Western Premier Cricket: Prize in sight for Dumfries

THE finishing line is tantalisingly in sight. Just two weeks to go and frontrunners Dumfries are agonisingly close to securing that first CSL title.

Drumpellier are today’s visitors for what Nunholm spokesman Stuart Corbett-Byers describes as must-win.

“What happens in the other game [at Hamilton Crescent] is outwith our control,” he said. “We simply have to focus on what we can directly influence. Inevitably the boys are trying a bit too hard to get over that line, but we need to relax and let the good cricket come.”

Drumpellier are well poised to capitalise on any Nunholm nerves. Pro Naz Hussain, opener Asad Mohammed, left-arm spinner Ally Rawlinson, and skipper Graeme McLaren are all in scintillating form, while opening bowler Abdul Sabri will be promoted up the batting order following his undefeated 110 against Clydesdale U18s on Monday.

Meanwhile, West of Scotland and Clydesdale, in third and second place respectively, go into today’s tussle at Hamilton Crescent knowing that only outright victory will keep their challenge alive. West recall batsmen Ian Young and Anjun Luthra, but seamer Gav Smith misses out with a back injury. “We showed a lot of character to fight back and beat Greenock last week,” said skipper Ross Brown, “and we’re in a good place for these final two crunch games.”

Dale spokesman Colin Mitchell was less upbeat. He said: “We’re looking to turn around a disappointing run of league and cup losses, but we’ll have our work cut out against a strong West outfit.” Andrew Scobie takes over the gloves for Dale from Kas Farid.

It’s High Noon at New Williamfield where the bottom two Stirling County and Greenock clash in a last-ditch bid to avoid the drop while Ayr host Uddingston in a mid-table clash with only pride at stake.