HELENSBURGH’S cricketers are looking forward to what they hope will be a “near normal” season after their activities came to a near-complete halt because of Covid – and the early signs for the club are already encouraging.
The local club’s first competitive fixture of the season ended in an eight-wicket win away to Dunfermline and Carnegie CC in the Cricket Scotland Challenge Cup last Sunday, with the visitors surviving the loss of two early wickets to secure victory, and a trip to Glasgow Accies in the next round, after their Fife hosts were bowled out for 82.
Like every other sports club in Helensburgh and beyond, the town’s cricketers saw their plans for 2020 brought to a halt when the pandemic hit 14 months ago.
And though Helensburgh were able to fit in eight games during the eased restrictions which took effect towards the end of last summer, club president Alex Todd says he and his clubmates are just hoping to enjoy a return to near normality on the sporting front over the coming months.
“Last summer I think we were the only sports club in Helensburgh playing team games,” Alex said.
“But now that Argyll and Bute is going down to Level 1, and Glasgow to Level 2, we’re all just hoping for a season that is as close to normal as possible.”
READ MORE: More tough days at the office in Rhu's cup campaign
Helensburgh’s ranks this year include two overseas amateurs in the shape of South Africans Luke Smith and Caleb Alexander, both of whom are spending the year working at Lomond School, as well as a good crop of young players from the club’s youth ranks under the guidance of Ian Chambers.
That focus on youth means Helensburgh hope to field three teams this year – a first and second XI and a social team for friendly fixtures – all thanks to sponsorship from Shearwater Marine Services.
Senior training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm at Ardencaple, while ‘All Stars’ youth training sessions for players aged 7-11 is on Fridays from 5-6pm, with youngsters 12 and up training from 6.30pm, also on Fridays.
And the club is keen to welcome new players of any standard to join its ranks.
“Anyone at any level is welcome,” Alex continued, “from international standard all the way to those who have never picked up a cricket bat or ball in their life.”
The Scottish Government’s decision to move Glasgow into Level 2 restrictions means the club’s two teams can finally begin their WDCU league campaigns on Saturday, June 5: Helensburgh are at home to Irvine CC, and Ardencaple travel to Kilmarnock to play Kirkstyle.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here