The Forecast: West gear up for Rowan Cup finale
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 last week’s washout a busy weekend awaits with both league and cup action.
Saturday
Allied Vehicles West of Scotland vs Renfrew
Gameweek 11 sees Allied Vehicles West of Scotland return to Hamilton Crescent to host Renfrew in Premiership One. West claimed victory in the reverse fixture at King George V Playing Fields back in May, with Graeme Etheridge’s four wicket haul and 47 runs from Joseph Carrasco proving decisive in a DLS success. Having secured promotion together last season, the two sides have enjoyed contrasting campaigns so far. Renfrew arrive sitting ninth in the table and battling to avoid relegation, while West occupy third place and will be looking to maintain the pressure on second-placed Ferguslie as the race for the top of the table intensifies. First ball is scheduled for 12pm, although showers are forecast throughout the day.
Renfrew 2nd XI v Partick XI
The Partick XI make the return trip to King George V Playing Fields this weekend to take on Renfrew 2nd XI in Championship Division One. The hosts, who earned promotion alongside West last season, currently sit sixth in the table, while Chris Ross’s side remain third behind Whitehaugh and Titwood as the title race continues to gather pace. Partick were left frustrated by the weather last weekend after their fixture was abandoned, but Renfrew were one of the few sides to complete a game, defeating Williamfield by four wickets in Stirling. After dismissing the hosts for 178, thanks largely to Tarun Khadiya’s four wicket haul, captain Sahil Chopra guided Renfrew to victory with an unbeaten 61, underlining the challenge awaiting West this weekend.
Hamilton Crescent XI vs Langside 2nd XI
The Hamilton Crescent XI will be looking to get their stop-start Championship Division Two campaign back up and running as they welcome Langside 2nd XI to Stirling on Saturday. Both sides were frustrated by the weather last weekend, with their fixtures abandoned without a ball being bowled, denying them the opportunity to build on victories in gameweek nine. West’s 3s returned to form with a comprehensive win over Glenpark that day, while Langside defeated Anniesland by 84 runs, with Sherali Afzal claiming an impressive four wicket haul. Moosa Vakil’s side will also be eager to avenge their meeting earlier in the season, when they were dismissed for just 69 before slipping to a seven wicket defeat.
Sunday
Rowan Cup Finals Day
On Sunday, Allied Vehicles West of Scotland’s Rowan Cup campaign continues into a finals day being held across two venues in Paisley. West will face Ferguslie in the t20 semi final at Whitehaugh at 12pm, whilst the holders Clydesdale play Prestwick at Meikleriggs. The winner of both games will then face off in a final due to be held at Meikleriggs from 4pm. With a warm day forecast its the perfect opportunity to follow the lads on the road and lend your support.
Stewart’s Melville v West Women
West’s Women’s XI begin the second half of the Cricket Scotland Women’s Premier League 40 season with a trip to Edinburgh to face Stewart’s Melville. Abbey Gore’s side have enjoyed an excellent campaign to date and sit second in a competitive table, with another victory giving them the opportunity to keep the pressure on league leaders Carlton. The hosts, meanwhile, occupy fifth place in the seven-team division and come into the fixture on the back of a four wicket win over East Kilbride. Captain Lucy Forrester-Smith starred in that success with an impressive four wicket haul and will be one of the key players West will be looking to contain.
West Women 2s v Stenhousemuir
Meanwhile, West Women’s 2nd XI continue their Women’s Challenger League West campaign with a home fixture against Stenhousemuir. After a difficult afternoon away to holders Carlton in the Challenger Cup a fortnight ago, the 2nd XI will be keen to return to winning ways against a side they have already defeated this season. West claimed victory at The Tryst back in May with important contributions from Azka Fiaz and Zunaira Suman helping to secure the result and will be hoping for a repeat performance as they look to strengthen their position at the top of the round robin standings.
