Latest news and club notices

Club President update [posted 20/09/21] 

Club President Kenneth Robertson (pictured) has written to members again today, updating them on activities at the club.   Kenneth's September 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.

Poloc slump to big defeat on the final day [posted 18/09/21] 

The final Saturday League match of the 2021 saw Langside visit "Shawholm", in a match that would reflect much of the 'Loc's season: a collective inability to put enough runs on the 'board, whether batting first, or second, despite the bowlers proving more than competitive.  This week the bowlers were in action first.  In restricting Langside to 203 for 9 in their 50 overs, the wickets were shared around.  Hamaad Anwar, Ahmed-Raza Hanif, and Hunnain Sohail each took a brace, and Imran Adrees, Murtaza Syed, and Andrew Mallichan took one each.  None of the bowlers wentb at more than 4.8-an-over, with Andrew Mallichan's figures of 5-0-9-1 opening the bowling being the standout from an economy point of view.  Hamaad Anwar's first two Saturday League wickets on debut included stumping by Calum James, who was wearing the gloves in Saif Sajjad's absence.  Also missing this week was Robert Cathcart whose late withdrawal through injury saw Hasan Malik come in to the side to bat in the middle order.  

203 for 9 meant the 'Loc needed 204 to win.  67 for 3 was a reasonable start; Ali Raza Qazi (40) occupying one end as he lost three early partners.  Calum James (5), Hunnain Sohail (10), and Amaan Ramzan (14) each sort of got in, but none could stay with Ali Raza Qazi.  And when Kess Sajjad (7) and Ali Raza Qazi were separated with the score on 67, the chances of the home win were much reduced.  Only 21 in wides and no balls, in fact, would prevent the side being eventually dismissed for under 100, as batters six through eleven mustered just 10 off the bat between them.  67 for 3 had become 115 all out, and the 'Loc's 2021 Saturday League season had ended in a whimper.  [Scorecard]  

Shawholm match abandoned [posted 18/09/21] 

Another match involving Shawholm has ended in an abandonment.  Today it was their away match against Albert Park.  Chasing 121 to win, the home side were 110 for 6 when the match was abandoned.  James Cathcart had taken 4 for 30 in ten overs by this point, with Saad Salim grabbing the other two wickets to fall.  The low target of 121 had resulted from another poor batting performance from the Shawholm side, their 120 all out, in just 36 overs, seeing only three batters - Robert cathcart (29*), Awace Ahmed (29), and Usman Baig (14) - reaching double figures, and only one other batter getting past 4.  For Albert Park, Afzal had been destroyer-in-chief, taking 5 for 27 in his ten-over spell, with Shah chipping in with figures of 10-4-13-3 opening the bowling.  A disappointing end to any match however, never mind the final Saturday League match of the season.  [Scorecard]   

Sunday friendly cancelled; Sunday League match rescheduled [posted 17/09/21] 

Sunday's friendly against Ferguslie has been cancelled, the "Meikleriggs" club not able to raise a team.  However that door closing allowed another to open, and the Sunday League match against Renfrew, postponed earlier in the season, has been rearranged.  

Like London buses [posted 12/09/21] 

The Panthers continued their good form in the Sunday League today, brushing aside the challenge of Ayr at "New Cambusdoon", with Ali Raza Qazi's century the highlight.  Yes, for the third Sunday in a row the Panthers had a century-maker in their line-up, and today's meant that it was the third different centurion in three weeks.    Ali Qazi Raza's 102, opening the batting, was the centre-piece of a successful run-chase that saw the side chase down 207 for the win, opening partner Sufian Ali (52) also contributing a half century to the cause.    Congratulations to Ali Qazi Raza (pictured, left) who makes the WDCU Honours Board, and well done to the side on another win.    [Ed': oh for a few of those runs on a Saturday!] .

