’Burne pray for a dry spell ahead of derby clash

Jun 27 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

KELBURNE star Scott Hamilton claims the unpredictable nature of Renfrewshire weather means he’s fed-up of dodgy forecasts.

The ’Burne all-rounder has been left frustrated as soggy conditions have washed out his team’s last two league matches.

And with a big Paisley derby against Ferguslie to come tonight, the Whitehaugh man has been left praying to the gods for a dry spell as his side look to clinch a place in the West League Cup semi-finals.

But while the forecasters are predicting light rain showers ahead of the 6pm start for this evening’s match-up at Kelburne’s home ground, Hamilton insists he has stopped listening to their weather predictions.

He told Express Sports: “We are looking forward to the Ferguslie game – it will be nice just to get a game!

“It’s been frustrating as we haven’t played any cricket at all over the last two weeks.

“We’re hoping it stays dry but to be honest, I’m now fed up checking the forecasts because they change every 10 minutes.”

In contrast to their league form – one win from their five opening matches – Kelburne have made a positive start to 20/20 League Cup contest.

They beat tonight’s opponents at Meikleriggs by a convincing 71-run margin before edging past Renfrew.

Their hot streak was halted though when a trip to Greenock was rained off before slumping to a five-wicket loss against ’Frew last time out.

However, a win this evening will put Kelburne back on track to claim a trophy they last won back in 1964.

“We had a very good victory – convincing even – against Ferguslie and then beat Renfrew at home,” said Hamilton.

“But we have had a game rained off and lost to Renfrew in the return since then but we believe we can progress.

“The 20/20 format is one we have done pretty well in and we enjoy it.

“And this group is tight too. Every side can beat each other. We have two games left and we know we can get through if we pick up a couple of wins.

“We’ve got Ferguslie up next and it’s always good meeting them in the derbies.

“They will be looking to get some revenge for that opening-day win so that will give the tie a bit of added spice.”

Hamilton also admits that while an encounter with their local rivals is motivation enough for Kelburne, they will also have one eye on their weekend preparations.

He explained: “We’ve got a tough Scottish Cup tie on Saturday against Drumpellier so it would be good to get a game in and get out in the middle ahead of that.”