NOT only did Aberdeenshire overcome the spirited challenge of West Lothian at Mannofield on Saturday, but they were the only side in the whole of the country to beat the downpours.

The phrase ''flaming June'' has never been more apt in an agitatory sense as Scotland's cricketers, almost half-way through their SNCL programme, still await the start of the real summer.

Australian professional Jason Arnberger laid the platform for Shire's success with a fine 89 as the county made 223 for five in their 50 overs, before seamer Kevin Thomson claimed six scalps to send the Linlithgow side tumbling to 173 all out.

West Lothian's highest scorer was South African professional Craig Light with 58, while retired Scotland stumper Alec Davies made 43 and new recruit Ayaz Gul 33.

However, the conditions suited Thomson perfectly, and once Davies and Gul were dismissed there was little significant resistance, apart from Light's patient effort.

He was the last man out, safely pouched by new Scotland wicketkeeper Colin Smith off the bowling of another Aberdonian Aussie, Steve Gribble.

Earlier, the bustling Arnberger had looked a sure bet to reach three-figures, but he perished as he took a wild and unnecessary swipe at Darren Cornforth.

Cornforth, best known as Scotland's World Cup physio, was undoubtedly the best of the West Lothian bowling line-up as he captured all five Shire wickets to fall.

While Arnberger provided the fireworks, there was also a valuable contribution from Smith. His 40 will have given him an injection of confidence in the build-up to his full international debut against Surrey in the NatWest Trophy on Wednesday.

Smith's ambition is not only to secure a regular place in the Scotland team, but also to become a professional.

Having quit his land economy studies to concentrate on cricket, he declared: ''I'd love to become one of the SCU's first contracted players.

''No-one knows what direction the game will take over the next couple of years, but if there's any form of semi-professionalism you can count me in.''

Smith is the first to admit that Davies will be a hard act to follow, but he has no qualms or nerves about crouching behind the timbers with the likes of Alec Stewart or Graham Thorpe at the crease.

He believes that at 6ft 4in, he will become the tallest keeper in international cricket - and he is out to silence the doubters who said he was too lanky to perform at the highest level.

Smith, impressive in a string of B outings in the last two seasons, said: ''It was always my ambition to play for Scotland, but my reasons may be slightly different from normal.

''I've been ridiculed about my height for as long as I can remember, and it just got worse when someone tossed me the gloves at school. People said I looked stupid with knees and elbows sticking out all over the place, but that just made me more determined to prove I could hack it.''

As the man nicknamed Floppy grew in stature behind the stumps, his ambitions rose, too.

Despite the merciless ribbings, Smith, 26, has only once felt self-conscious about his appearance. That was after he let girlfriend Karen loose on his light-brown locks and ended up a bleached blonde.

He chuckled: ''Karen is a hair stylist and had been on at me to do something about my mop. She came up with the bleached idea and I decided to let her go for it. Soon after I saw pictures of myself and thought I looked ridiculous, but I've since learned to look after it properly.''

Smith may be one of the most unusual sights ever to keep wicket but there's no doubt he has the potential for a long career at the top level.

His glove skills have never been in doubt. Now, after five winters spent in Australia, he is also emerging as one of the most exciting Scottish batting prospects for years.

There was plenty of evidence of that earlier this month when he belted an impressive unbeaten 155 for Scotland B against Durham University.

Scotland coach Jim Love certainly has no doubts about Smith's qualities, both with gloves and bat.

He said: ''Floppy's a big boy but he's unbelievably agile and his reflexes are top-notch.

''The way his batting has developed is a big bonus. Every side nowadays needs a wicket-keeper who can score runs and Colin has proved he can do that.''

Smith, the only new face for the NatWest third round clash, will complete a unique family double when he lines up at the Grange Club, Edinburgh.

He revealed: ''My mum's father, John Mortimer, played for Scotland in the thirties, and I've always had plenty of encouragement to equal that feat.''

Only five of Love's World Cup squad have survived for the Surrey showdown as the selectors finally look to the future. Youngsters Dougie Lockhart, Drew Parsons, Gregor Maiden, and Craig Wright are all in after being unluckily sidelined for the tournament.