LINLITHGOW, some 12 miles west of Edinburgh, is perhaps best known for its associations with Mary, Queen of Scots. But it also is the home of West Lothian Cricket Club and there, at the unfortunately named Boghall grounds, Ireland take on Scotland in the annual three day match from today until Monday; hopefully, the Irish won't lose their heads, unlike the ill fated monarch.

Alan Lewis, first recalled to the team after injury and then restored as captain in the absence of Justin Benson, will be aiming to take up where his predecessor left off in the European Championship and the Triple Crown series. Ireland won both competitions, in a remarkable recovery after an earlier inauspicious representative season.

Arguably, this is not the strongest possible Ireland team. Derek Heasley was not considered because of injury, while Uel Graham and Decker Curry were ruled out by business commitments. And Benson's knee injury is apparently too risky to stand up to three days of wear and tear, though fortuitously he has been included in Malahide's squad for today's River House League match against table toppers Clontarf.

But, with the squad for the World Cup qualifying tournament in Malaysia next spring due to be announced, the game against the Scots could open the door for several aspirants, while giving the selectors a final opportunity to assess the talent at their disposal. And the match presents a chance to atone for letting Scotland off the hook in the Triple Crown game.

Owen Butler seems certain to be the focus of considerable attention. Butler is probably the quickest bowler around, and no doubt will be keen to turn in an impressive performance.

Once again, Scotland will be led by George Salmond, their useful middle order batsman, and he will be looking for good performances from the likes of the medium paced seamer John Blain and Iain Philip.

The spinners Jim Govan and Andy Tennant won't lack incentive, either. Word has it that this might be their final chance to win places in Scotland's squad for Malaysia, so maybe Ireland's batsmen should beware, always depending on how the Boghall track plays, of course.

On the domestic front, this afternoon's match of the day undoubtedly is the league game at, Malahide. Clontarf are undefeated in Section A and it will be a major upset if Malahide unhorse them, though Deryck Vincent could be missed.

The return of Alf Masood could be significant. Malahide, trailing at the bottom of the table, desperately need a win; the combination of the talents of Benson, assuming that he will play, and Masood add up to an intriguing confrontation.

At the Vineyard, Merrion will be out to consolidate their Section B top spot at the expense of The Hills, who will be without Declan Moore, on duty with Ireland, as well as their representatives in the Leinster under 19 side.