Three Out Of Three
I like to think that my personal outlook is ‘generally optimistic.’ However, when it comes to matches – of any kind – where I have any sort of interest in the outcome, my hopes for success for a given side or player seem often to be the kiss of death.
But this weekend? Wow! On Saturday, Galzo and his men beat SMRH by three wickets. Kenny and his crew beat Corstorphine and Galzo and his lads beat Breadalbane on Sunday. It would be hard to say which of these results gives most satisfaction, but I’ll have a go at that in a minute.
A ‘five for’ for Steve Rowley – 5 for 20, no less, plus 3 for 16 for Scottie Birrell led to SMRH all out for 114. Stevo was also top scorer with 33 not out, Galzo close behind him with 32. It would have been good to have lost fewer than 7 wickets, but there was a lot of criticism of the pitch. Max points for the lads, though, and Stevo has to be man of he match.
Meantime, at home, Corstorphine had compiled 233 for 6 off 50 overs, a pretty daunting target. However, Jock Wallace got 52, Lee Duncan a magnificent 108 not out (his first century) while Robbie Wright weighed in with 26. We finished with 234 for 6 of 40.2 overs. The only downside was that Alan Duncan – Lee’s dad – retired hurt. Speedy recovery, Duffer.
On Sunday a mixed team visited Breadalbane. We would have had more young lads in the side had there not been a U15 match scheduled for the day (which in the end did not take place). Our aim in seeking entry to the Strathmore Union is to get more competitive cricket for our younger players, and on this showing, it’s going to work out really well. Everyone had a good time (well, almost everyone) while the like of Liam Kelly and Chris Hunt got a chance to show what they are made of. “I didn’t realise how good these guys are!” said Galzo. May be too soon to say that this is a plan that will deliver what we are after, but so far, so good.
Tough to pick what has pleased me most, but my pick is the Third XI outcome – not just the result, but the involvement for our promising juniors.
RESOURCE
Cricket Scotland result service for the SMRH v Freuchie match.
Technorati Tags: Cricket Scotland, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, cricket, SMRH, Corstorphine, Breadalbane
The Silly Season
Bill Ramsay, long-standing friend, adversary and supporter (except when we were playing Glenrothes, that is) wrote to us recently, closing his letter with “See you in the Silly Season.” Well the Silly Season starts tomorrow – Captain’s XI v Vice-Captain’s XI.
I played in one of these forty-odd years ago, in the early days of my involvement with Freuchie Cricket Club. If I thought that this was going to be a “friendly,” it didn’t take long to be disabused of that idea – I never played in such a needle game in my puff. Guys who usually just turned their arms over turned into Freddie Trumans. Guys who usually poked gently at the ball lifted it over Fairfield’s wall … But tomorrow won’t be like that. We’re better behaved. I think. Anyway – fingers crossed for decent weather.
And on Sunday – our first venture into the Strathmore Union. We were delighted to be accepted into the Union this year to give more opportunities for competitive cricket to some of our younger players (and maybe some of the older?). We will be at home to Cupar Cricket Club – some confusion about venue now settled. Cupar have suffered some plumbing disasters after the severe weather of this winter and we wish them all speed in getting things back in order.
So – weather permitting, it’s cricket at Freuchie Saturday and Sunday, with SNCL and ESCA business starting Saturday 1st May. We’ll get the fixtures posted before then.
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Glenrothes, Cupar Cricket Club, Cricket Scotland, SNCL, ESCA
HELP! MURDER!! POLIS!!!!
We have been warned that on Saturday 20th March, three desperate criminals will be on the run.
Known as The Three Commandos, these kilted (don’t ask) ruffians will break out from Perth Prison to make their way to a secret hide-out. Kenny (The Menace) Crichton, Dale (Youngcoo) Cowan and Michael Jackson (Jacko The Cracker) have fifteen hours to get to their destination, where their collars will be felt by the local polis to verify fact and time of arrival.
There will be a total of ten teams in the Jail Break, all operating under different constraints – can’t use any form of transport that uses fuel, mustn’t spend any money, mustn’t have a pint for two weeks before (all right, I made the last one up) or whatever. Trophies will be awarded to those who get furthest / have the fanciest destination / show most originality in modus operandi etc.
