Cricket: Watsonians on course to keep Weston

Watsonians are at an advanced stage of negotiations with New Zealand batsman Tim Weston to return for this year's Scottish cricket season.

Weston was a key figure as professional when 'Sonians made a sustained challenge for the 2010 Premiership title in taking their bid to the final day before losing out to Grange.

If Weston returns, he will provide strong back-up for new captain Craig Wright, the former national skipper who takes over from Steve Paige a year after enlisting at Myreside.

President Ross Brooks said: "We are talking with Tim about a possible return and discussions are going well at this stage. He was a big influence off the pitch as well as on it last year."

Also expected to be part of the squad is Andrew Chalmers, younger brother of internationalist Ewan, who is currently spending a gap year playing in Australia.

'Sonians build-up to the next season begins on Friday when they help launch the annual Scottish six-a-side tournament at the national academy in a section that also includes Heriot's and Edinburgh Accies.

Leading 'Sonians will be Scotland all-rounder Stuart Chalmers.