Arbroath learning lessons the hard way
Published:
ARBROATH United are hurting as early-season optimism has evaporated on the back of four SNCL First Division defeats in their last five matches.
But batsman Kevin Ritchie insists the Lochlands men are determined to arrest the slide and earn a positive second half of the season.
United host Drumpellier tomorrow after last weekend’s painful 163-run defeat at Forfarshire, where Scotland international Ryan Watson ran amok with an unbeaten 140.
Professionals making Arbroath pay has been a familiar tale this season but Ritchie insists the young side can learn from the experience. He said: “We were all pleased with the start we had but things have really gone against us. Last weekend at Forfar was a real thumping. There is not a lot you can do when you run into an in-form Ryan Watson.
“It seems to have been the way this year.
Ferguslie and Dumfermline’s professionals both racked up big scores against us and they have been painful lessons.
Ritchie said: “We have a young bowling attack and maybe it is about learning the hard way but I am still confident we can turn it round.”
Arbroath are looking to get back to winning ways against the side they defeated on the first day of the season.
The victory at Drumpellier was impressive given the side’s fearsome reputation at home. Although they are less prolific on the road, Ritchie is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “I was not playing in the game down there but it was a cracking result. They are a decent side and although they are stronger at home, they will be difficult up here.”