The target of 207 had been set by the home side, whose decent total was built around 65 from Bhandari, and cameos from Smith (42*) and Lilley (32).  Lilley can also feel marginally agrieved that he ended up on the losing side in a game where, in addition to his useful runs, he took all three of the Panthers wickets to be credited to a bowler (Ali Raza Qazi retiring after reaching his hundred).  Saad Salim, playing a remarkable 31st game of a COVID-19-affected season took a brace of wickets, whilst Robert Cathcart grabbed a "4-for" bowling fifth change.  [Scorecard] 

Shawholm lose heavily [posted 11/09/21] 

St. Ninian's were the visitors to "Shawholm" today, looking for revenge for Shawholm's win at "Henry  Thow Oval" earlier in the season.  Batting first after St. Ninian's had guessed wrongly at the toss, Shawholm, in truth, never really got going.  They'd eventually bat nearly their full complement of overs, being bowled out in the 49th over, however they'd mustered just 126.  Balawal Fahim, who'd scored heavily in the reverse fixture in Prestwick earlier in the season, top-scored with 29, skipper Irfan Hanif providing some support with 20.  But with six batters scoring 4 or less, and three batters getting run out (!), this wasn't really a recipe to cook up a decent total, and even 33 runs in extras wouldn't see this outcome: 126 all out, the scoreboard likely needing some WD40 for next week so rarely were the mechanisms set in motion.  

Defending 126 would be tough, but stranger things do happen.  But it certainly needs early wickets, and tight bowling.  Unfortunately neither materialised as Morrison (43*) and Singh (39) put on 63 for the first wicket, before a further 35 were added for the second.  The pendulum had well and truly swung in St. Ninian's direction.  No more wickets would be taken either, and St. Ninian's passed the finish line in the 28th over, and so secured an eight-wicket win.  A disappointing result, and performance, likely only Balawal Fahim and Hamaad Anwar (10-0-34-1) coming out with pass marks.  [Scorecard] 

No fun at the seaside [posted 11/09/21] 

September league cricket continued today, and with the warm late Autumn still with us it was a trip to the seaside that beckoned for the 'Loc, and some beach cricket.  Prestwick were the side's hosts, and after guessing correctly at the toss, skipper Kess Sajjad decided to bat first on a square that had proved to be spin-friendly throughout the season.  But it wouldn't be so much spin-friendly today, more spin-tastic as the 'Loc were unceremoniously bundled out for just 63, the home side's two off spinners - Chaudhary and Haq - taking seven wickets between them.  Well, actually, that's really doing Chaudhary a disservice, as he took six, to Haq's solitary scalp.  6 for 25 in fact, as he dismantled the 'Loc's batting line-up.  

After a steady'ish start the side had actually been 49 for 2 at one point, Amaan Ramzan (21) and Saif Sajjad (11) having stabilised things after both openers - Calum James (9) and Ali Raza Qazi (1) - went cheaply to see the 'Loc slide quickly to 17 for 2.  But when Amaan Ramzan and Saif Sajjad were seperated - 49 for 3 - the Jenga tower started to wobble.  Three wickets fell 8 runs later, and 57 for 6 then became 63 all out as five of the middle and lower order batters failed to trouble the scorers, including last man Imran Adrees (0*) who was left wearing the Sherriff's badge.  Prestwick set just 64 to win therefore.  

And the home side's batters made quick work of their task, losing just three wickets - two to spin - en route to 64 for 3, and the 25 win points.  Imran Adrees, Ahmed-Raza Hanif, and Robert Cathcart took a wicket each, but in truth defending 63 would've needed a collapse of,.....well, of Poloc proportions.  And it wasn't to be, Prestwick running out comfortable seven wicket winners.  Nxt week is matchday eighteen, and the final league match of the 2021 season, Langside visiting "Shawholm".  [Scorecard] 

Just another Sunday,.....ton!  [posted 05/09/21] 

Last week it was Hunnain Sohail against East Kilbride in the Sunday League, today it was Amaan Ramzan's turn to get on the "Honours Board".  His 107, batting at six, after coming in with the side four down for hee-haw (33 for 4) was a great knock, and allowed the Panthers to post 244 for 7 in their [reduced] 35 overs.  But it wasn't just the "Amaan Ramzan Show".  As all good knocks need, there had to be someone at the other end.  Today it was Irfan Hanif, and he just missed out on a half century when he was run out for 49 after having added a whopping 165 with Amaan.  A cameo 28 not out from Ozama Baig then added some sugar to the cake, and the big total was set.  Amaan Ramzan's knock included no fewer than seventeen 4s, as he recorded his second Sunday League hundred.  244 for 7, 245 to win for opponents Prestwick. 

