CRICKET Scotland’s revamped domestic structure, featuring Eastern and Western Conferences, had its share of critics when it was introduced at the start of the season.

Sceptics remain at the culmination of a campaign which has been ravaged by rain but there will be few dissenting voices at Grange Loan, Edinburgh, this afternoon when Dumfries and Watsonians clash in the first-ever Cricket Scotland League Grand Final.

Indeed, there will only be winners as the two sides will receive the respective Western and Eastern Premier trophies which they clinched last week.

The big prize, though, is only available to today’s victors and an intriguing encounter is in prospect between two sides who also met in a Scottish Cup group match at the start of the summer.

Watsonians ran out comfortable winners on that occasion and will start favourites again today.

However, the Nunholm club have since emerged as the success story of the season, defying the odds to win the Western Premier title during their first term in the top flight.

They will be without their inspirational overseas all-rounder Josh Geary, who had already arranged to return to Australia prior to last week’s success.

However, Stuart Corbett-Byers, who will reclaim the captaincy in Geary’s absence, said: “We have proved all season that we have guys throughout the team who can contribute – that is one of our strengths.

“The Watsonians game is being described as the biggest game in our history – or at least the biggest game in our history since last Saturday!

“The boys are looking forward to giving it a go with the pressure off after the title decider last weekend when there was a possibility we could have missed out on the Western Premier title.

“Win or lose tomorrow is has been a great season for the club but a win would make it even better.”

In the opposing camp Stuart Chalmers, the Watsonians captain, has called on his side to put the disappointment of last Sunday’s Scottish Cup final behind them.

Like Dumfries, the Myreside club are without their overseas player, Jean Symes having returned to South Africa.

However, Chalmers can call on a wealth of experience particularly in the shape of former Scotland captain Craig Wright while talented youth is represented by national U19 bowler Paddy Sadler.

Chalmers’ namesake Ewan may also be a key figure having scored 86 for Scotland Lions during the week.

“We’re all excited about the final,” said the skipper. “We expect a tough match but we’ll be going in with all guns blazing.”

MEANWHILE, Hillhead have the chance to return to the national set-up for the first time since 2004 when they meet Kelburne at Cambusdoon today.

The Hughenden side were crowned Western Union champions last month and face a Paisley side scrapping for survival, having finished bottom of the Western First Division.

Hillhead skipper Richard Bond said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to play off for a place in the Cricket Scotland League.

“We have been going well and our batsmen are looking forward to playing at Cambusdoon.

“Kelburne are a strong side and we anticipate a close, competitive game.”

Opening batsman David Foster replaces the unavailable Michael Frohlich for Hillhead who boasted a 100% record throughout their Union campaign.

GLENROTHES, meanwhile are bidding to join the National set-up for the first time ever.

The East League champions face Strathmore Union counterparts Dundee HSFP at Falkland today (Sat) with the winners taking on Edinburgh Accies in the play-off final tomorrow for the last place in next season’s CS Eastern First Division.