Welcome to the Western District Cricket Union website.  The Union organises and promotes cricket to half the population of Scotland, from Dumfries & Galloway in the south-west, up the west coast, and across the central belt to the Forth Valley.  We co-ordinate with the West District Junior Cricket Union, local authorities and Cricket Scotland to encourage youth development and provide a structured developmental pathway with the aim of allowing the game to flourish and grow at all levels.  From the Premier Division to the Greenwood Trophy, the Union provides competitions for all its member clubs, from 50-over Saturday cricket to competitive T20 competitions.



Latest news and notices

  • WDCU Premiership – Week 3 – Saturday 17th May 2025 (19th May 2025)

    Review from the badger’s sett…

    Stenhousemuir v Prestwick

    Prestwick made the trip to the Tryst in the knowledge that the winning of today’s toss would be crucial in determining the final outcome of the match. The Tryst is a largish ground, and on a warm and sunny day, an afternoon in the field first can be a bit of an agonising chore. With that in mind, Prestwick won the toss and elected to bat first.

    Prestwick began their innings brightly and had put 50 on the board before Ross Kennedy (18) fell to the bowling of big Nick Lister in the 10th over. At the beginning of the 11th over, the other Prestwick opener, Indy Singh (28) was smartly caught by Yaseen Valli off young Husnain Atif. In the 12th over, last week’s centurion Sachin Chaudhary (1) was LBW to Lister and at the end of the 13th, Prestwick were 60-4 with Declan Botes another batter sunk by the ‘caught Yaseen Valli, bowled Husnain Atif’ combination.  Tom Fleet (29) and Ewen McBeth (12) dug in for a partnership of 30, but the rotational bowling of the Stenhousemuir spin troika of Zander Smith (1-23), Callum Grant (3-19) and Manas Sahare (2-26) unravelled the Prestwick batting and they were finally all out for 144 in 36.4 overs.

    Defending 144 against an in-form Stenhousemuir and the batsmanship of back-to-back league century maker Yaseen Valli was going to have to have Prestwick’s bowling to be at its very best. Although Valli came and went for 34, the contributions to the total by the other batters and a cameo 37no from Amir Shahzad got Stenny over the line 5 down in the 33rd over.

    Not a good day at the office for Prestwick while Stenhousemuir go 3 wins from 3.

    Kelburne v Drumpellier

    Today’s clash was always going to be a tough result for the loser and leave them slightly afoot at the bottom of the table. Both clubs would be fairly justified in stating that at least one of their league losses to date was unfortunate, but the vanquished today would be encountering difficulties in the coming weeks to go and get that much needed first win under their belts.

    I found this game to be a strange affair – maybe nervousness on the parts of both teams – but in both innings, just as you thought the game was about to get going again, a wicket would fall and what should have been a high-scoring encounter between two decently matched sides failed to materialise.

    Drumpellier won the toss and batted first, but wickets kept on falling in dribs and drabs and the Langloaners were eventually 141ao in the 42nd over. Supeshala Jayathilake was top-scorer with 34 and the under-rated Chris Keltie scored 31. Kelburne’s bowling had Pashtoon Mohiaga taking 3-22, Zain Mohammad taking 2-20 and Jamie Cook’s inviters getting 4-36.

    I honestly thought at half-time that Kelburne had this game in the bag but began to reconsider that when Kelburne were 13-3 after 6 overs. Kyle Northend (39) and Lucas Farndale (29) got the total up to 71-4 off 14 overs. Although Alexander Gilmour was dismissed in the 16th taking the total to 78-5, a sensibly played partnership between Farndale and Jamie Cook (24) took Kelburne to 116-5 in the 21st over. Then the wheels came off the Kelburne innings. A wahoo at a Josh Allison delivery by Jamie Cook led to a leading edge skier taken by the Drumpellier keeper, Will Leslie – Kelburne 116-6. The following over, Farndale had a swish at a ball outside off-stump from Chathuranga Kumara and there were great celebrations in the land of Drumps for another caught behind by Leslie. Farndale stood his ground, did a bit of gardening and was somewhat disappointed to be given out after an 11 second delay – you could hear some interesting ‘conversations’ as Farndale left the crease, none by players I hasten to add, and I’m sure there will be varying ‘opinions’ to be heard about it all in the coming days.

