Strathmore Cricket Union Handbook 2002

2 INTRODUCTION As another season starts, the Union, once again, embraces change. After a single season of two divisions, we once again return to the three division set-up. We welcome back Dundee High to the Premier Division after their sojourn in the SNCL while saying goodbye to Inverurie who have opted to return to Grade Cricket. Finally, a proud tradition is revived with the return of founder members Blairgowrie after 13 seasons in the wilderness. The loss of Inverurie is a sad blow. A club which showed somuch ambition and progressive thinking has succumbed to that most pervasive of diseases, player apathy. It is a startling reminder to us all of how quickly decline can set in and the Union’s recent history is now littered with similar cases. All sports are struggling to attract sufficient numbers of young players and cricket, as an uncool activity, is probably the most vulnerable. Efforts to brighten up the game will certainly be needed but this doesn’t necessarily mean radical change. Even within the current set-up, improvement could be achieved if captains made efforts to involve the youngsters they pick rather than stick them at fine leg both ends and bat them at the bottom of the order. Matches also drag on too long as players saunter through overs at 13 to the hour. Let’s make 2002 different - no physical change has caused the drop in over rate, only the slavish following of the television sluggards. At 20 overs an hour, matches will return to the five hours cricket that was the norm in the Union for many years. With a 1pm start, we could see 7pm finishes and youngsters will not be faced with a choice between cricket and a social life. This won’t solve all the problems but at least it will tackle one of the major drawbacks of the sport. The Union is very grateful to all those who devote time and effort to the production of this booklet. The efforts of Ian Chisholm in the keeping of our statistics are legendary. Thanks is also due to Ian Potts for taking so many excellent photographs that I can have a choice in which ones appear. The continued support of our sponsors and advertisers is greatly appreciated. Within these pages, you can find companies providing a wide range of services and supplies. Please use themwhen you can and mention the Union when you do. Most of all, enjoy yourselves and have a great season.