Drumpellier away to a flier

FOR the first time in almost two years, Drumpellier travelled back to Coatbridge last Saturday evening with a smile on their faces, thanks to a rare away win over West Lothian.

That achievement, according to bowler Gordon Shaw, should give the players a huge lift for this afternoon's home match against McCrea FS West.

"We won all our home fixtures last season, but lost every away game," declared Shaw. "So if we can maintain our home record and pick up a few wins on the road then we should better our finishing position of fifth."

New pro Pieter Stuurman and overseas amateur Dan Stevenson have settled in well, though both were overshadowed by the Mohammad brothers, Asad and Zaheer, on Saturday with knocks of 97 and 70 respectively .

"I think we are a better balanced team this season, and last Saturday, as well as the Mohammads' contributions, Chris Keltie our captain claimed three wickets and Ian Warden two."

However, West played well to defeat Forfarshire and with their pro Grant Robinson in form with the bat, they will give Drumpellier a stiff test.

Aberdeenshire, the only club with a 100 per cent record, should be too strong for West Lothian at Mannofield, Freuchie face Stenhousemuir at the Pleasure Park where one team will break their duck, Arbroath and Stirling look closely matched at Lochlands, as do Forfarshire, who have new father Ryan Watson back, and Penicuik at Forthill.

In the Second Division, Stoneywood-Dyce, with David Lamb available again after his honeymoon, head for Edinburgh to play RH Corstorphine, who had an excellent win over SMRH with player-coach Kevin McLaren performing well with bat and ball.

Dunfermline's teenager Safyaan Shariff played a big part in their victory over Edinburgh CC. The Fifers host SMRH, while Edinburgh head for Falkland.

Renfrew and Prestwick meet at King George V Playing Fields with both in search of a first victory, while Weirs travel to Dumfries. Weirs, like Falkland, are still awaiting their first on-field action.