The leaders of Conference A will therefore put an extra burden on their cheery Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Aslam as they try to extend their unblemished league record.

Already at the top of both batting and bowling averages, Shahid is certainly the man to take on this extra responsibility and it would be a surprise if, despite their shortages of personnel, Heriot's were not to further strengthen their position.

The two main pursuing clubs are not so badly hit by international calls. Grange, who have lost only George Salmond, can expect to win at Forfarshire while West Lothian should be strong enough to overcome Hillhead at Hughenden despite the absence of Alec Davies.

Clydesdale are lucky to have a free day and Ayr's loss of Bruce Patterson should not prove too much of a handicap when they face Stirling County but Aberdeenshire may find Mike Smith's absence a handicap against a Greenock.