Last eight place fires up Kelburne

Jun 30 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

KELBURNE captain Willie Allan insists the lure of a quarter-final place should be enough to fire up his team ahead of the Scottish Cup clash with Drumpellier.

’Burne host the Coatbridge outfit at Whitehaugh this afternoon knowing victory will be enough to clinch a place in the last eight.

The Cricket Scotland League Western First Division side have already collected an 82-run triumph over their top-flight rivals this term.

Now skipper Allan has backed his team to do the double and prolong their participation in the nation’s premier cup contest.

He said: “We got our first win in the league against Stenhousemuir a few weeks back which was good so, hopefully, we are now moving forward.

“We have got a few guys back from holiday so that also means we are back at full strength too.

“We are feeling fully confident and know that if we get a result, we will qualify for the quarters. That would be a great achievement gives the guys all the motivation they need to win.”

While Kelburne are primed to progress, winless Drumpellier have endured a miserable season to date, losing all three of their completed matches.

And Allan added: “I would say that the fact Drumpellier are struggling hands us the advantage.

“We had a good start and beat them in our first meeting at their place.

“It was a good game and we batted well, which is what we have been looking to do this season.

“However, that side of our game has collapsed a bit in the league but it’s shown signs of picking up recently.”

And the Whitehaugh leader has also confirmed that his club will continue to show faith in their youngsters as they hand big-match responsibility to teenager Ross Arbuckle.

“Ross, who is just 18, will open the bowling for us,” confirmed Allan.

“He is a really attacking right-arm quick who likes to put the pressure on early.

“We have big hopes for him and we’re looking for him to now cement his place as our opening bowler.

“I was taking care of that job at the beginning of the season but I have coached Ross for the last seven or eight years and now he’s ready to take on the responsibility for that himself.

“He and another of our young stars, Jack O’Connell – a keeper/batsman – will be the future of Kelburne for a long time to come.”