 Amaan Ramzan completing a 2 to the extra cover sweeper to move to his 100

And the visitors from the coast would have their own centurion, Alexander scoring 101 not out.  His unbeaten knock saw him bat from the start, and when considered in the light of also having taken 3 for 31 with the ball, he must feel a tad agrieved he ended up on the losing side.  But he dids, and likely this was because - though Prestwick eventually scored 201 for 7 - none of the middle and lower order who got to the middle could get going.  Fellow opener Rao scored 39, but aside 20 from McBeth, no other Prestwick batter scored more than 3.  201 for 7 the final score in the reply then, and the Panthers run out 43-run winners.  [Scorecard]  

Shawholm lose high-scoring game [posted 04/09/21] 

202 proved not enough for Shawholm today, as visitors Deanpark chased down their target with five overs to spare.  Disappointing after Ali Raza Qazi (46), Hasan Malik (31), and Osama Baig (52) had looked to have given their side a chance.  With only Saad Salim (14) and Irfan Hanif (16), however, making any other semi-meaningful contributions with the bat Shawholm's 202 for 9 was likely a bit under par given conditions, and 25 runs light given where the side were going in to the last third of their innings.    

Deanpark's successful run-chase was also based on a couple of meaningful individual innings: Siddiq (56) and Chopra (50) providing the visitors' two top scores.  22 for Sankaran, batting at six, was also useful.  203 for 7 was the score when the finish line was passed, in just the 45th over, Saad Salim, Osama Baig, and Zakki Tariq each having taken two wickets, but to no avail.  33 in wides can again be highlighted as, at best, unhelpful for Shawholm in defending their score, however with only Hamaad Anwar's ten-over spell going at less than 4.6-an-over, the blame for letting Deanpark chase down their target should really be shared around.  [Scorecard] 

Defeat at "Bothwell Castle Policies" [posted 04/09/21] 

The final result was an 82-run win for the hosts, Uddingston, today at "Bothwell Castle Policies", the 'Loc failing to chase down 241 to secure the 25 win points.  157 all out was all that could be mustered, and with this, just the 1 losing bonus point.  The eventual capitulation wasn't necessarily "on the cards" however, mid-way through the 'Loc's reply, skipper Kess Sajjad (45) and Hunnainm Sohail (23) having added 56 after coming together with the score on 72.  The top three had all got in to double figures, but none of Calum James (11), Sufian Ali (12), or Saif Sajjad (19) could get to 20, and Kess Sajjad and Hunnain Sohail were then in tandem when Amaan Ramzan departed for just 1.  128 for 4 then, and a nice partnership forming.  But it didn't last, and when Hunnain Sohail was fifth out, this triggered a revolving door at the top of the steps to the changing rooms: 128 for 5 became 157 all, none of the last three batters getting past 5.  Disappointing, not just the manner of the collapse, but the consequences too, in that another defeat ends with minimal losing bonus points secured.  

The target of 241 had been set by the hosts batting first, Lyons' 77, batting at seven, being the highlight.  Only opener Ahmad (51) offered much support as, like the 'Loc's, the Uddingston's scorecard reflected the 5's and under scores, and a bundle in the teens.  240 was also, "240, all out", the 'Loc dismissing Uddingston in the last over.  Imran Adrees helped himself to another "3-for" to continue his impressive season with the ball, and Ahmed-Raza Hanif, Murtaza Syed, and Kess Sajjad each taking a brace of wickets: 2 for 52, 2 for 21, and 2 for 74, respectively.  Ahmed-Raza Hanif also took four catches, as seven out of the ten home wickets to fall saw batters holing out.  [Scorecard] 

