Conference A

ALTHOUGH the season is still in its infancy, ominous trends are beginning to develop. Grange have reeled off three straight victories without ever looking seriously extended and only Heriot's are still up there with them having won both their matches to date.

Grange are off conference duty today, so the spotlight falls on McKane Park where Heriot's are the visitors.

Skipper Euan McIntyre appreciates the importance of winning this one in order to prevent a gap opening up, but his opposite number, Dunfermline captain Ross Mitchinson, is determined to make up for a home defeat last week at the hands of Watsonians.

The Fifers' professional, Manzoor Elahi, is one of Pakistan's most elegant exports, but he has yet to find his form this season.

On the other hand, Shahid Aslam has delivered solid, professional contributions to the Heriot's cause, maintaining his reputation as one of the most reliable performers on the circuit.

For the third successive week, GHK are on the road, this time Broughty Ferry-bound for a tilt at Forfarshire. Here too there is a sense of frustration and perceived under-achievement, the home side having still to register a win.

They will expect to rectify that this afternoon and certainly the Glasgow side can expect a much sterner outing than at Hughenden a week ago.

Their victims, Hillhead, entertain Kelburne, who were in trenchant form with the bat, but unable to force a win at Forthill. They will hope to do so today.

Stenhousemuir make the short journey along the M9 to Linlithgow, no doubt as unsure as the rest of us which aspect of their split personality will be on show today.

West Lothian would wish it to be their curl-up-and-die mode.