West of Scotland duo, Craig Wright and Gregor Maiden, return from victorious international duty at Lord's, the home of cricket, in midweek to the more mundane surroundings of Hamilton Crescent this afternoon.

Yet the pair could face just as stiff an examination of their growing cricketing prowess as their side line up against Poloc in Conference B's match of the day.

The MCC side which Wright and Maiden helped to brush aside had no-one of the undoubted calibre of the new Shawholm pro, Mohammed Ramzan.

The young Pakistani batsman's CV prior to his arrival on these shores, showed that the player already boasted one Test cap.

His early performances - two centuries in three starts - have been enough to convince his new team-mates that more international honours surely will be a formality.

Seemingly inevitable - although cricket can be a great leveller - are further big scores from the man who already has made up for the loss of former Poloc favourite, Sajid Ali.

West, however, are aiming to preserve their place at the top of the table, and they will be determined to prevent Ramzan from high-scoring today

And in Wright, Ramzan will meet a player bursting with the confidence gained by a successful first appearance down at Lord's.

The big seamer produced a match-winning burst of four wickets to add to his impressive domestic haul this season, leaving Maiden in no doubt that his pal is the man of the moment.

''Craig was probably Scotland's biggest success down there,'' said the teenage off-spinner. He really put his back into it on a wicket that didn't favour the pacemen, and fully deserved his reward.

''His Lord's performance was a sign of how much his game has come on in recent times.''

And Maiden insists there will be no adverse reaction as the pair come back down to earth.

He added: ''Lord's is a fantastic place - absolutely mind-blowing. But Craig and I have discussed it, and we're agreed it will not be difficult coming down from the high.

''We both know we've got to keep producing the goods if we want to continue being selected for Scotland.

''In addition, a derby match is a good one to come back to - especially since Poloc have found a bit of form. I'm sure all the lads will want to lift their game for this one.''

Such was the ease with which the Scots dismissed MCC in the second innings that young Maiden was not called upon to show what he can do.

However, the chance to bowl at Ramzan would be a welcome consolation. I certainly prefer bowling at quality batsmen,'' insisted the youngster, So it would be nice if I'm given that opportunity.''

However, Poloc should not be regarded as a one-man show, as recent performances from captain Keith Sheridan and top order batsman Brian Spence demonstrate.

Spence brushed aside the early loss of Ramzan in the cup last week to guide his side to victory at Stoneywood-Dyce with a brilliant 93, while Sheridan has frequently shown he's no mug with the willow at the crease.

In addition, Poloc will introduce 20-year-old Antiguan, Elixon Cornwall, who also has the reputation of being a free-scoring batsman.

Team-mate Charlie McBride explained: ''We've been trying to secure an overseas amateur since before the start of the season, and are pleased to have fixed up Elixon.

''He wants to try his hand over here, but we're not expecting miracles. After all, this will be totally an alien experience for him.''

Nontheless, McBride feels today's clash is coming at a good time for Poloc. We had a really ropey start to the season,'' he pointed out, ''but the lads put it together last weekend, and will travel to Hamilton Crescent with plenty of confidence.''

Regardless of the outcome, the contest between Ramzan and West's equally prolific professional Corey Richards - he thumped a spectacular unbeaten 167 at Drumpellier last week although West could only draw - should attract an expectant crowd to Partick.

RHSM and Carlton, two sides waiting to pounce on any slips from West, could provide a fascinating capital contest.

Carlton skipper Alan Macleod is looking for his top batsman Bryn Lockie to bring some of his international form on to the domestic stage.

Lockie, who has scored a stack of runs for Scotland this season, has been unable to convert that form to club level.

Macleod said: ''Strangely, he probably is thinking that he's under more pressure when he plays for us, because he feels runs are expected of him. But he's such a good player a big score is bound to come sooner or later.''

RHSM counterpart Rob Thornton believes the Inverleith wicket will favour batsmen, and is looking for pro Zahoor Elahi to hit form.

The other three contests have an even look, with Stoneywood-Dyce hosting Drumpellier, Falkland travelling to Strathmore, and Corstorphine entertaining Perthshire in what will be a real basement battle.

WILLIAM DICK