“Cui bono?” as they say in the better class of detective fiction. Who stands to gain by this criminal activity? The aim is to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Black Watch Museum in Perth, the event organised by Alan Duncan (oor Duffer) of the Grey Lodge Settlement in Dundee. (Grey Lodge works in all sorts of different ways to get help to people who need it and is a worthy cause in itself). In the case of The Three Commandos, half the money raised will go to the Black Watch Museum appeal, with half to Freuchie Cricket Club.
Get your hand in your pocket and your name on a sponsor sheet! There’s some behind the bar in the club, or speak to Duffer (07790 026 124), Kenny (07818 504 939), Mike (07800 691 059) or Dale (07716 317 948).
We are also looking for people who might be able to help in whatever way – accessories before or after the fact, as it were. Talk to one of these guys if you want a bit of previous against your name!
Technorati Tags: Black Watch, Perth, Perth Prison, Grey Lodge, Freuchie Cricket Club
Weather Hits Cycle Race
We are sad to say that we are going to have to postpone the Cycle Race scheduled for 2nd January.
Although that’s the best part of a week away, we are concerned about icy conditions on the Lathrisk Road. We might have hoped that the thaw that’s happening right now would last long enough to clear the road, but we are told that the outlook is for the weather to get worse rather than better. Even one or two patches of ice would make things dangerous, and it sounds as though there’s every prospect of a very icy Lathrisk road by next Saturday.
So, sorry, everyone. We’ll get the race organised as soon as we can.
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Cycle Race, fund-raising
SOLD OUT
The Hogmanay Dance is sold out due to the huge demand we experienced for tickets.
Apologies to everyone left disappointed at missing out.
Technorati Tags: dance, Hogmanay
Year-End News
Two bits of good news. First, Galzo, Allan Baxter and I attended last night’s Strathmore Union AGM, where Freuchie was elected to join the Union. Second, we know that we are entered for the Indoor Sixes starting in January.
Strathmore Union first: We applied to join Division III of the Union with the aim of getting Sunday games giving more development opportunities for our juniors. We have a lot of promising juniors who are not quite at the stage of a guaranteed place in the Second XI and they need competitive matches to keep them involved and develop their playing skills. We’ll be aiming to field as many as possible of our older juniors, with a sprinkling of senior players to give the team some weight. Three clubs had applied to join the Union, Gordonians seeking to get back into the Union, ourselves and Stenhousemuir keen to get into Division III. Gordonians will go back into Division II; the vote went against Stenhousemuir, leaving the three of us biting our nails for a few minutes, but we were delighted to see a near-unanimous vote in our favour. We’ll report further as plans develop.
Indoor Sixes: We were bitterly disappointed not to participate in this tournament in 2009; invitations were sent by e-mail, and for some reason, we never received ours. By the time we realised that the draw had been made, it was too late for any adjustments. However, Cricket Scotland confirmed today that we are indeed in the draw for the 2010 competition. More to come on that one too.
AND THE AGM! Don’t forget that this is in the clubhouse at 2.30 pm on Sunday 6th December. All members – players especially – are urged to come, members of the public cordially invited.
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Strathmore Union, Scottish Media Indoor Sixes
Tour de Freuchie 2010
Date will be Saturday 2nd January, start time 12.30 pm
There’s some concern about the state of the road round Lathrisk; it may have been all sorted by 2nd January, but if it’s not, we’ll do what we did last year and mark the worst of the pot holes with cones. We’ll try to get a better copy of the map for this post, but for the moment, Alan W’s note says:
Why are we racing?
Very good question! From the Cricket Club perspective; sponsorship, the events in the clubhouse during the day and the winter buffet disco at night, this event will raise a substantial sum for the Club funds. From a health perspective the race will allow us to burn off some of those Christmas Calories. From a realist perspective it’s a chance to toast the festive period in good company.
The Race
31½ Mile Relay Race
Each lap is 4½ miles
Each team should consist of one lady (the captain) and three guys. The captain will be required to complete one lap (the first lap), whilst the guys will be required to complete two laps each, therefore each team completes seven laps.
