Strathmore Cricket Union Handbook 2000

2 INTRODUCTION Welcome to this, the twenty second issue of the Strathmore Union Handbook and my sixteenth as editor. It was supposed to be the first under new editorship but I’m afraid no-one was willing to take on the job and the Committee asked if I would do one more to allow them time to persuade someone else. So I get one last chance to have my say. In welcoming St Modans to the Union, I hope that they won’t be too disappointed by finding themselves in Division One rather than occupying the Premier Division place which most people felt they had been voted into at the AGM. I am sure that they will work very hard to reach their goal of playing in the top flight and I look forward to watching their progress. After some near things over recent years, Inverurie overcame the horrible weather conditions to win the inaugural Premier Division title. It was disappointing that they weren’t able to contest the play-offs for the SNCL but that is as nothing compared to the disgraceful treatment they and the Union received from the SCU when the decision on Scottish Cup places for this season was announced. By removing all non-SNCL clubs from the competition, the SCU forgets its duty to the wider caucus of Scottish Cricket and member clubs should make their views known at every opportunity. A booklet like this relies on many people for its production, not least those like Ian Potts who contribute photographs on a regular basis. The heart of the publication, however, is the statistical analysis of the season and this has been compiled, as always, by Ian Chisholm. Every year, Ian puts in a tremendous effort on behalf of you, the Union’s players. He deserves muchmore recognition than he ever receives and I hope that all of you who meet him during the year take the opportunity to thank him personally. Without the generous support of our advertisers and sponsors, the Union’s finances would not be nearly as healthy. Dukes have now been our main sponsors for eight years and we are most grateful to them. The Handbook has received advertising support since my first issue and Clubsp K rt has been in every one. Trojan, Neil Cuthbert and Sheltered Housing Management appear for the fourteenth year in succession. Please repay all the advertisers by supporting them as they support us. RWSM