Aberdeenshire v Ayr
Ayr will be looking to build on their surprise defeat of West of Scotland in last Sunday's Scottish Cup as they travel to frontrunners Aberdeen. The battle between ‘Shire paceman Chris West and Ayr's opening batsmen, the prolific professional Michael Papps and young Scotland Lions opener, Andy McElnea, will be key. If Papps goes early, then Aberdeenshire should cruise to victory.
Likewise, Aberdeenshire rely heavily on their two overseas players, Todd Astle and Brad Rodden with the bat. Clydesdale dismissed them early and went on to beat the Dons comfortably. Ayr will be hoping veteran Andy Baird and Papps can make an early breakthrough with the ball, but Aberdeenshire have a sniff of the title and Ayr will find it tough to stop the Don's from getting another win.
Prediction: Aberdeenshire win.
Star Player: Kevin Thompson. The unsung hero of Aberdeenshire's title push, Thompson may not be among the leading wicket takers, but his economy rate is well under 3 per over. He builds pressure while the likes of Astle and West take wickets at the other end.
Grange v Greenock
Greenock have finally gained some momentum with wins over Carlton and Uddingston but they will have a tough ask against the 2008 champions, who will have Neil McCallum back in their line up. Grange are missing exciting young batsman, Ollie Hairs, who is representing Scotland in the European Under 19 Championships in Jersey but have enough experience to make life difficult for a depleted Greenock attack.
With Craig Wright and Willie Rowan in Jersey and Sean Weeraratna and Dewald Nel struggling with injury, the visitors will look to Cameron Borgas for inspiration with bat and ball. No doubt, Greenock will put up a stern fight, but Grange will take the points to keep their title aspirations alive.
Prediction: Grange win.
Star Player: Gregor Maiden. Has had a lean trot of late and he's due for a big score. Greenock's second-string attack will find it tough if Maiden gets going.
Greaves Clydesdale v McCrea FS West
Clydesdale have strung together three wins on the bounce and insiders are tipping them as potential title winners. Clydesdale's problem has been a lack of consistency throughout the summer, but it appears as though the arrival of Kamran Sajid has added stability to both their batting and bowling.
West will be again be relying on Dougie Lockhart to provide a start with the bat, with pro Andy Ellis and skipper Ian Young adding steel to the middle order. West will be hoping for an improved bowling performance after last weeks disappointing effort against Aberdeenshire, but Clydesdale are tough to beat at home and have momentum on their side. Clydesdale's push for the title continues.
Prediction: Clydesdale win.
Star Player: Majid Haq. Scotland's star performer with the ball in the World T20 will be keen to convert that form to club cricket. Due for some runs too.
Uddingston v Heriots
Uddingston captain Ricky Bawa described last Saturday's bowling performance against Greenock as the worst ever. The Villagers conceded an incredible 45 extras, including 31 wides. Ironically, in their first fixture against Uddingston this year, Heriots also conceded 45 extras, including 36 wides. If both teams continue this effort, it may be a late finish at Bothwell Castle Policies on Saturday.
Uddingston have stuttered in recent weeks, with a home win over Grange their only win in their last four games. Up until last weeks defeat to Grange, Heriots had won three on the trot with Steve Knox scoring runs for fun.
Both teams have had some ding-dong battles in recent years, but Uddingston are always tough to beat on their home patch and should take the spoils.
Prediction: Uddingston win.
Star Player: Tom Plant. With 728 runs under his belt already, Uddingston's prolific professional looks set to be the first Premier league batsmen to pass 1000 in the SNCL.
Watsonians v Carlton
Many predicted Carlton to be at the top of the table at the end of the summer, but they have struggled with consistency throughout the season. An excellent run chase against Ayr last week could spark Carlton back into the sort of form that saw them beat McCrea FS West and Uddingston in previous weeks.
With Fraser Watts and Gordon Drummond available, Carlton will be strong favourites to string together two wins in a row. Watsonians are tough to beat at home though and classy pro Andy Delmont will be looking to add to his season tally of 643 runs. Raj Routray has also found some encouraging form with the new ball and has the ability to make life tough for Carlton's top order, but Carlton have enough class and experience in their line up to take maximum points.
Prediction: Carlton win.
Star Player: Fraser Watts.
The Saltires opening batsmen scored a ton against Canada a couple of weeks back and appears to be enjoying a re-birth as a free flowing, aggressive opening batsman.