Conference B

Poloc have been given an early boost by the return of Scotland international Craig McKnight after an absence of four years.

The left-arm spinner returned to the country last week after emigrating to Australia in 1994, and immediately linked up with his old Shawholm mates.

The 28-year-old McKnight, capped three times in 1990, goes straight in for the visit of Stoneywood-Dyce this afternoon - albeit with a set of borrowed whites.

Skipper Keith Sheridan said: ''Craig is currently living out of boxes and has only managed to find his bat and pads. But I'll be lending him a set of whites.

''It's a great boost to have someone of Craig's ability back in the side.'' Sheridan may even find himself with a rival for a spinning berth in the international side.

He added: ''Craig was a class act in his first spell here and has showed in the nets this week that he's still got it.''

Along with new Pakistani pro Mohammed Ramzan, McKnight will help give the Glasgow side a more solid look.

Stoneywood, who opened with a win at Corstorphine, will be without opening bowler Matthew Cohen, who sustained an ankle injury in the nets this week.

Meanwhile, Perthshire go into their clash with West of Scotland without professional Lal Rajput, who is still in India awaiting a work permit.

Skipper Chris Galloway said: ''It's frustrating to say the least. This is one game where we can ill-afford to do without Lal's class.

''Every year we seem to have the same problem, and yet every other club seems to have their pro in place.''

West made heavy weather of defeating RHSM last week, but should have few problems today.

An intriguing battle of the Springboks is in store at Grange Loan, where Carlton's Cedric English and Dion Taljard of Strathmore will renew hostilities.

Carlton skipper Alan Macleod revealed: ''Cedric's been talking about this one all week. Apparently the pair have had a few lively battles for their respective clubs back home.''

Strathmore are still without injured skipper Mark Mudie.

Drumpellier entertain RHSM, while Corstorphine have home advantage against Falkland.