Match of the Day
FERGUSLIE v GREENOCK
A tasty Renfrewshire derby for starters! Always keenly contested, this clash will give a hint as to future prospects for these two local rivals. Stuart Murray skippers Ferguslie for the first time and has South African Con de Lange back as pro. However, John Blain's decision not to join the Meikleriggs club was a blow and Ferguslie received a further setback with news that David Harper is out pending an SNCL inquiry into his eligibility. Murray said: "Losing Harps is like losing two players because he is capable of opening the batting and the bowling. But we will still fancy ourselves although we couldn't have had a harder start."
Greenock have lost Fraser Watts and Kevin McLaren to Carlton and Corstorphine respectively but Dewald Nel returns after a spell with Worcestershire. Skipper Craig Wright declared: "Ferguslie are always there or thereabouts and we know they are one of the most competitive sides in the league."
Prediction: Winning start for champions.

AYR v CARLTON
A more youthful Ayr side will take the field following the retirement of Bruce Patterson and Craig Hunter. That pair will be hard to replace but new skipper Phil Wilson is bullish about the club's emerging talent. "Youngsters like Neil Smith, Andi McElnea and Ross Mitchell will get their chance," said Wilson. "Our main focus is to stay in the premier league." Carlton have more loftier ambitions following encouraging signs last year with skipper Cedric English claiming: "I'm really excited about our prospects." Ayr are at full strength but the visitors are without seamers Russell Martindale (knee injury) and Charles Legget (University commitments) 
Prediction: Carlton to put down a marker.

CLYDESDALE v HERIOT'S
Kasim Farid takes over as captain from Qasim Sheikh as Dale set out to better last year's third place. Craig Smith will be given an extended run with the keeper's gloves while Andy Hislop completes his term with Loughborough University while Gordon Munro, promoted from the second eleven, makes a debut. Manager Colin Mitchell said: "We'll rely on pretty much the same guys as last year but Gordon will add a bit of flamboyance to our middle order." Heriot's, who only survived on the final day of last season, hand debuts to Scotland U19 wicketkeeper Bilal Azhar and Aussie duo Cameron Farrell and Jack Ritchie. Skipper Gavin McIntyre admitted: "We never got out of first gear last summer but there is a more positive mood about the club."
Prediction: Dale to dominate.

UDDINGSTON v POLOC
Uddy demonstrated their credentials with an impressive win over today's rivals in the Eric Lane Memorial Trophy last weekend. Overseas amateur Brett Webber made his mark with a century and he will be joined by fellow Aussie – Saltires pro Ed Cowan – who makes his debut today. Poloc are also bolstered by the arrival of their new hired hand, the former Zimbabwe Test player Gavin Ewing. Home skipper Ricky Bawa said: "We're not taking anything for granted. Poloc will take a few scalps this season." Counterpart Brian Spence, who should have Kiwi youngster Jason Dombroski in his starting line-up, declared: "We are aiming for mid-table."
Prediction: Uddingston on top.

WATSONIANS v GRANGE
Upbeat Myreside skipper Gordon Drummond believes his side can spring a surprise against the title favourites. 'Sonians hand debuts to Aussie pro Andy Delmont, Scotland U19 batsman Ryan Flannigan and also introduce Raj Routray and Steve Paige. Drummond said: "There are no easy games in this division and facing Grange on the first day is as hard as it gets. But we want to win our home games starting on day one." Grange welcome back New Zealand pace bowler Warren McSkimming and former Saltires batsman Cammy Coles for the new season. Sanjay Patel, who takes over as captain, said: "It could be a dogfight against Watsonians and the key for us is to match them for effort."
Prediction: Grange to edge it.

Sunday Match
POLOC v SCOTLAND U19
The youngsters take their bow in the SNCL having been admitted in order to give them more experience of top flight competitive action. Their presence is something of an anomaly given that they will play just nine matches and only half points will be on offer.  However, coach Craig Wright declared: "This really is all about experience so results are not our priority. I want to see how the lads respond to tough match situations. Hopefully they will become better and stronger players as a result." It is a mark of the extent to which youth is being given its fling that most of tomorrow's team, including skipper Fraser Burnett of Arbroath, will be turning out for their clubs sides in the SNCL today. Scott Redhead misses out due to commitments with Durham Academy.

Forfarshire are hoping new pro Tommy Cooper can emulate his late namesake by producing lots of magic. The former Australian Under-19 internationalist makes his debut in today's SNCL First Division opener against Drumpellier at Langloan. And skipper Peter Drummond is confident that the presence of Cooper, along with Scotland captain Ryan Watson, will propel the Broughty Ferry troops into the promotion shake-up.

Shire have flattered to deceive since losing their top flight status, with Drumps among the teams who have inflicted damage. Now Drummond thinks it is high time for the Taysiders to live up to their potential.

He said: "Tom comes to us from New South Wales with an excellent pedigree and we are all looking forward to seeing him in competitive action. With his 91 for the Saltires against the MCC at Lord's, Ryan has also proved he is in fine early season form - so we have to be optimistic."

Drummond is also delighted to welcome back one of the most exciting young prospects in the country, Robert Cannon, following a spell in the USA.

On the subject of youthful talent, Arbroath are expecting great things from globetrotting trio Matt Parker, Mark Petrie and Fraser Burnett. The threesome have spent part of the winter in South Africa and captain Greig Peal is looking for their "match fitness" to shine through when the Lichties square up to Aberdeenshire at Mannofield.

Peal declared: "It is a really tough way to launch our season, but it might just be the best time to face them on their patch. Matches at this stage of the year can be a lottery, however I honestly believe we can beat anyone if we perform."

Elsewhere in the division, Freuchie should be too powerful for Penicuik at Muir Road, while newly promoted Stirling County get under way with a local tussle at Stenhousemuir.

Many observers have tipped Dunfermline to be the team to fear in the Second Division, under the leadership of highly respected coach Stephen Fryer. The Australian has been given permission to play in the competition - one of a string of changes at McKane Park in the build up to hostilities against Stoneywood Dyce.

Long-serving pro Waqas Ahmed has departed and in comes South African opening bat Colin Ingram. The team will be known as The Knights and - to the relief of opposing clubs - the much maligned square at McKane Park has been relaid.

Fryer said: "A new broom has swept through the club and everyone is extremely positive. From a personal point of view, it is great to be back in action after the frustrations of only being allowed to coach."

The Knights will, of course, have to combat the skill and power of former Aberdeenshire hero Jan Stander if they are to earn instant success today at Peoples Park.

Home advantage ought to ensure that Falkland get out the traps in convincing fashion against Renfrew.