Watsonians hope for Grange rerun

Nearly 12 months ago Steve Paige's side caused a shock when they bowled the then reigning champions out for just 51 to win by 182 runs in the top-flight fixture.

However, the match today is unlikely to be as one-sided with both teams eager to bounce back from Scottish Cup exits at the hands of Heriot's and West Lothian respectively last Sunday, while Grange are searching for their fourth win of the league campaign.

Watsonians have won one and lost one in the league so far this summer and new recruit Craig Wright is looking forward to squaring up to old adversaries in the visiting ranks this afternoon.

The former Scotland skipper said: "We played well in our win over Uddingston last Saturday, but we were disappointed to lose in the cup 24 hours later. We have to try and build on the good things we have done in the opening weeks against a Grange side that are always strong.

"I am enjoying my time at Watsonians so far, they are a good bunch of guys who work hard for each other and that should stand us in good stead as the season progresses."

Talented young batsman Ewan Chalmers misses out for Watsonians due to St Andrews University commitments while James Easton is a doubt after twisting his ankle on Thursday night.

Grange have a few players missing themselves; Neil McCallum is with Scotland ahead of tomorrow's CB40 opener at Leicestershire while Mike Powell and Giles Holmes are injured and opening bowler Stuart Davidson is away. Among those coming into the side is Kenny Rae who has started the season well in the second XI.

Leaders Forfarshire travel to Uddingston this afternoon before hosting the National Academy tomorrow.

Umair Mohammed will skipper the side on both days as Ryan Watson is away with Scotland while Matthew Parker is also on national team duty.

Uddingston will be looking for their first league win of the campaign at Bothwell Castle.

Clydesdale welcome overseas amateur Shyam Gattani into their line-up for their home match with Aberdeenshire after the young Indian player arrived in Scotland in midweek.

Gattani's father Kailash actually turned out for Aberdeenshire as a professional back in the 1980s, while the 21-year-old comes into Scottish cricket on the back of a trial for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of this year's IPL.

Aberdeenshire head to Titwood having defeated Greenock themselves last weekend, and Papua New Guinea international Willie Gavera will continue to open the bowling.

Dunfermline Knights bring in David Miller for Stuart Campbell as they prepare to host McCrea FS West at McKane Park.

The visitors will be without Gordon Goudie and will be looking to Dougie Lockhart and Gregg Watson to get their innings off to a solid start as they did against Forfarshire last week.

With talisman Richie Berrington away with Scotland the experienced Dougie Wylie makes a timely return for Greenock as they head to Carlton with both teams looking for their first league win of 2010.

Youngster Willie Rowan will spearhead the attack for Greenock having taken 11 wickets in league and cup already this season. He also hit a half century for the National Academy against their Durham counterparts in midweek.

Despite being winless in the top flight, Carlton's batsman are in form, following up their 273 against Clydesdale last Saturday with 308 in Sunday's Scottish Cup win over SMRH. Gordon Drummond and Ross Lyons are away on Scotland duty, but overseas amateur Blake Dean has settled in quickly and looks a good find.