Skipper's ton sees Panthers to the win [posted 29/08/21] 

The Panthers continued their good season in the Sunday League, defeating East Kilbride at "Torrance House" by just 3 runs today.  Built around an innings of 120 by skipper Hunnain Sohail (pictured, left), the Panthers, batting first, posted 226 for 6.  Hunnain's innings included thirteen 4s, and he was support by cameos from Awace Ahmed (26*), and Osama Baig (20).    In reply, the home side very nearly sneaked home, finishing just 3 runs short of the Panthers' total, the eight wickets falling en route to their 223 for 8 being shared around the nine bowlers used, Hunnain Sohail also executing a run out.

So, a 3-run win, and a successful Sunday League campaign continues.  [Scorecard] 

Representative selection [posted 29/08/21] 

Congratulations to Hasan Malik who has been selected in the Western Warriors Under 17 matchday squad for today's inter-regional T20 tournament at Strathmore CC's "Lochside" ground, in Forfar.  

Match abandoned [posted 28/08/21] 

Shawholm's away match in Coatbridge against Langloan ended in unusual circumstances this afternoon when, with Shawholm 199 for 6 in the 43rd over, chasing 233 for the win, the Langloan players left the field after a dispute following the turning down of a so-called Mankad appeal.  Ali Raza Qazi was the batter whose dismissal had been appealed for, the Shawholm opener having progressed to 86 not out in the run chase.  With him in the middle was Hamaad Anwar, batting at eight, on 4 not out.  These two had come together with the score on 162 after Shawholm had lost three relatively quick wickets after a good start.  72 had been put on by the openers, Zakki Tariq (30) batting with Ali Raza Qazi in a new opening pair.  72 for 1 had then progressed to 100 for 1, when the second Shawholm wickt fell.  The middle order then gave further support to Ali Raza Qazi, Osama Baig, Usman Amin, and Hasan Malik all getting in to double figures.  But, really, the Shawholm reply was all about Ali Raza Qazi, the abandonment leaving open the questions of whether he'd have reached his hundred, and whether his side would reach their target.  

And that target had been as high as it was thanks in no small measure to the #PolocPlague striking yet again: 54 in extras, including 47 wides!  A half century from Aziz (58*) batting at eight had also frustated the Shawholm bowlers, 135 for 6 suggesting a much lower total would be posted before Aziz's effort.  But Aziz would eventually run out of partners, Hamaad Anwar dismissing last man Faqir.  This was one of the two wickets taken by Hammad Anwar, with Saad Salim taking 3 for 44, and Hasan Malik having a great day with the ball returning figures of 8-0-39-4 to be top wicket-taker.  232 all out in the 47th over.  Was it enough?  Unfortunately that'll never be known.  [Scorecard] 

Heavy defeat for Poloc against Stirling County [posted 28/08/21] 

Today's home league match against Stirling County ended in heavy defeat for Poloc as their visitors ran out easy - and big - winners, bowling out the 'Loc for 147 inside 45 overs to record a near 100-run victory.  The run-chase target of 241 had been set by Stirling County batting first, the "New Williamfield" side opting to have first use of the pitch on another warm and sunny day on Glasgow's southside.  Relying a lot this year on their top three, today's 240 for 7 reflected just that, with Tweedie (69), Booker (36), and McMullen (88) amassing over 80% of their side's runs; the other six batters to get to the middle adding just 23 between them.  What the 'Loc bowlers wouldn't have given to have got to batter number four earlier than when the scoreboard showed 204 for 2!  20 runs in wides wasn't terrible by this season's standards, but certainly didn't help, as the big target was posted.  For the 'Loc's bowling attack, Imran Adrees continued to haul in victims, taking another three league wickets and returning figures of 10-0-44-3.  Robert Cathcart took 2 for 33 in his eight overs, and Ahmed-Raza Hanif again bowled nicely, and tightly, returning figures of 10-1-35-1 bowling first change when the Stirling County top three were in full flow.  240 for 7, 241 to win.  

