Latest news and club notices

Refurbishment of flag pole [posted 16/09/20] 

The club's investment in improving the facilities and environ's at "Shawholm" have been a feature of "lockdown", and it continued last week with the complete refurbishment of the flag pole, and base (pictured below).  Thanks to Adam Richardson and his assistant for their great work on this project. 

Representative selection [posted 04/09/20]

Congratulations to James Cathcart and Hasan Malik who are both included in the Western Warriors Under 16 squad to play the Caledonian Highlanders in Freuchie tomorrow.

Academy lose out to Clydesdale [posted 04/09/20]

A sixteen overs-a-side match was possible this evening, the Academy side taking on a Development XI from near-neighbours Clydesdale starting at 5.30pm.  On a bright but ultimately chilly night, after a dat of sunshine and showers, the visitors batted first and posted 123 for 3.  Samee was the pick of the 'Loc's bowlers with a brace to his name, whilst Esakhiel top-scored for Clydesdale - his innings being interrupted by a nose-bleed that saw him retire and then return.  In their reply the Academy would eventually finish 100 for 6, and 24 runs shy of their target.  The three-figure total owed much to Hasan's 23-ball 34 that included four maximums, with Rob' (19) and Elliot (13*) chipping in with cameos.  [Scorecard]

Representative selection [posted 03/09/20]

Kess Sajjad was back playing for the Scotland Performance Academy today, against Scotland A, in behind-closed-doors T20s at Grange Club in Edinburgh.  Well done, again, to Kess on his selection.  

Second best in Paisley [posted 01/09/20]

A Poloc XI took on a Ferguslie XI at "Meikleriggs" this evening in a friendly T20-turned-sixteen-overs-a-side match.  In the field first, the 'Loc attack was spearheaded by a combo of Cathcarts, Rob' and Jamesy sharing the new ball.  Two meaningful contributions - from Preston-Jones (34) and Henry (34) saw the home side post 106 for 8, with Raza returning the best bowling figures with 3 for 20 in his four overs.  The other wickets were shared around, with one-apiece for Rob', Hasan, Kess and Elliot, Irfan chipping in with a run out to get rid of Preston-Jones.  In reply, in the gathering gloom, the 'Loc never really got going, being dismissed for just 36, with none of the batters, like seven of the home side's batters, getting to double figures. [Scorecard]

Representative selection [posted 01/09/20]

Kess Sajjad was playing for the Scotland Performance Academy today, against Scotland A, in a behind-closed-doors match at Grange Club in Edinburgh.  Well done to Kess on his selection.  

Club President update [posted 31/08/20]

Club President Kenneth Robertson (pictured) has written to members again today, updating them on activities at the club, activities still being undertaken under COVID-19-related restrictions and in line with sportscotland and Scottish Government guidance.   Kenneth's update has been emailed to members, and circulated to junior players' parents and senior players by WhatsApp today.  It can also be read, here online.

This week's activities [posted 31/08/20]

As we turn in to September, there's still plenty going on at the club this week.  There are COVID-19-safe training sessions for senior players on Tuesday and Thursday evening as usual, with a Poloc XI also travelling to "Meikleriggs" on Tuesday evening to take on Ferguslie in a local T20 friendly.  Here's hoping, after two washed-out previously scheduled matches against the Paisley club that the weather is kind tomorrow.  Thursday evening also sees the club's youngest age-group training at the club, Keith Sheridan leading the session between 6pm and 7pm.  Friday night then finishes off the weekday activities with a scheduled home Development XI match against near-neighbours Clydesdale.   

Women's inter-regional matches [posted 30/08/20]

We were pleased to host West Women Under 18s' two home inter-regional T20 matches against East Women Under 18s at "Shawholm" today, the back-to-back matches being played under COVID-19-safe protocols agreed between Cricket Scotland and the Scottish Government and sportscotland.  The East Women's side won both matches, but - in front of a healthy [Ed: no pun intended!] group of parents - the double-header saw competitive cricket of a high standard.  Thanks to the groundstaff led by Adam Richardson for his hard work in getting the ground ready to host today's matches after a week of horrendous weather. 

Representative selection [posted 30/08/20]

Congratulations to Hasan Malik who is included in the Western Warriors Under 16 squad for their T20 double-header matches against the Eastern Knights at "Meikleriggs" today. 

Washed out.....again! [posted 27/08/20]

Storm Francis might've come and gone, but a wet Wednesday and more torrential rain today has seen tonight's T20 against Clydesdale called off.  #Scottishsummer

Frankly, washed out! [posted 25/08/20]

As expected, Storm Francis put paid to this evening's home T20 friendly against Ferguslie, with the match being called off shortly before lunch such was the rain.  Another evening T20 against the Paisley side has been scheduled for next Tuesday, at "Meikleriggs".

Cricket Scotland update for clubs [posted 24/08/20]

Cricket Scotland has again updated clubs on COVID-19-safe protocols.  In its circular to clubs this evening, which can be found online, here, the national governing body's Head of Development Nic Wilson noted, "The key changes to the latest guidance are:

• Outdoor training and competition for all ages, can now take place with a maximum of 30 people taking part in any one session or match.
• No physical distancing is required during training/match activity, however normal household guidelines on physical distancing must be adhered to before and after activity for 12 yrs and over.
• This means the restrictions for net practice, operating every second net, no longer apply."

