Matthew Parker has been urged to fill the void left by Kelby Pickering's departure at Forfarshire.

The allrounder, who impressed for Scotland in the World Cricket League last week, has returned to his club after international duty and will take Pickering's place in the team for the visit of Uddingston tomorrow.

Professional Pickering returned to Australia on Sunday as his wife had landed a new job and his absence will hit the club hard as he had been a key player.

Forfarshire captain Ryan Watson is sad to see Pickering go and has challenged Parker to step into the breach in the remaining seven games.

He said: “Kelby was an important player for us, but he's gone now and we have to move on.

“He was a good pro for us, but more importantly he was a good wicket-taker and he took a few from the top order, especially this year. Losing that ability from the team is what will hurt us most, but I am hoping Matty can come in and replace him.

“We have named him as Kelby's replacement this week now he is back and we hope to have him available for most of the seven games we have left this season.

“He's a young player, but a very talented one, and he had a good week with Scotland. Hopefully he can maintain that form in the remaining games.”

Parker returns to a Forfarshire side which is sitting third in the Premier Division, and still harbouring designs on finishing higher in the table.

Watson said: “We are in a good position and this is a big weekend for us.

“Grange, who lead the table, face second-placed Watsonians so something has to give in that game and we really have to take advantage by winning our game.

“Uddingston are a decent side though with the likes of Paul Hoffmann in their side as well as a few experienced others. But we have home advantage and we want to make it count.”


This article first apperared in the Press and Journal and is reproduced with their kind permission.