The tough run-chase then got off to a bad start as the 'Loc quickly slipped to 11 for 2 early in their reply.  Hunnain Sohail (34) and Amaan Ramzan (23) then steadied HMS Poloc and took the total past 50, before, with the 'board showing 71, and their partnership having reached 60, Amaan Ramzan was bowled.  A few other quick wickets then followed as 71 for 2 became 84 for 6, and a pointless [Ed': i.e. no bonus losing points being picked up] end to the match beckoned.  However the lower middle order dug in and Andrew Mallichan (29), Murtaza Syed (12), and Robert Cathcart (10) ensured 1 losing point was gained, alongwith some respectability, before the side were eventually all out for 147.  

So a heavy defeat that brings the recent run of good league form to an end.  Next week it's Uddingston away, and a trip to "Bothwell Castle Policies".  [Scorecard] 

Two-in-two [posted 25/08/21] 

The Panthers were back in action this evening, this time entertaining Victoria at "Shawholm".  After the toss, the side were in the field first, and quickly got on top of the Bellahouston Battlers, reducing their visitors to 14 for 2 in hee-haw time.  Saad Salim and Hamaad Anwar, sharing the new ball for the Panthers, had grabbed a scalp each, and Victoria were in the back foot.  Ahmed and Shamans did then settle their ship, albeit briefly, adding 19 for the third wicket, Ahmed departing to give Saad Salim his second wicket, and another clean-bowled.  This mode of dismissal would prove to be the most popular on the night in fact, Victoria's eventual 81 all out seeing seven of the ten wickets to fall requiring a wicket to be rebuilt.  Osama Baig took a "3-for" in what had turned in to a demolition derby, with Saad Salim, Sufian Ali, and Ahmed-Raza Hanif each taking a couple of wickets.  As yesterday at "Albert Park", the bowling unit's radar seemed correctly calibrated too, only 7 runs in wides being leaked in the 18.2 overs bowled.  Much better, and it doesn't half help!  The first innings wasn't flawless however, a couple of sloppy miss-fields, and two dropped catches standing out as notable bloopers.  81 all out though is still pretty good.  82 to win therefore.  

The Panthers' run-chase was spearheaded by Ali Raza Qazi and Sufian Ali.  However the latter wouldn't stay too long in the middle, departing in the second over for just 5, after micking off behind.  This brought Murtaza Syed to the crease, and he would score freely, making 17 (16) before being dismissed in identical fashion to Sufian Ali, nicking off behind, this time to Shahzad.  42 for 2.  Ali Raza Qazi was, however, looking unpreturbed, and continued to anchor the innings.  In fact he'd finish the run-chase in style - in just the fourteenth over - stroking Ul-haq for a maximum to see the Panthers across the finish line: 84 for 2, Ali Raza Qazi 46*, and Osama Baig 12*.  Thank you, and good-night, and eight-wicket win, and Victoria sent back to the "other park" licking their wounds, and to prepare to regroup to fight another day.  

A good win therefore, giving the Evening League leaders "a doing" as they say round these parts.  And, played on another gorgeously warm August evening.  #Toffee  [Scorecard]   

Panthers win in the wee derby [posted 24/08/21] 

It was Evening League derby night tonight as the Panthers made short trip to "Albert Park" to take on Langside.  In the field first the Panthers restricted their hosts to just 95 for 8 in their innings, a good bowling performance that saw - wait for it,..... - just 6 runs conceded in wides.  Ahmed-Raza Hanif helped himself to a "4-for", with four other bowlers taking a wicket each.  Saad Salim, who took one of those other four wickets was particular frugal, returning figures of 4-1-11-1.  In their reply, the Panthers ran out straight-forward winners, chasing down 96 in just seventeen overs, Balawal Fahim (30*) and Amaan Ramzan (29*) continuing their good seasons with their bats to see the side home.  [Scorecard]   

Under 12s match cancelled [posted 23/08/21] 

This evening's rearranged Under 12 match at "Hamilton Crescent" against West of Scotland has been cancelled, a COVID-19 case in the junior section at West of Scotland CC resulting in the match being called off.  