The week ahead [posted 23/08/20]

It's busy week ahead for the club with, weather-permitting, three home matches.  Tuesday and Thursday evening could see, respectively, Ferguslie and Clydesdale visit for T20s against Poloc XIs, whilst Friday sees a home Development XI fixture against Clydesdale scheduled.  The two Poloc XI matches start at 6pm, the Development XI match at 5.30pm.  This week also sees near-neighbours Pollok FC start their pre-season training at "Shawholm" with sessions scheduled for Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday morning.  All of this of course in parallel with the BodyFit fitness sessions continuing as usual.

Eventually! [posted 20/08/20]

The club finally played a cricket match this evening!  In late August!  The match was a local T20 [Ed: that became a T12 after two rain interruptions!] against Clydesdale, at "Titwood".  Batting first, the Crossmyloof side posted 87 for 2, a target that, in the gathering gloom, the 'Loc side couldn't chase down.  Good to get a match in notwithstanding the date and weather!  Thanks to Clydesdale for hosting, and umpire Gregg Watson for standing. [Scorecard]

Just our luck! [posted 18/08/20]

After waiting months to play their first match, tonight's season-opener [Ed: yes, in August!] was - maybe not unexpectedly - rained off!  Scheduled for a 6pm start at "Meikleriggs", tonight's T20 friendly versus Ferguslie was called off, with the raining falling heavily, around 4pm.  Here's hoping for fairer weather on Thursday. 

Sightscreens refurbishment [posted 16/08/20]

Work around the ground continued over the weekend with the repaintaining of all four sightscreens - black one side and white the other, of course (see below).  The screens had some repair work done last week, with replacement - heavier - bottom beams being put on in the hope this will mean they won't be so susceptible to breaking when the "local youth" use then as benches or for jumping on!  Thanks to Iain Todd and Jamie Patterson for their joinery and decoration services, respectively.

Cricket Scotland update for clubs on inter-club matches [posted 15/08/20]

Cricket Scotland has again updated clubs on COVID-19-safe inter-club matches protocols.  In its circular to clubs today the national governing body said, "Further to Cricket Scotland’s guidance for inter-club fixtures effective from 10 August 2020, the Wicket Keeper may stand up to the stumps to slow bowlers on occasions during a match.

"Whilst social distancing measures should apply at all times it is acknowledged that there are times when this is not possible and common sense must apply.  Umpires and players must adhere to the following:

1. Batter to face away from the wicket keeper at all times.
2. Batter and wicket keeper must not engage in conversation.
3. Wicket keeper to be active in gathering the ball from fielders.
4. Wicket keeper should step away from the stumps while the bowler is returning to their mark.
5. Wicket keeper permitted to wear a face mask if they so wish.
6. Umpires to monitor wicket keepers standing up to ensure the above guidance is being adhered to."

The update can also be read online.

Jim Sim [posted 10/08/20]

The club was saddened to learn, today, of the passing of Jim Sim.  The thoughts of those at the club, particularly those who remember Jim, are with his wife Sheena, and sons Ian and Gordon.  Jim was a General Committee member, President Kenneth Robertson remembering him serving as House Convenor, and, as an architect, helping to remodel the internal layout of the clubhouse including the open plan main lounge and back room areas, and the current toilet and shower areas.  Still subject to COVID-19-related restrictions, a private service will take place at Linn Crematorium. 

COVID-19-safe training sessions continue, matches imminent [posted 08/08/20]

The news that local inter-club matches are to be allowed from 10 August 2020 (see below) is encouraging, and it is hoped that the club can organise these over the coming week.  Meantime, the COVID-19-safe training sessions continue.  Today's participants were welcomed by glorious weather in G43, the ground looking resplendent in the early morning sunshine (picture below courtesy of BodyFit trainer Stuart Irons).  As matches are arranged they will be added to the website's Upcoming events section.  And with real cricket imminent it's also apt that players are reminded that to be eligible to play they must be up-to-date with their membership subscriptions. 

Cricket Scotland update for clubs on the return to cricket [posted 07/08/20]

Cricket Scotland has again updated clubs on the return to cricket activities.  In its press release today the national governing body said, "Cricket Scotland is delighted to announce the resumption of local inter-club fixtures (both adult and junior), subject to certain restrictions, with effect from Monday 10th August 2020.

"Cricket Scotland is grateful to the Scottish Government and sportscotland for their help in, and approval of, this very positive step.  Detailed guidance appears on the Cricket Scotland website which must be followed. The key issues for clubs to consider, over and above those applying to the current intra club games, in playing local inter-club fixtures include:

:: recording of all participants’ contact details
:: travel to and from the ground: and
:: minimising any group gatherings before, during and after the match.

"The full guidance for clubs can be found online.  Additionally, club players and officials are encouraged to read this short online e-learning course which provides general information on staying safe and specific information on inter-club fixtures. The course can be found online.  The expectation is that the matches will be played within localised clusters of clubs – some matches of that nature have already been provisionally arranged by the Regional Associations or by clubs themselves.  The opportunity exists, under the guidance, for clubs which are some distance from others to play matches but subject to the specific travel requirements laid down.  The Regional Associations are able to advise clubs on the extent of localised clusters.  Clubs are reminded that the Club and members must be aware of and able to adapt to changes in guidance at short notice, for example, in the event of a local lockdown.  Clearly this resumption is hugely welcome but it must take place with suitable caution in the continuing pandemic, particularly in the light of fresh outbreaks in certain parts of the country.  Special guidance is being considered by the relevant Regional Associations and Cricket Scotland for clubs in Aberdeen itself and will be communicated in the next few days."

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Weather

Check out the weather at Shawholm before setting out - we like the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation site best!  To see what it's saying about the weather in G43, click on the logo below to go to its website.