The Forecast: Ayr awaits as West gets set for the races
The Forecast is series of weekend previews for the 2026 season. We cover team selection, form, fixtures and who to look out for in the weekend’s fixtures! We hope to not have to cover the rain!
Saturday
Ayr vs Allied Vehicles West of Scotland
Allied Vehicles West of Scotland make the trip to New Cambusdoon on Saturday as the Premiership One season reaches its halfway stage. After eight rounds of fixtures, West sit fourth in the table with four victories, while hosts Ayr occupy fifth with three wins to their name, setting up an intriguing contest. Stephen Richards and John Strachan return to the West starting XI. Both sides saw their matches abandoned due to the weather last weekend and will be eager to return to action as they look to build momentum for a second-half push up the standings. West can draw confidence from their opening-day Scottish Cup victory at Cambusdoon earlier in the season, although league points will be the prize on this occasion. With rain once again threatening to play a part, both teams will be hoping the forecast allows for a full day's cricket.
Partick XI vs Cambusdoon
Also reaching the halfway point of the season is Championship Division One, where Cambusdoon make the journey to Hamilton Crescent to face the Partick XI. Our 2s side was left frustrated by the weather last weekend after their fixture was abandoned without a ball being bowled, meaning they return well rested. West currently occupy third place in the table, behind only Titwood and Whitehaugh, while Cambusdoon sit sixth with two victories from their opening eight matches. Jonny Williams deputises for Chris Ross as captain whilst Athsham Hussain makes the step up from the 3s. With the visitors looking to close the gap on the teams above them and Partick aiming to strengthen their position in the top three, an intriguing contest awaits. First ball is scheduled for 12pm.
Hamilton Crescent XI vs Glenpark
In Stirling, the Hamilton Crescent XI will be looking to bounce back from defeat last weekend as they welcome Glenpark. Despite last weekend’s narrow defeat at Meikleriggs, where Ferguslie 2nd XI edged past them with just an over to spare, Moosa Vakil’s side remain firmly in the mix in Championship Division Two and will be keen to return to winning ways on home soil. Glenpark, meanwhile, arrive rooted to the foot of the table and still searching for their first victory of the season, having been dismissed for just 27 in a heavy defeat to Anniesland last weekend. Mamoon Hussain and Ali Maddock return for Hamilton Crescent.
West Race Night
Following the day's cricket, the club's annual Race Night gets under way at Hamilton Crescent from 7.30pm. One of the highlights of West's social calendar, the evening promises plenty of entertainment while raising valuable funds for the club and showcasing fantastic support from local businesses. Entry is just £10, with a superb selection of prizes on offer, including a Scotland shirt and franchise training kit donated by Scotland international George Munsey, dinner for two at Bantawala by Masala Twist, a whisky and chocolate tour at the Clydeside Distillery, and many more. Whether you're backing a winner or simply enjoying the atmosphere, it promises to be a great evening, so come along and support your club.
Sunday
Stenhousemuir Women v West Women’s 2XI
West Women’s 2nd XI return to Women’s Challenger League West action on Sunday with a trip to Stenhousemuir looking to maintain their perfect start to the competition. Cammy Sriram’s side sit top of the round robin standings after three wins from three, including victory at Stenhousemuir earlier in the season and again at Garscube just a couple of weeks ago. The Tryst outfit, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the campaign and will be eager to reverse those results on home soil. West, however, will be hoping to continue their impressive form and strengthen their grip at the top of the table.
Sunday XI vs Ferguslie
There’s another rematch at Hamilton Crescent on Sunday as Rizwan Hussain’s Sunday side welcome a Ferguslie XI for their latest fixture. At the previous meeting at the start of June West they produced an impressive all-round performance to secure a 66 run victory in Paisley. A similar side to last week’s defeat to Hillhead is expected to take the field, with Daniel Corbett coming into the squad in place of Thomas Kitchen. After a number of enjoyable Sunday fixtures this season, another competitive encounter is expected with play getting under way at 12pm.
