West of Scotland CC Weblog

WDCU Consultation of League Reconstruction

westchairman — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:15:39 +0000

Further to our meeting on the 23rd of August, Gordon Smith and I attended a Western District Cricket Union Consultation last night at Poloc. As this was a consultation, no formal votes were taken. The Future Stuctures group outlined the proposals given in their National League reconstruction report. The meeting was then opened up to clubs to air their views. As we thought, some were for keeping national leagues while others were for going back to regional leagues. Gordon made it clear that we think that the best option is for national leagues to be kept and outlined our reasons why.

The only informal vote taken was on whether 2012 should act as a qualification year for any change in league structure that is implemented on the back of this process. This vote was given to National league clubs in attendance only. The majority voted for going straight into the new league structure for 2012.

Due to no formal votes being taken I’m not sure how much anyone can take from this meeting. However, as I have said above, we did take this opportunity to ensure our stance is clear.

The Future Stuctures Group will now reduce the options available from 3 to 2. Again, informally, options 1 & 3 seemed most popular in the west. All SNCL clubs will then be invited to a meeting on 9/10/11 where we will be asked to vote for our preferred option.

Ross Brown

West Under-11s win 2011 WDJCU League

westchairman — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:41:27 +0000

Congratulations to Callum Coats and his team on a very good win last night by 9 net runs against Poloc under-11s at a wet Hamilton Crescent. Having won all 12 league games this season in their section of the League they made it 13 wins in a row defeating a very competitive and enthusiastic Poloc team – who won their section of the league on Thursday evening – to secure the overall 2011 WDJCU League Title.

Coach Bob Coats had them preparing for this game some 45 minutes before the start and his attention to detail and genial control of the team throughout the season has had a great deal to do with the team success in season 2011. Well done, Bob.

The scores were:

Poloc 252 for 5 wickets (18 overs) A Quereshi 16. Robbie McCallum, Tom Barrett, Raghav Kumar, Angus Guy and Murray Godsman all took 1 wicket for West.

West 261 for 7 wickets (18 overs) Robbie McCallum 19, Tom Barrett 10, Raghav Kumar -1, Murray Godsman 7 not out, Aiden Fitzgerald 4 not out, Angus Barrett o, Angus Guy -3 and Callum Coats -3. A Quereshi 3 wickets, K A Sajjad 2 wkts and R McWilliam and A Bhatti 1 each.

There was some excellent batting, bowling and fielding by both sides in difficult conditions and both teams were a credit to their respective coaches. The support in the ground for both sides was superb and all the parents and friends followed the progress of their offspring with great enthusiasm and fairness. All in all an excellent advert for the efforts West and Poloc make – year in, year out - in developing youngsters from this age group, through to under 18s and beyond. Long may these efforts continue.

Can I add to thanks made previously by Jim Young to all those involved with Junior Cricket in 2011. Without your support the cricket development of the boys (and girls) simply would not take place. Specifically – linked to the under 11 success for 2011 -a great thank you to Bob Coats and to Barry Fitzgerald, Mike Barrett, Neil McCallum, Ken Godsman and Julian Guy for all they have done to help – and to Jim Young for his marvellous efforts which have continued throughout a difficult personal year for him.

Roll on Season 2012!!

McCrea Financial Services Achieve Investors In People Gold Status.

westchairman — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:45:44 +0000

Congratulations to Douglas McCrea and McCrea Financial Services, our Club Sponsors, who have achieved the prestigious Investors in People Gold recognition.

Investors in People is the most successful framework for business improvement through people, in theUK. McCrea’s join an exclusive group who have achieved Gold Status.

They are the only firm of Independent Financial Advisers in theUK to have been awarded Gold. Douglas McCrea from McCrea’s commented “We are delighted to be the only firm of Independent Financial Advisers in theUnited Kingdomwith Gold Investor in People status. As an organisation we appreciate the importance of our staff and the success they bring not only to our Company but also to our clients”.

McCrea Financial Services is one of the top Wealth Management and Financial Advisory firms in Scotland looking after a wide range of clients; locally, nationally and internationally. Established in 1999 with a small team which has grown to 20 employees, the innovation and quality of advice over the last twelve years has allowed the business and its clients to flourish with funds under management now in excess of £300 million. The firm recognises that hard working and technically adept staff nurtured and developed over a number of years has been key to this success and moving forward, their continued development will allow both clients; and the business’s success to continue to grow apace.

Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People Scotland said “This is a fantastic achievement for McCrea Financial Services. I would like to congratulate them and their staff on their commitment to continuous improvement. It is a tremendous accolade to be the only firm of Independent Financial Advisers in theUKwho have achieved Gold status”.

All the more reason for West of Scotland Cricket Club members to make sure they utilise McCrea Financial Services for all their financial needs.

For more information on McCrea Financial Services, please contact Douglas McCrea or Lesley-Anne MacGregor at douglas@mccreafs.co.uk or Lesley-anne@mccreafs.co.uk.

West Join the Lobby for Retaining the SNCL

westchairman — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 10:07:34 +0000

At a meeting last week players and members of West agreed to formally join the lobby to retain the Scottish National Cricket League.

Chairman Gordon Smith said, “We at West believe that Scottish Cricket deserves and needs a National League if players are to develop and achieve the highest standards of which they are capable . But we do recognise there are many who do not want a lot of travelling and would rather play in local leagues. What would concern us would be if our First XI played in the SNCL and our Second XI and/or our juniors weren’t allowed to play in the relevant local leagues.”

So West join Clydesdale, Greenock and Uddingston from this side of the country in supporting the retention of the SNCL in the future. Let us hope that decisions are made quickly so that the playing of cricket on the field can again become the main source of chat in Clubhouses throughout Scotland.

Stoneywood Dyce Gain A Narrow Victory over McCrea FS West

westchairman — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:52:25 +0000

An early start in Glasgow for an early start in Stoneywood produced an early finish and a narrow victory for the home side. Stoneywood won the toss and inserted West on a warm sunny day and a green tinged wicket. Jats soon ran himself out and at 23 Duncan Williams misjudged a delivery and was bowled. At 51 for 2 Stuart Murray who had batted sensibly for 19 was sensationally caught and bowled by George Ninnan . 51 for 3 became 60 for 7 in the 25th over. Andrew Umeed (23), Ross Brown, Anjan Luthra were all bowled and Dave McNulty was adjudged lbw – a middle order collapse. In the 31st over West were all out for 84 - Gill 5-30 and George Ninnan 4-26. Although the bowling was tight and the ball moved about considerably there was a distinct lack of application which was to prove decisive later in the afternoon.

At half time Planes were beating Helicopters 19 to 14 but the airport authorities changed the landing direction to maintain interest amongst the anoracks present.

Stoneywood Dyce were 6-0 at the end of the Pirate’s controversial first over. Dead Ball or 4? 4! Gurjit struck with the first ball of his over and he bowled a good first over. 19 for 2 – a first wicket from the Pirate became 40 for 3 in 6 overs as unfortunately Gurjit bowled three front foot no-balls and was badly punished from the resultant free hits. Dave continued to swashbuckle from the Airport end and after 15 overs of the innings SD had collapsed to 64 for 7 (The Pirate – well wound up after the first over – with 5 wickets.) Spegsy had bowled tightly from the other end to complement Dave’s attacking instincts but McCrea FSWest simply had not scored enough runs. Also they gave away 25 extras in the SD innings which ended when Gordon Goudie hit Andrew Umeed over the sight screen and out the ground for a worthy 3 wicket victory,

The effort in the field could not be faulted and if the belief which we had had in the field had been there at the start of the match there might possibly have been a different result. Congrats, though, to Dave McNulty for 10 great overs, 5 wickets for 20 runs.

The Planes finally overcame the helicopters by 34 to 21 as heavy showers worked their way round – but not on – the Stoneywood Dyce ground.

West Under 18s Lose at Carlton in Quarter Final Tie

westchairman — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 15:11:50 +0000

It made a change to see sun as I opened the curtains and I headed along the M8 to the leafy suburbs of Morningside, Edinburgh, where it HAD rained overnight and ground conditions remained wet. However, curator Alasdair McLeod had managed to prepare a wicket, on which the West boys, captained by Chris Ross, had first bat. It was slow going against a tight attack and West were soon 28 for 2 with the skipper bowled and Asad run out. Andrew Umeed and Gavin Main then featured in a 3rd wicket stand of 58 before Gavin was bowled for 28 at 86 for 3 in the 18th Over. Andrew carried his bat for 41 and West finished on 90 for 4 from their 20 overs. The general feeling was that we needed more runs and, although the West boys faced some excellent bowling , including slow left arm and leg spin, and tight fielding, there were too many singles and second runs missed. One of the Carlton players shouted to his mates at 18 overs “Come on guys, they are 86 for 3 and they haven’t take one risk” Food for thought.

