlet Neil Flack, and in-form Chris Hempsey. Mark Renny’s youthful Ayr side, still to win a competitive Saturday match in 2012, and for whom only young Calum McLaughlin and Andi McIlnea reached double figures in last week’s abject 75 all out against West, bring in Robbie Henderson for Neil McCrossin.

Drumpellier skipper Graeme McLaren is delighted to add all-rounder Rashid Yousaf, with a List A century to his name in Pakistan, to his squad for the visit of Stirling County. The New Williamfield men, for whom Matthew Tweedie replaces Richie Carswell, look to talented all-rounder Josh Edwardsm.

Finally, John Blain-inspired West of Scotland restore maturing Anjun Luthray to an already firing batting line-up, in which Scotland U19 protégé Andrew Umeed has excelled hitherto, for the visit of mercurial Uddingston, keen to re-assert themselves after a slow start. Uddy recall Gav Main and Andrew Baxter.