Strathmore Cricket Union: the first 90 years a history 1928-2018

186 During the Union’s existence we have been entertained by many talented cricketers, some of whomhave gained promotion into the Scottish Counties and from there into the Scotland Team. A very few others have gone on to play English County 1st Class cricket, most notable being Dallas Moir who played for Aberdeen Grammar School FP, Aberdeenshire and Derbyshire. At one point he was selected in the England one-day squad. The game has also turned up quite a few characters and a host of interesting nicknames, such as “The Rubislaw Lighthouse” given to 6’8” Aberdeen Grammar School FP, Aberdeenshire and Scotland star, Jeremy Moir (twin of Dallas above). At the other end of the scale, we had David Young of Blairgowrie, better known as “Scooty”. Small of stature , he stalked the cover region and was very quick and agile over the ground - an excellent fielder who saved many runs for his side. If nicknames such as “Mouse”, “Spider”, “Shorty” or “Tuppence” are mentionedmost readerswill immediately recognisewho is being discussed. However, two others less well known have nicknames which require explaining. At Lochee Park one player was called “Strawberry”. On asking why he got that name, it was explained that “he canny bat and he canny bowl, so “Strawberry” fields forever”. Elsewhere a less flattering name was given to “Thrombosis”, so called because his teammates thought he was a “Bloody Clot”. And thus 90 years of the Strathmore Union were clocked up. Cricket has changed immeasurably in these 90 years since 1929 – but so too had society and life in general – but the Strathmore Union has provided much enjoyment and entertainment for so many people over the years. The story is of course far from finished as we edge towards our centenary. We are very much in the “nervous nineties”, but we look forward to achieving our century and progressing beyond. I see little to stop us, for in spite of everything, cricket is the most loved sport of them all.