A cricket season which never effectively got off the ground is set to have a late burst of activity, starting tomorrow at Mannofield where Aberdeenshire meet derby rivals Stoneywood-Dyce in the first of a double-header.
The teams will meet again on Sunday at People’s Park.
No spectators will be allowed for what would normally be well-attended games.
Stoneywood-Dyce captain Jamie King is hoping to give as many players as possible game time over the two days.
He said: “The important thing is to demonstrate the game is still alive and well in the area.”
Shire captain Stuart Horne also welcomed the late flourish of action.
He said: “Our priority is to give all the 20 players who have been turning up for squad training a game at least once over the weekend.
“I also want to develop the leadership skills of young players and have asked youngsters Lewis Munro and Nathan Elliot to captain the team.
“We shall have six juniors playing on Saturday and eight on Sunday, giving us the opportunity to look into the future.”
There will also be games at Mannofield on Sunday when the girls’ team who represent the area will meet their Glasgow counterparts in two 20-over games.
The Caley Highlanders will be bidding to build on their successful trip to Livingston last weekend where they beat Edinburgh side the Eastern Knights in one game but lost the other, although head coach Neil Nicol was delighted with his side’s performances.
Nicol said: “We played well and with home advantage, would like to think we can improve on last week.
“Emma Halliwell turned in two impressive top scoring knocks, getting good support from Zoe Rennie in their partnership of 55 in the first game. It’s just good to be getting games.”
