July 31 / August 1 Weekend Preview
Saturday 31st July - Watsonians v 1st XI
Another Saturday, another trip to Edinburgh, another game against the league leaders. This week it is the joint leaders, Watsonians who await the 1st XI and again, this will be a very hard game for the locals. Watsonians have performed consistently this season and they are now putting real pressure on Grange at the top of the table. As such, they will be very keen to gain another 10 points, especially as Grange would appear to have a reasonably easy game against West of Scotland.
Watsons are able to field their strongest outfit this week. They have a varied attack, spearheaded by the Scotland Under-19 captain, Paddy Saddler, fresh from a very successful European Under-19 competition. Captain Steve Paige and seamers Mike Legget and Stuart Chalmers will give him good support and for spin. there is Ross Paxton and that exciting youngster, Craig Wright! The home side also boast a powerful batting line-up, with internationalists Ryan Flannigan and Ewan Chalmers, professional Tim Weston and that man Wright all in good form. Stuart Chalmers is also no mug with the bat.
So what chance do Greenock have? For a start, they will take the field without the talismanic Richie Berrington, required for Saltires duty atTitwood, but he is the only absentee from the team that pushed Grange all the way last week, Kenny Diffenthal taking his place. It certainly won't be easy but if every player performs to the best of his capabilities, then anything is possible. Anything less than that and you would have to say that Watsonians will triumph.
At the end of the day, it might come down to the weather with showers forecast. Perhaps messrs Duckworth and Lewis might have a say.
Saturday 1st August - 1st XI v National Academy
This weekend is a double-header for the 1st XI and on Sunday they take on the National Academy, coached by that man, Craig Wright. The selection of the National Academy varies from week to week but it will undoubtedly include a number of members of the Scottish Under-19 team that has just won the European Under-19 Championships, and thereby qualified for the final qualifying tournament for the 2011 World Cup. Whatever team is selected, they are bound to present a significant challenge to the locals.
Kevin McLaren is unavailable for this game so the team will be captained by Ryan Begley. Also unable to play from the Saturday team are Kenny Diffenthal and Jonathan Hempsey and their places are taken by Roddy Kelso and Sammy Sanghera. Again, nothing but the best will suffice from Greenock.
GCC would like to thank Ball Sponsor – Kevin Flack, Match Sponsor – Louis' Fish Bar and Presidential Suite Sponsor – Alan Park
Saturday 31st July - Glenpark XI v Victoria
The Glenpark XI are at home again this weekend when they host second-placed Victoria in a game which the locals quite simply have to win if they wish to have any chance of gaining promotion this season. With the 1st XI more or less at full strength, this means that the Glenparkers will be also able to field a strong outfit. Hopes are high for a home win.