Teams: Weekend 30-Apr / 1st May
First XI at home to West Lothian CC 1 pm start Saturday
David Cowan captain
S Gourlay, vice captain
A Sutherland
Dale Cowan
R Birrell
R Wright
L Duncan
G Christie
J Wallace
A Naeem
J Mahsood
Second XI away to Westquarter CC, leave 10.45 am Saturday
Alan Duncan, captain
A Wallace
I Patterson
S Birrell
S Munro
K Crichton
L Gordon
L Kelly
S Gibson
R Brown
R McMurdo
Reserves G Birrell and G Horsburgh
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, West Lothian CC, Westquarter CC
Sad News
We are truly sorry to have to report two deaths, the first of Denis McLean, the second of Kash Khalil’s son in Pakistan.
Denis has been a hard-working member of our club for a long time. As Dave Christie said this morning ‘he wisnae feart tae get his hands dirty.’ Before he became too ill, Denis was a very active member of our committee, ready to pitch into whatever job was to be done, but in particular, he was one of those who worked to build up club funds through the Glenrothes Football Club ‘Super Sixes.’
We are all stunned by the news that Kash’s five year old son has been drowned. We really have no information beyond that and the fact that Kash is on his way to Pakistan to join his family.
The thoughts of everyone in the club go to Dot and her family and to Kash and his.
2011 Under Way!
As promised – junior practice sessions are up and running again, and Scotland’s future XIs are shaping up!
Some of our young ladies ….
… and some of our young guns.
Tomorrow (Sunday 24th) should have seen us with a friendly against Rossie Priory, but sadly, they can’t manage to come and we have just had news that our attempts to get another club here have fallen through. Roll on next Saturday when we’ll see some cricket!
Technorati Tags: Freuchie Cricket Club, junior cricket, junior training
Outdoor Training
Outdoor training resumes again on Tuesday evening at Freuchie Cricket Ground. All players please be there for 6:30pm when the blood, sweat and tears starts by way of preparation for another season of top flight cricket.
Fun at the Club–18th March 2011
Friday nite fun club returns this Friday with ‘BINGO!’.
For younger members and those that are young at heart,
Eyes down at 7:30pm.
Keep track of all that’s happening on the Freuchie Cricket Club Facebook page.
An Investment in Freuchie
A fund given to Freuchie by Campion Homes has helped us to buy a replacement outfield mower. Our new workhorse arrived this morning, on a rain soaked day more suited to ducks than the cutting of grass.
Photos: Groundsman Dave Christie says farewell to the auld mower and welcomes our new workhorse on a rainy Freuchie day
Administered by Freuchie Community Council, the money is intended to be used for the benefit of the whole village, and this mower does just that. The park is one of Freuchie’s major assets and is used by the whole village, but not everyone realises that the Cricket Club provides all the effort to keep it clean and to cut the grass, as well as paying for all associated costs – including rates. We are grateful to Campion Homes and Freuchie Community Council for this contribution to the heavy costs of maintaining the park. Our staff photographer was on the spot to see the new mower arriving and the old one going away (to the big outfield in the sky?)
Photos: New mower arrives
Photos: Dave’s last ride on auld faithful and he says farewell as she is loaded onto the back of the van
Photos: Dave gets the new workhouse out of the rain
Great News on Coaching
We have just heard that we are to be awarded a substantial grant from Cricket Scotland under its “Investment in Club Coaches” scheme. To put it mildly, we are delighted! Our own Dave Christie will undertake the role of Head Coach, guiding the efforts of all our qualified coaches and assistants.
The scheme is part of Cricket Scotland’s efforts to have clubs investing in coaching and better facilities, rather than simply bringing in ‘hit men’ to win matches. Long term growth, rather than short term league positions – we think that has to the target for our club, and we are – to repeat – delighted, both that Cricket Scotland is taking this practical approach and that we should be direct beneficiaries.
We know that the future of our club depends on bringing our youngsters through to the senior teams, and this grant will be a major boost to our efforts. Indoor practices for juniors have already started and outdoor sessions will begin on Fridays as soon as evening light is good enough. In the last few years, we have been seeing 70 to 80 kids in the park on Fridays, and this grant will let us do even more for them than we have been doing. For more information, email info@freuchiecricketclub.com.
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, coaching, youth training, Cricket, Cricket Scotland
Now’s Your Chance
Please send your photos and thoughts from Freuchie’s Glorious Weekend to gala@freuchiecricketclub.com. We’d love to hear your stories and see your snaps. The best will be shared in a future blog post.
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Freuchie’s Glorious Weekend
Freuchie Community Council
Patrick Laughlin, Chairman of Freuchie Community Council, praised Freuchie’s Glorious Weekend earlier this evening at the monthly community council meeting. He thanked everyone involved with the event, with some special recognition going to Helen Lawrenson and the Freuchie Cricket Club coaching staff for all their hard work on the Saturday.
He did ask that we try to win another trophy so we can have a repeat of the celebrations. The challenge has been made!
A big thanks go to Freuchie Community Council for purchasing one of the 1908-2008 Freuchie Cricket Club books for the community. The book will be made available for viewing in the library.
Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Freuchie Community Council, Helen Lawrenson, Patrick Laughlin
Howzat?!
One of the highlights from the Glorious Weekend’s closing ceremony was the unveiling (used figuratively) of a stunning portrait of Dave Christie holding The Village Cup back in 1985. For once painting and Freuchie Cricket Club were mentioned without Dave feeling the urge to pick up a paint brush in one hand and a tin of emulsion in the other.
Local artist James Fretwell presents a portrait to Dave Christie
We asked the artist, Freuchie’s own James Fretwell, about his inspiration, process and reasoning for producing such a beautiful piece of art.
James replied:
How could I borrow Dave’s 1985 tie for reference purposes, without arousing his suspicions?
How could I ask him why he’s the only team member who hasn’t got his jacket buttoned on the Grace Gates photo, without appearing rude?
How could I look into his eyes to see what colour they are, without him getting the wrong idea about me?!
And my answer to anyone who asks why I’ve painted Dave’s portrait is simple:
“How could I NOT?”
Portrait of Dave Christie holding The Village Cup in 1985
James must have spent many hours on this labour of love for it certainly brings to life the admiration and affection Freuchie has for Dave “Dad” Christie.
When asked for his feelings on the gift, Dave responded:
"Superb!"
We’ll hang it in the house for the time being, although it may be so big we’ll have to think about building an extension!
I’m delighted that James based it on the 1985 photograph and has given me more hair and fewer wrinkles than I have today.
My daughter (Linda) says that she wouldn’t want it on her wall because she’d feel her dad was watching her all the time!
(Editor’s comment: We suppose that’s a rather back-handed compliment, but it’s a sincere compliment nonetheless).
Dave has suggested that at some stage, the painting might be hung in the club.
Technorati Tags: Dave Christie, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, James Fretwell, The Village Cup