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Ayr, Aberdeenshire, West of Scotland and Carlton have emerged as the four front-runners for the first Scottish National Cricket League Premiership title despite a stuttering start to the season because of rain.

Two of these leading teams enjoy home advantage tomorrow with Ayr looking to further improve their position against Stoneywood Dyce. Despite registering a convincing victory against Greenock, the Aberdeen-based side may find the New Cambusdoon team too hot to handle, especially as they will be strengthened by the return from World Cup duty of Bruce Patterson.

West of Scotland, who had no players in the World Cup squad, are at home to West Lothian who welcome back Alec Davies, a much-needed strengthening of a batting line-up which until now has been heavily dependent upon Craig Light. West, however, look a stronger all-round side with Corey Richards especially, in commanding form.

But the return from international duty of Mike Allingham, Asim Butt and possibly Jim Love will make a big difference to Heriot's, especially as this weekend they have a double header, entertaining Aberdeenshire at Goldenacre tomorrow and travelling to Ayr on Sunday, a daunting weekend programme and one they will probably have to face without the services of their injured captain Euan McIntyre.

Aberdeenshire have looked a powerful outfit thus far with Jason Arnberger again among the runs, well supported by his captain Neil MacRae and this weekend, further strengthened by the return of Mike Smith, they will provide the Edinburgh side with a severe test. Heriot's season may hinge on this weekend's events.

Carlton have been one of the season's surprise packets. Strengthened by some winter recruitment, they nevertheless face a difficult challenge tomorrow at Meiklreiggs against a Ferguslie side who have made a disappointing start to the season but whose captain Stuart Kennedy believes are improving.

At Raeburn Place, it will be back to the more mundane business of league business for Scotland captain George Salmond, after the euphoria of World Cup crowds. Grange's form has been disappointing and so the visit of Greenock, also enjoying mixed fortunes, may have more influence on the relegation battle than the destination of the championship. Dene Hills, Greenock's aggressive left-handed bat, may be the man most likely to turn this contest.

The return of Ian Stanger and Greig Williamson to Titwood for Clydesdale's first division game against Watsonians, will be a big boost for the Glasgow side who must now make up lost ground if they are to mount a real promotion challenge but the big game in that division takes place at Lochside Park where Strathmore take on front runners Prestwick.