THE grand scheme of things away back at the formation of the West Region was for Central v Ayrshire head to heads to act as the bedrock of a Super Premier Division.

There were pats on the backs all round when six sides from each Region kicked things off but 15 years down the line and this competitive concept is looking increasingly dubious seeing as clubs of a former Central Region origin have been dropping like flies to leave a mere three of their number - Arthurlie, Pollok and Rob Roy - to be found amongst the current top-flight elite of twelve.

And a reflective glance back at the whereabouts of the title honours down through the years paints an even grimmer picture of Ayrshire domination given that Pollok's outstanding four successes in the first six years of the competition … their last in 2008 … is all that has prevented a clean sweep for clubs hailing from the Land O’ Burns.

Just why matters have become so one-sided is a question that one could pose to a terracing full of Junior followers and everyone present could easily have a different slant on it.

Rossvale Juniors assistant manager and erstwhile Pollok defensive cornerstone Stevie Aitchison,winner of four titles and the man who skippered the Newlandsfield club to their last three championship wins, reckons the answer lies in the fact it means more to the people involved with Ayrshire clubs.

He reasoned: “Of course financial investment plays a part as my experience of trying to sign players since moving into a backroom role is that you can be putting forward perfectly reasonable contract terms that are blown away by counter offers from teams down in Ayrshire.

“And it develops into something of a vicious circle because having the wherewithal to attract better quality players gives you a better chance of winning the top prizes and then you attract a lot of players who understandably want to join those clubs where they have a chance of winning trophies.

“That said, another key factor is the sheer passion to be found in supporters in and around many Ayrshire towns and villages where nothing else matters above the local team doing well.

“This fan base ensures there’s a revenue always coming in by turning out in all weathers to show support for their teams and I’m pretty sure you could chap a door in places like Auchinleck or Cumnock on any given Saturday and offer free tickets to go and watch either Celtic or Rangers in action only to be turned away.

“Somehow I cannot see the same happening in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.”

One thing for sure is the pressure is steadily mounting on Central clubs to put an end to this long run of success enjoyed by their Ayrshire counterparts and there can be no doubting Rob Roy and Pollok appear to have the quality to be talked of as serious championship contenders this season.

And neither can Arthurlie be discounted from coming to the fore in any title race even though they appear to lack the strength in depth to mount a challenge and are further handicapped by a current mid-table position which leaves Stevie Kerrigan ‘s men with a lot of ground to make up on the leading sides.

The credentials of all three clubs are about to receive a thorough examination this coming Saturday and none more so than the front-running Rabs seeking to bounce back from Troon's 1-0 victory at Portland Park inflicting a first defeat of the season on Stewart Maxwell’s side.

The Kirkintilloch outfit host the visit of a Beith side boasting the only unbeaten league record in the Super Premier Division and home fans will be pinning hopes on the attacking wiles of Willie Sawyers, Kevin Watt and Chris Duff can breach a resolute visiting rearguard built around the experienced centre-back trio of Kevin McDonald, John Sheridan and Mark McLaughlin.

A healthy Newlandsfield crowd is sure to be in attendance when Pollok look to extend a six-match unbeaten run against Cumnock who have taken 10 points from a possible 12 in recent outings.

Arthurlie’s exits from the two main cup competitions is sure to have the Barrhead men determined to clinch a league double over Troon whom they overcame by a 3-2 scoreline when the teams met in Ayrshire back in early September.

FRIDAY

(Kick-off 7pm)

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Ardeer Thistle.

SATURDAY

(Kick-offs 2pm unless stated)

Scottish Junior Cup second round: Banks O’Dee v Kilbirnie Ladeside (3pm).

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Pollok v Cumnock, Kilwinning Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot, Hurlford Utd v Glenafton, Arthurlie v Troon, Rob Roy v Beith.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Shettleston v Cumbernauld Utd, Irvine Meadow v Maryhill, Renfrew v Irvine Vics, Girvan v Yoker Athletic, Clydebank v Petershill, Rutherglen Glencairn v Blantyre Vics, Shotts Bon Accord v Kilsyth Rangers.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Wishaw v St Roch's, Thorniewood Utd v Neilston, Lesmahagow v Greenock, Cambuslang Rangers v Larkhall Thistle, Rossvale v Benburb, Forth v Vale of Clyde, Johnstone Burgh v Bellshill Athletic.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: East Kilbride Thistle v Dunipace, Glasgow Perthshire v Newmains Utd, Carluke Rovers v Port Glasgow, Lanark Utd v Royal Albert, Vale of Leven v Gartcairn.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Ardeer Thistle, Craigmark v Dalry Thistle, Muirkirk v Annbank Utd, Saltcoats Vics v Kello Rovers, Lugar Boswell v Maybole Whitletts Vics v Darvel.