Uddingston excited by the challenge of defending title
Western Premier action returns today for the first time in 19 months – but the effects of Covid are still being felt by Uddingston.
The champions open their defence with an enticing clash against fancied Clydesdale at Bothwell Castle, but do so without two key performers in pace bowler Gavin Main and batsman Anwar Hafeez.
Uddy had hoped Main would be playing for the club he joined as a schoolboy following his release by Durham, but the Edinburgh-based Scotland international has instead joined Heriot’s.
Hafeez, meanwhile, travelled to visit family in Pakistan last December and has been unable to return to Scotland.
“It’s unfortunate,” admitted skipper Bryan Clarke. “We understand Gav’s decision – in the current climate it makes practical sense for him to play for an Edinburgh club. He’ll always be welcome back at Uddingston. Hopefully Hafeez will be back later in the season but, who knows?”
Meanwhile, Clarke is backing the players at his disposal to mount a stout defence of the title they clinched in 2019.
He said: “We might not be as strong as 2019, but we’ve developed the club and have lots of talented youngsters who I expect can become first-team regulars.
“Nick Martin is back from Edinburgh – a real club guy – and we’ve added Zigg Ahmad, a talented all-rounder who we hope to get the best out of.
“We’re delighted to be playing competitive cricket again – we’ve missed that, so we’re up for the visit of Clydesdale.
“I think the top half of the league will be pretty even with ourselves, Clydesdale, Ferguslie, West and Prestwick challenging.”
Clydesdale counterpart Paddy Barbour is relishing facing the champions.
He said: “It’s a good early test for us – we’re definitely looking to be in and around the top end of the table after a couple of years of rebuilding.”
Clydesdale, a disappointing fifth two years ago, are boosted by the arrival of two talented top order batsmen in Craig Young from neighbours Poloc and former Prestwick star Fazal Jawad.
Elsewhere, there is a new name in the top flight as Langside make their top flight bow at Greenock.
The southside club earned promotion as Weirs, but changed their name as part of a deal to secure their Albert Park ground.
Skipper Sameer Zia said: “It’s an exciting time for the club and we’re looking forward to playing against the best teams in the west. We’d love to start with a win.”
Greenock skipper Greg Mcdougall leads a side which will rely on experienced campaigners like Neil Flack and Chris Hempsey along with a clutch of youngsters.
Stirling host a Prestwick team boosted by the arrival of former Scotland spinner Majid Haq, 2019 runners-up West of Scotland welcome Ferguslie to Hamilton Crescent and promoted Dumfries entertain Poloc.