HAVING played a major part in taking ambitious minnows Glenrothes to the top flight of Scottish cricket, Chris Greaves is determined to inspire Forfarshire to become genuine title contenders in the Eastern Premiership.
Greaves has made the leap across the Tay to take over from Graeme Beghin as player-coach at Broughty Ferry.
And he admitted he just can’t wait to get into the competitive fray in today’s home-turf tussle against Aberdeenshire.
Greaves said: “There are lots of new beginnings for the club this season, with Umair Mohammed captaining the side in succession to Craig Wallace.
“In addition we hope to benefit from the spanking new under-cover practice area and nets at Forthill.
“I feel honoured to be part of such an exciting set-up and I am sure it will be a memorable season for us all.”
Greaves continued: “Apart from being a fine all-round cricketer, Umair is a widely respected individual, on and off the field.
“Everyone is buzzing at the prospect of what can be achieved during the campaign.”
On a personal front, the Scotland-qualified Greaves is keen to attract the attention of the national selectors.
He added: “The priority will always be to contribute as much as I can to Forfarshire, but I will also be determined to help the cause of the Cally Highlanders.
“At the moment, the focus is on producing a strong performance against Aberdeenshire.
“We are a well-balanced squad and the guys are in the right frame of mind. All we want now is for the temperatures to rise a little!”
Angus neighbours Arbroath will start as strong favourites to take the scalp of Falkland at Lochlands, despite being without several key players.
They have also been thwarted by red tape in their attempts to give a debut to their new fast-bowling pro, Haseeb Khan.
In order to qualify to appear in the league, Khan needs a coaching certificate, however the course he had been booked to complete was called off at short notice by the ECB
Skipper Mark Petrie declared: “We are also due to welcome an 18 year old batting all rounder from South Africa, however he won’t be here until May 6.
“Falkland didn’t have the best of season’s last year and they will be eager to come out of the traps to make a statement that they can compete, even with the loss of Safyaan Sharif and Brock Ditchmen.
“They looked good in pre-season under Stuart Campbell and he will be a driving force for them.
“Frustratingly, I am injured and won’t be playing, so Greig Peal will take the keeping gloves and Ross McLean will lead the side.”
Arbroath could also be without Fraser Burnett, whose partner is due to give birth at any moment.
In comes Scotland Under-15s Darryl Sinclair, who piled up the runs for the second eleven last year.
Sharif has made the inter-Fife switch to Glenrothes - and they have the toughest possible opener as they collide with champions Carlton at Gilvenbank.
He stated: “I am delighted to have signed with the Glens. We have a decent squad and if we can get the basics right then we will be a handful.”
Carlton, who will be operating under the captaincy of Scotland seamer Ali Evans, will be without several front line stars, but Sharif stressed: “They will have a very competitive line-up.”
Elsewhere, it is derby day in the north of the capital where Grange - again under the stewardship of former World Cup ace John Blain - should have the edge over Heriot’s at Raeburn Place.
Scotland prospect Harris Carnegie has headed south to Grange from Arbroath, while another man in the national reckoning, former Durham all-rounder Dylan Budge, has also arrived.
And SMRH make their return to the top flight with a home encounter against Watsonians.