Matthew Hurst to spearhead Arbroath attack

The 24-year-old played a few games for the first XI in 2012 and is brought in to the team for the match at Lochlands with Alvin Pollard unavailable due to family commitments.

Having seen last week’s home match with Heriot’s washed out, along with the rest of the division’s fixtures, the Arbroath players cannot wait to get back out on the field especially after their opening day victory at Myreside against Watsonians on May 11.

Skipper Marc Petrie, who this week was involved in the Pro Series match for the Highlanders against the Reivers at Ayr, said: “A big crowd had gathered at the club last week and were disappointed to see the match called off, so hopefully we get a good day for this one.

“We are feeling good after a decent start to the season and training has had a real buzz about it this week. This is also a good opportunity for Matthew to come in to the bowling attack and give me a selection headache when Alvin is back.  Stoneywood-Dyce have had a good start to the season too and we will have to be wary of Michael Leask whose good form has seen him selected for the Saltires in recent weeks. Jan Stander and Elton Willemse are always dangerous performers too.”

Stoneywood-Dyce travel to Arbroath with Eddie Steinson unavailable, so veteran Lawrence Wattie comes in to the XI.

There are two matches in the capital today. Watsonians welcome Grange to Myreside with both set to give outings to influential seamers.

Scotland man Gordon Goudie will make his league debut for the visitors and will likely open the bowling with former  ‘Sonians man Raj Routray.

For Watsonians Paddy Sadler, who is on the fringes of the Scotland set-up, is once again back up the road from Cambridge University.

Grange are also boosted by the availability of wicketkeeper Simon Smith, the Scotland cap proving his fitness and getting some game time under his belt for the Reivers in midweek when he hit an important 25 not out.

Over the last few years there have been some cracking tussles between the two clubs and with them having finished first and second in this division last term it should be another intriguing match this afternoon.

In the other Edinburgh derby SMRH go looking for their first top-flight win against Heriot’s at Goldenacre.

For the visitors Thomas Beattie and Matthew Coyle are  restored to the starting line-up with Rich Hannam and Vishal Shah dropping out while  Heriot’s welcome back David Ross – who scored 56 in the season opener against Stoneywood-Dyce – and Andre van Niekerk.

Aberdeenshire entertain Carlton with the hosts giving a top team debut to Scotland under-15 bowler Ryan West. Matt Hays also comes in with Ian Brand and Tony McKenna unavailable. Carlton are at full strength.