Grange host Stirling in SNCL opener

CHAMPIONS Grange will launch the defence of their SNCL crown with an away fixture against top flight newcmers Stirling County on 30 April.

Scottish cricket's new-look Premiership features 16 sides, three of whom have never performed in the highest division. The other newcomers have also been handed tough starts with Arbroath hosting Scottish Cup winners Uddingston and Drumpellier travelling to Dunfermline.

The 2009 champions Aberdeenshire host McCrea FS West on the opening day while Greenock stage a tie with Clydesdale. Carlton, boasting four current Saltires players, open their bid for a first-ever title at home to Stoneywood-Dyce who return to the top flight for the first time since 1999.