The Forecast: Hamilton Crescent double bill on opening weekend
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!
After a long winter, the Scottish cricket season is finally back and Western District Cricket Union league fixtures return this weekend.
Saturday
Allied Vehicles West of Scotland XI vs GHK
The Allied Vehicles West of Scotland XI begin their Western Premiership One campaign with a home Glasgow derby against GHK. The new captaincy team of Sam Page and John Strachan are boosted by the return of Joe Carrasco, who missed last weekend’s Scottish Cup victory at Ayr. Overseas bowler Mekyle Pillay will look to continue his impressive start after taking three wickets at Cambusdoon. The first ball of the new league season is scheduled for 12pm.
GHK Strathclyde v Partick XI
In Championship Division One, new 2nd XI skipper Chris Ross will be hoping for a strong start as he leads the Partick side into the reverse fixture against GHK Strathclyde. It is a fresh-look West second string, with Ramsay Brown and Innes Algie among those set to make their West debuts at Old Anniesland, while familiar faces Swami Ananthanarayanan and keeper James Scott step up from the 3rd XI after strong finishes to last season.
Hamilton Crescent XI v LOC Hire The Tryst
The 3s travel to Stirling to face Stenhousemuir’s 2nd XI as they look to open the season with a victory. Returning captain Moosa Vakil names a side featuring several familiar faces, including vice-captain Manish Kaushik, alongside returning player Tanishq Charde and debutant Rory Kemp Smith. They will be hoping to reverse last May’s narrow two-wicket defeat to The Tryst at the same venue.
Sunday
Women’s XI vs Grampian Thistles
Women’s cricket also returns this weekend as West welcome Grampian Thistles to Hamilton Crescent in the Women’s Premier League 40. West Women enjoyed a successful away trip to Huntly last season, claiming a nine-wicket victory, and will be hoping to make another strong start in this season’s opener in Glasgow. The 40-over match gets under way at 1pm.