    Suddenly Kelburne were 118-7 off 22 chasing 141. Kumara took 2 more wickets in the 24th over to leave Kelburne 123-9. This had become a tense and tight contest but all Ross MacLean and Pashtoon Mohiaga had to do was occupy the crease and see overs out – the needed runs would come in wides, no-balls, byes and extras if they just batted sensibly and took no chances. They got the total to 135-9 in the 28th over, and for the life of me, I am non-plussed at the following when you only need 6 runs to win from 22 overs – Mohiaga wipes Kumara to mid-on and calls MacLean for a single – mid-on picks the ball up and throws down the stumps at the non-strikers end to run Mohiaga out – he (Mohiaga) seems to give up running 3 yards short and makes no effort to run his bat in. The forlorn figure of Ross MacLean at the strikers end as Drumpellier players quite rightly run around in celebration of victory is a saddening site – we’ve all been there in our own cricket careers, on both sides of the fence, but as a neutral observer, I felt for Ross today.

    On the bowling front for Drumpellier, Mohsin Khan took 2-32 and Chathuranga Kumara finished with 5-37.

    An important win for Drumpellier and also resembling their doggedness and determination of the 2024 campaign that got them a fifth place. But for Kelburne, another Saturday disappointment.

    Ayr v Uddingston

    An interesting fixture lay ahead between these old rivals. Ayr had had a close win in the first week against Drumpellier and then the emotion of a tensely tied match against GHK last Saturday. For Uddingston, they had encountered the capabilities of GHK in the first league game and then faced Ferguslie the following week. Differing final results for both teams so far but a day’s cricket under the sun at New Cambusdoon was always going to provide a welcome win for the victor.

    Uddingston electing to bat first would have appealed to them, and a decent start would set the tone for the innings. Even accounting for the early loss of Muhammad Awais when the total was 12, the partnership of Keerat Singh (39) and Amaan Ramzan (13) is more than capable of posting a platform for the rest of the team to bat from. When Ramzan departed when the total was 62 in the 17th over, the Uddingston batting seemed to struggle with the slower bowling variations of a combination of Neil Flack (2-29), Hamza Tahir (4-24) and Ollie Jones (3-20) and eventually petered out for 129 in the 36th over.

    For Ayr, the frighteningly intimidating opening batting partnership of Michael English (58no) and Neil Flack (61) got their summer roadshow up and running for 2025. Although Flack got out when the total was 128 and Ollie Jones then stroking a 4 to win the match, Neil Flack will be glad he’s back in the game as they say. He’s looked somewhat discombobulated so far this season and hopefully today’s knock, and bowling performance, will have blown the winter blues away and he’ll resume his mantle as part of the Ayr dangerman role he has filled so well in recent seasons.

    Not the result big Clarkey would have been wanting, but he’ll gather the Villagers around again and try to get them onto winning ways in the coming weeks. Uddingston are never a side to underestimate.

    Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal – Comedy Night – Friday 25th July 2025 – Hamilton Crescent

    In July, West of Scotland Cricket Club will be hosting the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal who are running a comedy night to raise funds. With Mark Nelson headlining the evening, it won’t be one to miss!

    The Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal is a charity funded by Scotland fans, the aim of which is to make a donation to identified children’s charities in every country in which the Scottish National Football Team plays matches. Since 2003, this has been achieved – uninterrupted.

    Tickets can be purchased for this comedy night online: https://tartan-army-sunshine-appeal.square.site/…/38

    As many of you know, the Hamilton Crescent cricket ground is part of footballing history – it is the origin site for international football and the birthplace of the Tartan Army. It’s great to have TASA at the ground and continuing the symbiotic relationships between cricket and football and all for a worthwhile cause.

    It is our history, an undeniable fact of what cricket in the west has been involved in and must continue to support.

    Dumfries v Ferguslie

    The return of Dumfries back into the Premier Division for 2025 saw the Nunholm pitch and facilities back at the level they deserve to be at, and with Ferguslie as the visitors, today’s game had two batting line-ups with the potential to make full use of what the strip had to offer.

