Website Arrangements for 2010

We now have the opportunity to update the website and to look at ways of keeping it simple to operate and easy to read.

The aim is to have it up and running in early 2010.  Watch this space.

JR

Alexandra Redmond

It is with great sorrow that I have to advise of the death of our Hon Secretary, Alex Redmond. 

Alex passed away in the early hours of Friday 18th September.  Our thoughts are with Reddo and Alex’s family at this sad time.

Alex’s funeral will take place on Thursday 24th September at 11.30am at Dalnottar Crematorium.

John R Thomson

Chairman  WSCC

Western Cup Final Woe for West

Summer returned and Partick headed south of the river to play GU Staff at Titwood in the semi final of 2009 Western Cup.  Partick scored 157 for 1 in their 20 overs thanks to a magnificent 75no from Jats, 31no from Alfie and 27 from pinch hitter Aftab.  In reply GU Staff could only muster 86 for 8 so Partick – led by Stuart Beaufoy - marched on to the final against Titwood.

The Final was a different ball game.  Aftab departed early and only 35no from Alfie and a masterly turn back the clock innings of 26 from Dom Gallacher (knees and all) allowed Partick to reach 99 for 8 in 20 overs.

Titwood were reduced to 6 for 3 thanks to the Ralston brothers. 1 for Max and 2 in successive balls from Miro. Titwood recovered to 49 for 4 and 78 for 5 with young G Munro hitting an excellent 40. Miro finished with 2 for 20 in 4 overs.

Mike Stanger arrived at the last minute with the Western Cuo which was presented to Tim Hart by Jim Murphy, Western Union Secretary.   Oh well- there is always next year!!!

Adam Bell asked the question of the day to Harry Sher who, as he disconsolately walked up the pavilion steps for 0. “If its not too pointed a question, how  were you out?”  He lived to score another day.

All Set for Season 2010 after Players Meeting at West

A good attendance at last night’s Players Meeting acknowledged a successful year for McCrea FS West, Partick and Hamilton Crescent – with some more cricket to be played this weekend.  Complacency certainly would not be around as the hard work for Season 2010 would start shortly under the eagle eye of Coach, Isaac Umeed, who played a big part in this year’s real team effort.

Ian Young and Dougie Lockhart (wedding day on 19th sept- good luck, Dougie) retained the Captain and Vice Captain role for 2010.  Jonny Graham also remains captain of Partick with Spegsy (Stewart Leggat) offering support as V -C.

Graham McKendry stood down after 3 successful terms as Hamilton Crescent skipper (well done and thanks, Graham). Alfie Lloyd takes over with experienced support from Stuart Beaufoy who remains V-C.

The selection is again headed by Julian Andrewes with the 3 captains and, for 2010, the addition of Coach, Isaac Umeed.

So –much to look forward to, and prepare for – in 2010 but first, Sunday’s cup cricket at Titwood followed by McCrea FS Awards Dinner at West on Fri 18th September.  Only a few places left so contact JR on johnr.thomson@btinternet.com if you haven’t yet booked your place.

Cup Fever hits WSCC in early September

Last Thursday, before George Peat, SFA President made his (in)famous remarks to the media on George Burley – yet another historic first for Hamilton Crescent – we were delighted to host the draw for the First Round of the 125th Scottish FA Cup. Hamilton Crescent is the last surviving ground to host the early Scottish Cup Finals in 1876 and 1877 – hence the reason we were asked to host this event.

Firstly pupils from Hyndland Primary heard about the history of the Scottish Cup and Hamilton Crescent – and an enthusiastic lot they were, too.  Then the Cup draw was made by representatives of Queens Park FC and Vale of Leven FC in front of an audience of luminaries from many of the Clubs in the draw. After the draw was completed the media took over and cornered Mr Peat for the interview.  An interesting afternoon at West and despite the rain – no Duckworth Lewis in sight!

This Sunday – at Titwood – Partick play GU Staff in the semi final of the Western Cup at 1pm, and, hopefully, Clydesdale in the final at 4pm.  Let’s have a great support  for Jonny Graham and his troops as they battle to bring more silverware to West.  The 3s have already won the 2008 Strathclyde Shield for 2008 earlier this year and your Chairman collected the Scottish FA Cup  last Thursday – if only for a few minutes.  Photographic evidence may be forthcoming!