The Circuit
![clip_image002[1]](http://www.freuchiecricketclub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/clip_image0021.gif){kind=small}
Teams
Each Team consists of four cyclists. Teams will be issued Team Numbers and cyclists will be issued with Letters.
For example Team one will have cyclist 1a (the Captain), 1b, 1c and 1d. For the purpose of timings it is important that cyclists remain in the ‘a to d’ order (first four laps) and ‘b to d’ order (laps five to seven).
Starting
Each lap will start and finish at Freuchie Cricket Club.
This year we have restricted the number of teams competing, so all the Captains will start at the same time.
The Bike
In the interest of fairness, racers are not permitted. Mountain bikes only. Maximum of two bikes per team.
Race Marshals
Volunteer Race Marshals will be positioned around the course. Marshals will record cyclist passing designated points ensuring that each lap is completed correctly, whilst ensuring that the cyclist can race safely. Cyclist must obey the Marshals orders at all time. Any instruction/decision given by the Marshals are final.
Age Restrictions
All cyclists must be aged 13 or over.
Protection
It is recommended that cyclists wear a helmet and high visibility clothing.
Refreshment and Beverages – For Cyclists and Spectators
The Clubhouse and facilities will be open from 11am. Cyclist and spectators are invited to watch the race from the Clubhouse. Soup, Pies and Sandwiches will be available and of course the drink will be flowing, as always everything is reasonably priced.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded after the race for:
· The team that finishes first
· The team that finishes second
· The fastest individual Lap
· The team with the best name
Winners and ‘not quite winners’ will be announced after the race.
More Information
To enter a team, for more information or sponsor sheets please contact; Alan Wallace (07872 379 224), Robbie Birrell (07960 568 376) or Scott Gourlay (07882 904 765).
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Cricket Club, festive period events
Coffee Morning
Freuchie Cricket Club would like to invite you to our coffee morning.
Saturday 21st November 2009
10am – 12 noon
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Tombola
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Home Baking
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Raffle
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Veg for sale
- An enjoyable morning for all.
Please come along and support our club.
Tickets only £1 each.
Technorati Tags: coffee morning, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club
2010 Starts This Weekend!
Indoor nets start at the Loch Leven Community Campus this Sunday – 15th November. We will have another session before Christmas on 13th December, then get down to the serious stuff in the New Year – 10th and 24th of January, 7th and 21st of February and 7th and 21st of March.
These are all Sundays, all between 11am and 1pm.
Our fabulous Auld Year’s Eve Party might be fully booked by now, but it’s worth a try – call Jock Wallace on 07775 776 821. Tickets a fiver, regardless of age. If it’s anything like last year, it’s a hooley not to be missed.
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Hogmanay, Auld Year’s Eve
Trophy Winners
Congratulations to all the Freuchie Cricket Club trophy winners this year.
1st X1 Winners 2009
Strathie Cup-Batting Average. Robbie Birrell
Freuchie CC Cup-Batting Aggregate. Robbie Birrell
Dryden Trophy-Bowling Average. David Cowan
David Smart Memorial Cup-Best Fielder. John Wallace
McHugh Trophy-Most Vital Innings. Robbie Birrell 95 not out V Dumfries
Andrew Grant Trophy-Best Catch. John Wallace
G.D Crichton Cup-Players Player Of The Year. Scott Galloway
2nd X1 Winners 2009
Freuchie CC Cup-Batting Average. Blair Forrester
Ceilidh Cup-Batting Aggregate. Blair Forrester
Freuchie CC Cup-Bowling Average. Graham Christie
Christie Trophy-Best Fielder. Shane Munro
Dick Morrison Memorial Cup Player’s Player of the Year Blair Forrester
Juniors 2009-09-07
David Robertson Cup Best Bat Shane Munro
Coughlan Trophy Best Bowler Liam Kelly
Christie Trophy Best Fielder Ross McMurdo
Nett Cowan Best Fielder Chris Hunt
Melville Cup Most Promising Junior Corey Bridgeford
Best Performance of the Season 5 wickets for 6 runs from 4 overs Greg Birrell
Fraser Irvine Shield Under 13 Player Ross McMurdo
Edmonds Shield Under 15 Player Liam Kelly
Roy Irvine Shield Under 17 Player Shane Munro
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, trophy winners