Conference C starts a week ahead of the other two sections, because it contains 11 teams as opposed to 10 in A and B. With four teams going into the First Division from C (three each go through from A and B) it promises to be the most keenly contested of the three sections.

This section contains at least six teams who may legitimately harbour First Division ambitions. Tomorrow, for instance, Ayr travel to Aberdeenshire, Freuchie to Ferguslie and Stirling to Greenock, while Clydesdale receive Uddingston.

Aberdeenshire will hope that the woes of last season are behind them. They have acquired the services of two Australians, Brad Wigney and Garth Nottle, while Colin Smith, back from a winter in Australia, has recovered from injury, and this week at least, Mike Smith will be available.

Ayr's batting has always been their strength, but they have also recruited batsman Kevin Roberts from New South Wales and another Australian left-hander, Ashley Hooper, as their overseas amateur.

Old heads are likely to lead the way when Stirling visit Glenpark tomorrow. Bruce Russell and new captain Jon Taylor will be to the fore for Stirling while Greenock boast the evergreen Tom Black, although the return of Guyanan Andre Percival and the introduction of Australian seamer Chris Swan should make up for the loss of Peter Duthie who has retired.

Although Clydesdale have elected Greig Williamson as their captain, they may find his appearances limited by international commitments. Thus again, much will depend upon Amir Hanif. Tomorrow's clash ought to be a formality, especially as there is doubt about George Reifer's fitness for the visitors.