Aberdeenshire captain Tyler Buchan believes overseas amateur Hayes van der Berg can play a major role in the club’s title challenge this year.
The former South African under-19 all-rounder, who previously played for Western Province, has settled in quickly in his new surroundings since arriving at Mannofield.
Van der Berg has contributed 128 runs in his five innings so far with his best of 45 coming on his debut in the opening-day win against Carlton.
With nine wickets as well it’s clear the import is adjusting nicely in Scotland but Buchan believes there is much more to come from the new recruit.
He said: “Hayes has done really well so far. He has settled in well on and off the pitch and has quickly become a popular figure in the dressing-room. He hasn’t got that big score his performances have merited but someone is going to suffer soon.
“He is confident and quickly getting to grips with the conditions over here, and I expect he will make a big impact at the club this year.”
Buchan was pleased to see his side get back to winning ways with comfortable wins against Watsonians in the league and West Lothian in the Scottish Cup last weekend, but has warned against complacency when struggling Stewart’s-Melville Royal High FPs visit Mannofield tomorrow.
He said: “These were two convincing wins for us and it was important we got our season back on track after the poor result we had against Heriot’s.
“Calum Martin, our middle order batsman, did especially well but I couldn’t fault anyone, it was a solid display of batting, bowling and fielding from the side.
“It was important we restored confidence after the Heriot’s defeat and we have to take that on and build on it against SMRH this weekend.
“They finished bottom in the league last year but there was no relegation due to restructuring and they are along similar lines this year.
“On paper, it is a game we are expected to win, especially if we want to be challenging for the title this year, but as with any match in this league it’s important we approach it properly.”
Bowler Ryan West is the only change from the side which won the Scottish Cup tie on Sunday, replacing Tony McKenna.