Carlton’s reply was even slower than West’s. They were 15 for 2 in the 6th over, being restricted by good bowling from Gavin and Gurjit and superb fielding. Matthew Day’s stop at mid wicket was brilliant. Iain Wheel and Asad Atta also bowled tightly and at 10 overs Carlton were 29 for 2. Robbie McCallum was shining with his alert fielding but the Carlton pair of Kyle MacPherson and Mo Ahmed grew in confidence and scored 30 between the 11th and 14th over. Andrew Umeed tried to vary his bowling and both players continued to attack him. Eventually Mo was bowled by the returning Gavin Main for an excellent 35. Gavin bowled Matthew Walls next ball and shortly after Fergus Whatley was run out at 87 for 5. There was to be no happy ending for West, however, as Kyle MacPherson hit another boundary to be 41 not out taking Carlton to 93 for 5, a well deserved victory and a trip to Stirling on Sunday 28th August for the Under 18s Final Day at New Williamfield.

So a good performance from the youngsters of both teams in not the easiest of conditions. Good luck to Carlton in the finals. The Glasgow Boys can hold their heads high for a close miss, a worthy fielding effort and great team support from the youngsters in the team and the slightly older parents who so enthusiastically travelled and cajoled their offspring during the morning.

One final tale of Carlton. Alasdair McLeod confirmed that the ball which was hit for 6 through a bus window in Grange Loan earlier in the summer was only retrieved from the bus after a Carlton member had to pay the bus driver the £1.30 fare for getting on the bus. As they say in Edinburgh – You’ll have had your tea!!

SNCL Split Saturday Looms – A Statistical Preview

westchairman — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:25:08 +0000

SNCL at close of play SAT 6TH AUG					As at Close of play SAT 13TH AUG
					After a	After a	After a
					10pt WIN	0pt LOSS	2pt LOSS
PLACE	CLUB	PL	PTS	%	%	%	%
9	Dunfermline Knights	12	53	44.17	48.46	40.76	42.30
10	Tunnocks Uddingston	10	44	44.00	49.09	40.00	41.81
11	McCrea FS West	9	38	42.22	48.00	38.00	40.00
12	Long Life Ayr	10	38	38.00	43.63	34.54	36.36
13	Stoneywood Dyce	9	32	35.56	42.00	32.00	34.00
14	Stirling County	10	34	34.00	40.00	30.90	32.72
15	Drumpellier	8	24	30.00	37.77	26.66	28.88
16	Greenock	8	22	27.50	35.55	24.44	26.66

Saturday 13th August 2011 creates a bit of history in the SNCL. For the first time the 16 teams in the Premier League, having splashed their way through the first 15 Saturdays of the 2011 Season, split into 4 mini-leagues for the remaining 3 league matches after this Saturday’s results have been finalised. I suppose a summit meeting will decide over the weekend who plays who where in the respective mini leagues. Apart from the Top 4 and the Bottom 4 there will be little to play for in the coming weeks. But despite the controversial set up of a 16 team league where initially teams only play each other once, Saturday should prove a nerve wracking experience for a number of Clubs in deciding their successes or fate.

One thing is for sure – McCrea FS West MUST beat Clydesdale at Hamilton Crescent to be sure of avoiding a trip into the bottom 4 because IF Ayr, Stoneywood Dyce and Stirling County all win their games and West lose, we could be 14th. The table above shows just what can happen. (Errors and Omissions accepted). A West victory will mean safety from the 2011 relegation battle and we can enjoy the “Not The End of Season” Party scheduled for Saturday Evening when the 2011 Grand Summer Draw will be made.

It is tight at the top, too. Carlton, Arbroath and Forfarshire are secure in reaching the Top 1-4 Group. If Aberdeenshire win, they will join that group, but if they lose, Watsonians and Grange can overtake Aberdeenshire depending on how they perform on Saturday.

So it is all to play for to decide on what happens from Sunday 21st August to the following weekend. Can we be certain that the rains will abate or will the elements and/or Duckworth Lewis be the final arbritors in setting up the concluding matches of West’s 150th Anniversary Season? Ask me on Sunday!!

