First Division Cricket: Heriot's head west to Ayr for clash of the title favourites

IT is only Week 2, but already it's the clash of the titans as Division 1 title favourites Ayr and Heriot's go head to head at New Cambusdoon.

Both captains are understandably upbeat, Ayr's Mark Renny noting: "We're showing a greater intensity in training this season which augurs well, as do far stronger bowling options."

Daniel Fleming with his left-arm in-swingers, fast-maturing Scott McElnea, and ex-Dumfries all-rounder Alan Davidson complement pro Michael Papps, veteran Phil Wilson, Scott's brother Andi, and spinner Dougie Johnstone. Tyro leggie Luke Speirs, only 14, also shows great potential. A further boon is keeper Neil Smith's burgeoning batting prowess.

Goldenacre skipper Steve Knox is similarly delighted with the balance of his new attack, saying: "Our unorthodox seamer Andre Niekirk enjoyed a prolific 2009 and he's continued in wicket-taking vein. Our new coach Sean Weeraratna is now an even more potent new-ball threat, and our ex-New Zealand U-19 left-arm spinner Matthew Thomas gives us an exciting option."

An intriguing tussle is in prospect at Langloan where free-scoring Stirling County skipper Phil Rees is confident his three spinners – pro Kreeson Naicker, Tauseef Ahmed and left-armer Glenn Rogers – will prove a tough proposition for hosts Drumpellier, buoyant after their shock win at Lochlands.

Falkland pro Harsha Cooray makes his belated debut at Scroggie Park against Penicuik, for whom Graham Ruthven returns in what promises to be a tense battle of attrition.

Stenhousemuir bring in John Dirom and Bobby Angus at The Tryst as they look to atone for last week's thrashing, but they will be hard-pressed against a Poloc side keen to unleash left-arm quickie Fraser Quarterman and South African all-rounder Carl Huyser.

Stoneywood-Dyce are bolstered by the inclusion of Kiwi Liam Crowley and Stuart Coetzer against Arbroath, who bring in young Jack Plomer after last week's dismal defeat described by skipper Fraser Burnett as "a wake-up call".