Let’s keep the 10-point gap

Aug 4 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

LEAGUE pacesetters Ferguslie will be aiming to stretch their lead over Weirs when the two sides lock horns this afternoon.

The ’Lie currently enjoy a 10-point advantage in the First Division over Weirs but that could be wiped out this afternoon if the Buddies crash to defeat.

In the last meeting between the sides in May, it was Ferguslie who enjoyed the upper hand, registering a seven-wicket win at home.

On that occasion, Zimbabwean professional Malcolm Waller did the damage with a fine 96, while Tim Preston-Jones chipped in with 20.

In the bowling stakes, Jamie Cook played his part, taking no less than five Weirs wickets.

Tails will be up for Ferguslie, but this trip to Weirs is no walk in the park. Play starts at noon.

In other cricket news, Ferguslie’s Nadia Wheeler has been chosen to represent Scotland’s women at the T20 European World Cup Qualifying tournament that is taking place at Bready CC in Derry, Northern Ireland, later this month.

Wheeler has been included in a 13-strong squad.

The T20 event will see Scotland play two fixtures against their Irish and Dutch counterparts.

The last time the women’s team competed in the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament, they managed to record one victory, beating Ireland by one wicket in a closely fought match.

Scotland coach Kari Anderson is hopeful that the team can improve on that performance this time round.

She said: “T20 is an exciting format of the game and one we are certainly looking forward to.

“We have a good balance in the squad of youth and experience and we are delighted to have Leigh Kasperek available for the tournament after loaning her to Essex for the ECB County Championships.

“We feel we have improved hugely over a short period of time as a squad, and are all really excited about what we have the potential to do.

“We won’t be getting carried away, though, as we are determined to put in some excellent performances and we will see where we end up.”