Strathmore Cricket Union Handbook 2001

42 AMALGAMATIONINABERDEEN Despite coming second to Meigle in 1999 it was obvious early in season 2000 that Grammar FP’s were going to struggle to raise a team which could compete at Union level. Several first team regulars became unavailable: Gary Stuart was in America, Keith Fletcher became a full-time member of a mountain-rescue team, John Eagles semi-retired to the golf course, Chris Clelland was busy running a football team, Pete Mears was offshore most of the time, Stephen Murphy worked on Saturdays and football and the World Cup took its toll. Jerry Moir sustained a long-term injury, as did Peter Redhead. At the end of July John Lord disappeared to Colombia and the Vice Captain Alan Redhead had eloped to Fife with his Bride-to-Be. Overall FP’s only managed to complete seven matches in the Premier Division and the other teams in the Union are due an unqualified apology. Although Gordonians fulfilled all their Union commitments, behind the scenes it was obvious that season 2001 was going to be difficult. Anju Mudkavi the Club’s professional for over twelve seasons had announced that he was not to renew his contract and with the impending loss of Adrian Woodman and Jamie Helme along with a number of youngsters who were off to University for the first time, the prospects for the forthcoming season were not auspicious. When, therefore, FP’s approached Gordonians with a view to an amalgamation of sorts, they found a sympathetic ear. A series of meetings between the Clubs and then discussions with the Union, Robert Gordon’s College and the Former Pupil Associations of both Clubs resulted in February in the signing of an agreement which sees the 1st Xl’s of both Club’s combining to play in the Union from 2001. Continuedonpage52