McCrea FS West v SCU President’s XI 11 July 2011

westchairman — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:53:15 +0000

Hamilton Crescent was bathed in sunshine as the teams took the field for the photographs. The SCU President’s side batted first and were led by former West player Craig Wright who had assembled the team on behalf of the President. Opening the batting were former West player Greg Watson and Scotland Under 19‘s Sam Page, who faced the attack of nineteen year old Gavin Smith and Dave McNulty. Page was the first to show intent when he hit Smith for six to the Peel Street boundary. Both batsmen were intent on playing their shots and Page going to hit through the covers was well caught with 26 on the board.

This brought left hander Kevin McLaren to the crease and together with Watson they put on 108 for the second wicket, with some wonderful shot selection. McLaren in particular being sever on anything bowled short, was the batsman to go having reached 60, falling to West professional Colin de Grandhomme. It was now two former West players at the crease, with John Williams joining Greg Watson, the fact that Williams was playing was incredible given that last weekend he was airlifted to hospital after hitting a stationary van while participating in a triathlon. He was desperate to play despite having a plate inserted for a broken jaw. Watson reached his fifty as the President’s side pressed on to reach the 200 mark. The events of the previous weekend eventually caught up with Williams who had to have a runner, which added to the excitement and confusion.

The President’s side eventually finished on 217 for 6 from their 40 overs, with, with Watson making 57 and Williams not out on 33. After tea McCrea FS West took the field with Colin de Grandhomme and Jatinder Singh facing Angus Montgomery and Peter Legget. They put on 43 before de Grandhomme fell to a catch from John Cameron. Wickets fell at regular intervals as the West batsmen could not cope with the guile of Cameron and the spin of Watsonians Amateur Chetan Dhingra who both captured three wickets each.

With the score on 110 for 8 Stewart Leggat on making his way to the pitch remarked to organiser John Thomson that it was a bit harsh that the presentation table was being set up before he had a chance to bat! As it was ‘Spegsie ‘rolled back the years ending unbeaten on 38 as McCrea FS West lost out by 58 runs.

Mannofield Near-Miss

westchairman — Wed, 04 May 2011 19:14:23 +0000

From your North of Scotland correspondent

On a sunny and warmish day in Aberdeen Ian Young won the toss and decided to bat. The wicket was slow and low but McCrea FS West lost the skipper and debutant pro, Colin de Grandhomme early to be 27 for 2. A great stand of 135 between Dougie (brilliantly run out for a hard working 68 by a direct throw to the bowlers end) and Andrew Umeed (78no) rallied the troops. Andrew’s innings was immense and mature and he was joined by Dave McNulty (25no). Between them they raised the score to 218 for 3 in 50 overs – perhaps a few runs light, especially as Aberdeenshire bowled 15 wides and 3 “free hit” no balls.

In reply Aberdeenshire replied apace with Ian Brand (23) despatching some loose balls with power. Neil Macrae (40) batted in his usual steady accumulating manner but there was a mid innings flurry of wickets with Aberdeenshire reaching 163 for 7. Stewart Leggat bowled especially well, getting some turn, taking 4 for 30. Gordon Thomson bowled 10 overs for 34 – a really good performance with no wides in a game when both sides bowled a total of 28 wides. GT is West’s Fernando Torres – waiting for that crucial wicket , but it will come – definitely!! Ask Fernando!

Reid (64no) and new skipper Tyler Buchan (28no) batted really well maintaining the run rate required at that stage of around 7 per over. This was beginning to be as good as the IPL for a tight contest and after 2 chinese cuts which went to the boundary the pressure was on McCrea FS West to take the final wickets. Unfortunately it was not to be and the 8th wicket stand of 59 proved to be decisive. A great game of cricket. Well done, the home side. For McCrea FS West, a disappointment to start the 150th Anniversary Season, but lots of promise for the challenges ahead.

The consensus of supporters of both sides around Mannofield at the end of the game was amazement that West will not get the chance of revenge at Hamilton Crescent later in the summer because of the new League set up. Let’s hope that all matches this summer are as competitive for the players and as enjoyable for the spectators – but I doubt it.

Never mind, we all might have to travel back to Mannofield for a second visit if the league places pan out in such a way mid August.

2011 – West’s 150th Anniversary Season – A Real Opportunity to Celebrate our Immense Sporting Heritage since 1862

westchairman — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:46:13 +0000

Since West was founded in 1862, a great deal of history has been created at our famous Hamilton Crescent ground in Partick. Hamilton Crescent is arguably the only sporting ground in the United Kingdom to host four international sports – cricket, football, hockey and rugby union.

