Cricket: Van Wyk absence a blow

WEST Lothian will be without influential player-coach Kruger van Wyk for the rest of their First Division campaign after he headed for the Caribbean to play for New Zealand in the Test series against the West Indies.

The Boghall brigade are sure to miss his presence today when they square up to Penicuik on home turf.

Spokesman Andy Raven said: “The club are proud of what Kruger has been achieving with the Black Caps and even when he is absent, his input will be valuable.

“We know that Penicuik are always a tough nut to crack. They will be a threat, particularly if Willie Morton is back in the mix with his donkey droppers!”

Youngster Gus McNab has earned promotion to the senior eleven in the wake of van Wyk’s departure so he has the opportunity to stake a claim for the remainder of the season.

Elsewhere in the East zone, Freuchie should be too strong at home for Corstorphine while there is likely to be an away success for SMRH at Falkland.

Fauldhouse should also have enough in the locker to take care of Edinburgh Accies.

In the West section, it would be a surprise if Ferguslie don’t carry on their impressive run at Stenhousemuir while the other three games are more difficult to call with Poloc facing Renfrew at Shawholm, while Kelburne and East Kilbride welcome Prestwick and Weirs respectively.