Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union Handbook 2008

2 PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS When I started off playing for Perthshire 2 nd XI as a spotty teenager back in 1974, little did I know that not only would I be still playing in 2008 but that I would also hold the position of President of The Strathmore and Perthshire Union. I consider this to be a great honour both for myself and my Club- it is many years since a Perthshire member has been President. What can you say about last season? Eric Olthwaite from one of Michael Palin’s Ripping Yarns from the late seventies would probably have summed it up best – “It were always raining and even when it weren’t it was drizzling and overcast and there was a lot of moisture in the air”. In between the showers it was a good year for Strathmore and Cupar who won the Premier and 1st Division titles respectively. It was a great performance by Strathie who proved that good team performances could often compensate for the lack of a hired hand. Unfortunately the play off final was a step too far when they came up against a Peter Steindl inspired Corstorphine. I would expect them to challenge strongly again this year along with Huntly, who might decide that it is worth pursuing the opportunity of playing National League cricket despite the travelling that that would entail. We welcome Clackmannan into the fold this season, a Club that has in recent years fallen on harder times but are now showing real signs of resurgence. I am old enough and lucky enough to have seen many fine professionals ply their trade in Scotland and Peter Clifford, whom Clackmannan employed as a professional during the 80’s was one of the best. Kinross have also entered a second team into the third division to allow their burgeoning numbers, of predominantly junior cricketers, some more competitive cricket. Congratulations must go to