In 1872, the first ever Football International was played at Hamilton Crescent. This was between Scotland and England (a 0-0 draw) followed by another two games between the Auld Enemy in 1874 and 1876 (both wins for Scotland). A plaque, proudly placed on the Clubhouse wall, was presented to West by the Scottish Football Association in 2002 to celebrate the 130^th Anniversary of that First International Match.

Four Rugby internationals were played in the early 1900s and in 1914 a hockey international was held between England and Scotland.

The Scottish Cup Final in 1876-77 between Rangers and Vale of Leven graced West’s turf and Hamilton Crescent is now the oldest SURVIVING ground on which a Scottish Cup Final has been played.

Hamilton Crescent is, and has been, predominately a Cricket Ground which has seen 58 International Matches and many famous faces over the years. From 1868, Partick witnessed International Cricket with games against major Test playing countries as follows:

6 v New Zealand (1927 to 1989)

5 v South Africa (1907 to 1951)

4 v Australia (1930 to 1989)

1 each v West Indies (1966),Bangladesh (1998) and Pakistan (2003).

West of Scotland Cricket Club has played its part in administering Cricket in Scotland. The following members have carried out with honour the role of President of Cricket Scotland (formerly the Scottish Cricket Union):

1880-81 J MacNeil

1910 H Tennent

1984 W M Mann (our current Hon. President) elected from Glasgow Academicals CC.

1999 T Anderson

2004-05 T Anderson

2008/9 J H D Young

In addition B H Hope was a long serving Treasurer of SCU.

22 members of West of Scotland Cricket Club have played International Cricket for Scotland.

3 members have captained Scotland. Craig Wright, who won 194 caps between 1997 and 2009 and currently shares the most number of caps held, was skipper from 2002 to 2009. Douglas Lockhart has won 178 caps from 1995 to 2010 and has also captained Scotland on a number of occasions. Alistair Storie, who won 33 caps from 1989 to 1995, also captained Scotland during 1993 to 1995. The following – in date order – have been capped:

1 D C R Buchanan (the Club’s founder) (1865)

1 A K Tennent (1907)

4 J M Tennent (1922)

1 W J M Beardmore (1924)

1 W A S Elder (1936)

1 A F Wensley** (1938)

1 R D Fairbairn) (1938)

The next cap awarded to a West of Scotland Cricket Club member was in 1980 to the current Chairman, Gordon Smith.

4 G M Smith (1980)

30 D L Snodgrass (1982)

3 D L Haynes** (West Indies) (1983)

10 C E B Rice** (South Africa) (1988)

1 J G A Williams (1989)

33 A C Storie (1989)

13 M S Richardson (1990)

178 D R Lockhart (1995)

194 C M Wright (1997)

93 G I Maiden (1998)

10 C J Richards** (Australia A) (1999)

4 S D Gilmour (2001)

21 M M Iqbal (2002)

43 G Goudie (2004)

and in 2010 – Lynne Dickson (age 17) was capped 10 times by Scotland Ladies to become West’s first lady internationalist.

** As these players were Club Professionals their appearances for Scotland were regarded as “non-cap”.

Many of the early Benson and Hedges One Day games against English Counties came to Partick and in 1991 the redoubtable Dickie Bird presented Groundsman Warne Haining and Ground Convenor Tom Anderson with an outstanding Pitch Report for the match v Kent.

Scottish Cricket Cup Finals have been regularly held at Hamiton Crescent since the mid 60s, the 2010 Final matching Uddingston (the winners) against Stirling County on a superb summer day when Hamilton Crescent looked its very best.

In 1957 the first Indoor Cricket School of its type in Scotland was opened by England Test batsman, Cyril Washbrook. This facility is still used by many Clubs but is in need of substantial upgrading and modernising for the future.

The ground – in addition to cricket – is used by Partick Thistle for training, by Hyndland Secondary School throughout the year for Physical Education and by Hyndland Primary School for various school events.

Our 150^th Anniversary Season not only provides an ideal opportunity to celebrate the Club’s strong heritage throughout the season but also to generate extra income to ensure that West can move confidently forward in its ambition to extend its reputation as a strong community orientated Scottish Cricket Club.

This will only be achieved with the help of every single member of West and I know that Gordon Smith and his Board look forward to everyone’s active support in ensuring a successful season on and off the field in this our 150^th Anniversary Season.