The Forecast: West welcome struggling Prestwick
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!
With the west of the Scotland in the grip of another sunny spell there are five more games scheduled across West’s sides this weekend.
Saturday
Allied Vehicles West of Scotland vs Prestwick
The Allied Vehicles West of Scotland XI return to Hamilton Crescent for a second successive Premiership One fixture this weekend as they host Prestwick. Last Saturday’s convincing victory over Renfrew maintained West’s grip on third place, with an impressive performance continuing the side’s strong league campaign. Prestwick, meanwhile, have endured a difficult season and currently sit bottom of the table with just one win to their name. They suffered a five wicket defeat at home to GHK last weekend, although Roan Alexander impressed with figures of 2 for 25. West will also take confidence from the reverse fixture earlier this season, when they edged a thrilling two wicket victory at the Henry Thow Oval. First ball is scheduled for 12pm.
Partick XI v St Ninian’s
The Partick XI make the return trip to the Henry Thow Oval this weekend to take on St Ninian’s in Championship Division One. West were comfortable winners when the sides met earlier in the season, dismissing St Ninian’s for just 59 before completing the chase with five wickets to spare. Spin proved decisive on that occasion, with Callum Dutia and Ben Cole sharing seven wickets between them. Chris Ross’s side will also take confidence from last weekend’s impressive 45-run victory over Renfrew 2nd XI, while St Ninian’s come into the fixture on the back of an eight wicket defeat to GHK Strathclyde.
Mearns 2s vs Hamilton Crescent XI
A trip to Bellahouston Park awaits the Hamilton Crescent XI this weekend as they face Mearns 2nd XI in Championship Division Two. West claimed the spoils when the sides met earlier this season, securing a four wicket victory in Stirling thanks to excellent bowling performances from Rory Kemp Smith and Saaid Sufi, who both claimed three wickets, and a match-winning 51 from opener Shaheer Hussain. Mearns currently sit one place below Hamilton Crescent in seventh, with four wins and five defeats from their opening fixtures. They come into the match after a defeat to The Tryst last weekend, despite posting 159 from their 40 overs, with the hosts chasing down the target with more than 10 overs to spare. Hamilton Crescent, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after their recent defeat to Langside 2nd XI.
Sunday
Carlton Women v West Women
West’s Women’s XI return to Edinburgh this weekend looking to bounce back from last Sunday’s defeat to Stewart’s Melville. Despite that setback, the side remains second in the Cricket Scotland Women’s Premier League 40 table, holding their position ahead of Grampian Thistles by virtue of having suffered fewer defeats. This weekend presents another significant challenge, however, as West travel to face league leaders Carlton, who have won all four of their completed fixtures so far this season, including an impressive seven wicket victory over third-placed Thistles last weekend. The game is due to start at 1pm at Grange Loan.
Ferguslie v Sunday XI
Meanwhile, Rizwan Hussain’s Sunday XI return to action with a second rematch of the season against Ferguslie. West have come out on top in both previous meetings this year, with strong bowling performances proving the difference on each occasion. Featuring a blend of promising emerging talent and experienced heads, the Sunday XI continues to provide an opportunity for players looking for a more relaxed and enjoyable cricket experience while still representing the club.
