Prestwick must shape up warns Macdonald

PRESTWICK were handed a reality check last weekend when they marked their return to the national league scene with a home defeat by Weirs in the Western First Division.

And skipper Fraser Macdonald has warned his men that if the batting does not improve, they will struggle to get their show on the road in today’s tricky tussle with Poloc at Shawholm.

The Ayrshire side appeared to be in control as they chased a relatively modest total of 115 runs, but they seemed to panic at the hands of the Weirs bowlers and failed to reach their target.

Macdonald said: “We should have cruised it after bowling and fielding really well but we battled very poorly.

“We’ve spent a lot of money on the ground and it’s looking its best for years. But we should be beating teams like Weirs.” Elsewhere in the West zone, Ferguslie will be keen to build on their derby success over Kelburne by beating Renfrew in another local affair at Meikleriggs.

The Weirs v Kelburne tussle has been switched to Whitehaugh because Albert Park is unavailable.

And Stenhousemuir’s home encounter with East Kilbride is likely to be a close one.

The West Lothian v Falkland meeting is the game of the day in the Eastern section, with the hosts likely to start as favourites to win.

Meanwhile, Fauldhouse have found the going tough since their elevation from the East League, however they must surely fancy their chances of garnering a precious win at home to a struggling Corstorphine outfit. A victory for Fauldhouse would bolster their confidence.

Home-turf advantage should also be decisive as SMRH head for Freuchie and Edinburgh Accies entertain Penicuik.