Aberdeenshire captain Tyler Buchan hopes timing is everything following leading batsman Chris Venske’s return to first team action.
Venske returned from a four week absence due to a broken bone in his hand to play a leading role in the derby win at Stoneywood-Dyce, scoring 45 not out to take his tally for the season to 746 in 16 innings.
His performance helped Shire retain their place as Eastern Premier Division leaders with two matches remaining.
Buchan knows Venske’s return to action could prove crucial.
He said: “Chris turned up for training on Thursday, came through unscathed and said he wanted to play. To then score 45 was great and he carried on where he left off.
“He’s disappointed he didn’t make 50 though, which says everything about him. There is no scoreboard at Stoneywood-Dyce and had Chris known he was on 44 he says he would have gone for a six to win the game instead of the single run we needed.
“The bone has completely healed and he isn’t having to play with any strapping. It’s just a case of building up the strength again.
“When the injury happened I was sure that was his season finished and we’ve been lucky in that he only actually missed two matches during his four week absence.
“It’s a measure of how good he has been this season that, despite missing four weeks, he remains the leading run scorer in the country. He’s had a phenomenal season and the timing of his return couldn’t be better.”
The title is in sight for Shire, who remain just ahead of champions Arbroath United but Buchan knows his side’s challenge will be tested to the full at Grange tomorrow.
He said: “Grange are third in the league and have historically been the best team in the country when you consider their long run of success in the league and cup competitions.
“It will be the toughest of tests for us but we’ve beaten them in the last three games between the sides and we go to Edinburgh with nothing to fear.
“The last two years have been very consistent for this club as we have finished in the top two in both of seasons.
“We feel as if we let ourselves down last year when we were in a good position and we are in mood to let history repeat itself with two games to go.
“It’s important we show we have learned the lessons of last season.”