Strathmore Cricket Union Handbook 2003

40 STRATHEARN CRICKET CLUB (founded 1879) There are many conflicting statements as to the birthplace of cricket in Scotland but it is more generally supposed that it was initially played in Perth in 1826. This was quickly followed a couple of years later at Rossie Priory and both clubs, if not the outright leaders, were among the forerunners of the game as it is known today. One of the more famous names that played on the North Inch as guests of the county club was that of the Marylebone Cricket Club. They travelled north in September 1872, 1873, August 1874 and again in August 1876. The same world famous club have honoured us in 1979 by sending a team north of the border to Perth, this time to Doo’cot Park for Strathearn’s official centenary fixture. Because of the absence of any true records, which have unfortunately been misplaced with the passage of time, this dip into the club’s history may not be in strict chronological order. Although every attempt has been made to find out as much as possible, information about the early days is rather sketchy. The club was formed by a few young cricket enthusiasts from the lovely valley of Strathearn, from which the name was derived. Those young men had come to Perth to serve their apprenticeships at various trades and were ably supported in the formation of the club by fellow apprentices belonging to the Fair City. The first meeting was convened on the North Inch during the month of June, by the large tree opposite the end of Barossa Place, a fine piece of timber that still stands today. They secured a pitch some sixty yards to the north, this being their home ground for many years. Some of the known founder members were John Campbell, John and William Penny, Erskine Galloway, Andrew King, John Panton and Frank Heale. What is not apparent is who were the bats, who were the bowlers, who were the country lads and who were the natives of Perth. The first secretary of the club was a Mr Joseph Hutchison who apparently did not spare himself in any way and it was mainly due to his efforts and tremendous enthusiasm that Strathearn has such a solid foundation. It is not known how long Mr Hutchison held the post but another of the early secretaries and one who was equally enthusiastic, was a Mr W R Green. He was responsible for recruiting many prominent citizens as members, among