Strathmore Cricket Union Handbook 2001

2 INTRODUCTION The 2001 season is one of significant change for the Strathmore Union though this is no unusual occurrence in the most dynamic league in Scotland. For the coming season we again revert to the two division set-up which we briefly abandoned in 1999 and 2000. I would like to say that the decision was taken because of the strength of competition in the Union but we know that simply isn’t the case. The loss of Dundee High School FP to the SNCL and the amalgamation of Grammar FP’s and Gordonians leaves us with no option but to abandon the three division structure. That said, the Union will benefit from having two full and competitive divisions. The decision of Dundee High School FP to test their strength in the SNCL robs the Union of one of its most successful teams of the last two decades but it’s hardly a surprise that a club which has been at the forefront of the push towards league restructuring in Scotland would wish to take advantage of the opportunity to play on a national stage. Everyone in the Union will wish them success. As one club departs, another joins. We welcome Rossie Priory XI to Division Two and hope they find it an enjoyable experience. Anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of playing at Rossie will be in for a treat. As a tip, batsmen should be prepared for lots of running when they hit the ball up the hill and watch out for ‘obstructions’ if you have to climb the fence to get the ball back! It is traditional to use this slot to thank those who contribute most to the production of this booklet. We tend to become complacent when we read the same names every year and assume that they will always do the work that we, ourselves, can’t be bothered to do. This year, please think carefully about the debt which the Union owes to Ian Chisholm in particular. The compilation of statistics is time-consuming and thankless. The work is only remarked upon when a mistake is found and, in Ian’s case, that is so seldom that he never gets any acknowledgement! To all the other contributors, I say a hearty thanks. Finally, I would like to thank the Union’s sponsors and supporters. The contribution to our financial security from Dukes and the handbook advertisers is immense. Please help us sustain this help by giving them your support.