Aberdeenshire captain Tyler Buchan admits his players have no time to feel sorry for themselves as they face a stern Eastern Premier Division examination of their title credentials tomorrow.
Shire suffered a derby defeat to city rivals Stoneywood-Dyce at Mannofield following a middle order collapse but with title rivals Grange visiting Aberdeen Buchan knows it is vital his team bounces back.
He said: “We didn’t get enough runs last weekend and it cost us. We went from 96 for two to 97 for five and when we lost Hayes van der Berg soon after we simply ran out of runs to put up a competitive tally.
“It was a frustrating one as we then went on to bowl really well and kept Stoneywood-Dyce in check after 30 overs but they were able to take their time and beat our tally.
“It’s a sore one to take as nobody likes losing especially in a derby but we have to put it behind us and quickly.”
The Premier Division title race is proving to be wide openthis year but with Shire having lost three games Buchan knows it is imperative his side stays within touching distance of joint leaders Arbroath United and Falkland.
He said: “This is a big game for us this weekend as Grange are one of the favourites for the title.
“We beat them twice last year which will give us confidence but we know we have to be on our game if we are to win this one.
“They have two of the form players in the country in their side in Gordon Goudie and George Munsey who play for the Highlanders select so we know they will be very strong.
“But it looks as if Callum Howard will be available again while Tony McKenna will have a fitness test on his injured Achilles. If they both make it we will be back to full strength which would be great for a game of this importance.”