McCrea FS West end Season 2009 on a High Note as Aberdeenshire Clinch Double

From the moment Youngy won the toss and inserted Carlton for a prompt 12 noon start after a wet night, they produced a clinical performance to beat Carlton by 6 wickets at Hamilton Crescent. Gordon Goudie – eliminator of half of Australia just one day before – took 3-16 while Elly produced a devastating spell of 4-8 to reduce Carlton to 87 all out. (later reduced to 86 with the compliments of D/L).  Tea was taken around 2.45 (Well done, Ellane!!) while there had yet been no start at Titwood or Glenpark.

McCrea FS West got off to a quick start (rain about!!) before Gregg was out at 22 after a swashbuckling effort.  Duggie followed shortly after and Youngy was adjudged run out.  Elly steered the ship safely home (38no) with Rosco and the season ended with a third place (11 wins 6 defeats and 64.71%)  a magnificent effort based on a REAL team effort.  Well done guys!!

The rain must have been really heavy in Greenock as the vital game against Heriots never started and Heriots, as a result, are destined to play Forfarshire in a playoff, to determine Premier League status in 2010.  A lucky escape for David Campbell’s troops!!

Titwood eventually dried out to allow a 28 over game between Clydesdale and Grange.  As witnessed by JY, Grange needed 18 runs off the last over for a win and 2nd place in SNCL – and they achieved this!!

Aberdeenshire – promoted last year with McCrea FS West – beat Uddingston to become SNCL Champions  – and today in a rain affected Cup Final at Ayr they achieved the double with a D/L win against newly promoted Dunfermline. Thoroughly deserved – they are the team to beat in 2010 and McCrea FS West will be up to that challenge!!

A good season for all at West – some Cup Cricket still to be played by the 2s and 3s  – and the Players Meeting on Mon 7th September at 7.30.  Be there!

The  Grand Summer Draw was won by Janis Edwards with runners up prizes going to David Snodgrass (remember that name??) and Stuart McLeod.  £1100 raised for West – another good effort.

Update on Cup Games

Partick’s Western Cup Semi v GU Staff has been provisionally arranged for Sunday 13th September at Titwood.  Time to be confirmed but will be followed by the Final v Clydesdale when (or if) we win!!

The Strathclyde Shield Final between the 3s and Active Life has been switched to Hamilton Crescent on Sunday 6th september starting at 1pm.

Gordon Goudie takes 5 against OZ

What a comeback from GG!!   Recovering from his serious shoulder injury he timed his best performance (so far) in taking 5 for 73 against Australia at The Grange yesterday.  Congratulations – this has only been achieved through hard work back to fitness and belief in his abilities.  Perhaps it will be another 5 today when McCrea FS West play Carlton at West in the final league game of this campaign.

Greenock Grab West League Cup in the Gloom

The West Chairman got his hands on a trophy tonight – but, alas, only to pass it to Douglas McCrea who promptly presented it to Greenock skipper, Cameron Borgas.  Greenock deservedly won by 9 wickets (81-1) in reply to McCrea FS West’s 80 all out.  The early finish denied the torchlight parade which might have been needed after half eight!

Congrats to Greenock on their win but as that wellknown Birmingham City manager said this week  Cups are fine but the league is our bread and butter! West were plesed to finish ahead of Greenock in SNCL this year and look forward to renewing battles in 2010!

Ones Undermine Uddy while Twos Topple Irvine

A great weekend with two excellent wins.  A more detailed blog later once I have fuller info on each game after my return from Mannofield (where Scotland weren’t very good!)  A mixed weekend for Cammy – 7 wickets against Irvine and a massive loss to Jonesy thanks to England’s Ashes victory.

Twos Sunday game was rained off at the start of a busy week at West.  Mon sees a Board meeting with some important decisions to be taken.  Tues is the West League Cup Final v Greenock at West starting at 5.30pm. Bring your torches!

Thu is the Western Cup semi between Partick and GU Staff – again an early start.

Sat sees the final league game of season v Carlton at West with a 12 Noon start.  I reckon if we win with 10 points and Grange lose to Clydesdale we will be second.   In evening End of Season (or not if the weather misbehaves this week) Bash with the Grand Summer Draw taking place.  Make sure you are there.

Blog again during the week.