A Panthers XI loses tight Sunday friendly in Paisley [posted 22/08/21] 

A Ferguslie XI sneaked home by one wicket today in the first of a double-header of Sunday friendlies against a Panthers XI.  Batting first, after winning the toss, the Panthers XI posted 161 in their 4,......sorry, their 35.1 overs.  And this latyest instance of a side not using their overs would come back to haunt the Panthers XI as they would end up losingby just one wicket!  Their 161 was anchored by a well-made 62 from Hasan Malik, batting at four, who continued his good season with the bat.  His innings included eight 4s, and a 6, and came after Connor Browne, opening the batting, had made 26.  Also making it in to the 20s was Irfan Hanif, batting at five.  However only skipper Hunnain Sohail would be able, among the other batters, to get in to double figures, as no fewer than four batters failed to trouble the scorers, including Humza Baig who ended up the not out batter as his side left 25 deliveries unwrapped!  162 to win.  

The Ferguslie XI's run-chase - eventually successful - was built on two innings from their established players: Haroon Tahir (51*) retired after reaching his half century, after opening the batting; and Taimoor Ahmad was unbeaten on 34, batting at nine, to see his side home.  Crossing the winning live in just the 27th over, the home side's 162 for 9 included 34 runs in wides and no balls, the 33 wides being gifted in just the 26.2 overs bowled.  Yup, same-old, same-old.  All-other-things-being-equal [Ed': which of course they could never be!], imagine if the Panthers XI had even batted 38 overs and bowled just half as many wides?  Answers on a WhatsApp message group please!  The Ferguslie XI wickets to fall were shared around, with Hamaad Anwar, Haroon Khan, and Hunnain Sohail each grabbing a brace. 

The return friendly is at "Shawholm", on September the 19th.  [Scorecard]

Wash out at "Glenpark",.....yet again! [posted 21/08/21] 

If there's a more jinxed fixture in Scottish cricket than Greenock versus Poloc at "Glenpark" we'd like to hear about it.  Today's washed-out encounter at "Glenpark" never got started, and never looked like being on, as - like every other fixture across the west region - persistent rain left the ground waterlogged. 

Today's cancellation is the sixth time in six seasons this fixture hasn't got started, albeit only (!) five were because of the weather, 2020's match being lost due to COVID-19.  Here's hoping the jinx ends soon.  

Shawholm match cancelled [posted 21/08/21] 

Today's home Premier Division Reserve fixture between Shawholm and Whitehaugh was called off mid-morning, with the ground saturated after the overnight, morning, and continuing persistent rain. 

The Under 12s win again [posted 16/08/21] 

Prestwick were the Under 12s' hosts this evening as the club's youngest side played its final scheduled league fixture of the season.  On a chilly, overcast, night, the 'Loc were in the field first after losing the toss.  Following the simple instructions of bowling straight, and doing in the game what they practice each week, the youngsters then delivered a near-flawless display in the field.  Fifteen wickets were taken, including six run outs, and three catches.  Really pleasing to see.  Adam Ali took 3 for 4 in his three overs, with Finlay Rumins and Muntaha Maqsood each taking a brace of wickets.  Prestwick were restricted to 70 for 15, the fifteen wickets giving the 'Loc a 60-run head-start when they came to bat.  

First up for the Under 12s were Ruairidh Datta and Jacob Haw who batted through their five-over allocation unbeaten, Ruairidh Datta finishing 20 not out, an innings that included three 4s.  The McNeil brothers, Liam and adam, were then dismissed just the twice in overs six to ten, Liam finishing 21 not out to be the side's top-scorer on the night.  A good start then, and at the halfway point only two wickets had been lost.  Pair three comprised Finlay Rumins and Zaviyar Abassi, the former also ending not out, and the pair just losing two more wickets.  This left the deck clear for Adam Ali and Muntaha Maqsood, who batted through to the end, Adam Ali finishing 14 not out, and the pair being dismissed just the once.  So only five wickets lost in twenty overs, and a final score of 175 for 5 that meant the side had won by 85 runs.  A really good win.  [Scorecard] 

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