    And Ferguslie, after winning the toss, decided they would give the Nunholm deck first dibs. Stafford (14) was the first wicket to fall at 28, and Muhammad Mayet was joined at the crease by Gregor Preston-Jones. When Preston-Jones (5) was dismissed in the 11th over, the total was 71 and Mayet at the other end was 40no.

    Muhammad Mayet (69) was caught and bowled by Chris Brockwell in the 19th over and the total was 110. And this was the moment the first innings began to slide away from the Dumfries bowlers. Uzair Ahmad (103no) and Taimoor Ahmad (54) put on a 115 run partnership in 16 overs with quickly run ones and twos interspersed with flurries of fours and sixes. The run-per-over ratio of 7.18 is a good effort, but when you factor in today’s warm and sunny weather and only 56 of those runs coming from boundaries, the stamina and fitness of the Ahmads in those conditions is to be applauded. (Oh to be young again). When Taimoor was bowled for 54 in the 35th over, Uzair was 54no. Ferguslie were 225-4 with 15 overs to go. Any thoughts of a respite for Dumfries were quickly dispelled, and although 4 more wickets fell, the innings closed on 341-8. These final overs had gone at a run-per-over ratio of 7.73 with Saif Sajjad (18), Ettiene Jewell (14) and Haroon Tahir (20) rotating the strike with Uzair. When Uzair Ahmad faced the 2nd ball of the last over from Munro Cubbon, he was 90no and had been batting for nearly 40 overs. There was clear intent that he was getting a century today as he dispatched this very same ball over midwicket for 4. The next ball was also sent over midwicket, only this time for 6 and his ton was achieved, ending up 103 not out – a fantastic innings.

    A long day in the field for the Dumfries bowlers with Chris Brockwell bowling well in his 10 overs and taking 2-37 while Ben Plowman plugged away and took 3-47.

    The Dumfries reply was always going to be a daunting one with a run-rate required of nearly 7 an over. The innings started badly with the loss of early wickets and Dumfries found themselves 27-3 after 8 overs. An 86 run partnership between Adam Malik (51) and Andrew Dawson (66no) got Dumfries to 113-4 after 25 overs when Malik got out having scored yet another well-crafted 50 to his name. But scoring 228 off the remaining 25 overs at a rising run-rate of 9.00 an over was always going to be a tall order after an afternoon fielding. Wickets came and went and Dumfries were eventually 200ao in the 44th over with Dawson undefeated on 66.

    The pick of the Ferguslie bowling was Haroon Tahir taking 3-35 and man-of-the-match Uzair Ahmad taking 2-17.

    A good game of cricket played in glorious weather and on a pitch that deservedly gets many plaudits in the cricket world.

    Clydesdale v GHK

    Week 3 of the season and the current Glasgow club derby had its third competitive outing in as many weeks. The ‘Dale went into the match 2-0 up but those recent victories over the David Copperfield green and purple magic act in the McCulloch Cup and Scottish Cup would be counting for nothing – today was league cricket with the end-of-day result providing fill-in background pieces of the jigsaw that forms the WDCU Premier Division puzzle for 2025. Every run is a prisoner and every ball bowled is vital.

    GHK won the toss and chose to bat first but when Fazal Jawad (11) was LBW to Rahman at 30, a further 6 wickets fell for only 23 runs. Contributions by Ali Majeed (28) and Muhammad Majeed (24) helped get the final GHK total to 79ao in 16.4 overs but with crease occupation a necessity lost and only three batters scoring double figures, 79 was never going to be enough. Clydesdale used four bowlers with Muhammad Ghaffar (2-24) and Isaac Rahman (4-35) providing the early damage to the GHK batting. Zeeshan Bashir (3-15) and Rafay Khan (1-2) were the other bowlers used.

    In reply, Clydesdale quickly passed the GHK total for 80 without loss in 16 overs with Ali Khan 40no and Sheryar Awan 37no. GHK’s luck/magic of the previous two Saturdays deserted them today and my only observational advice to them would be crease composure and a bit more nous of building platforms and partnerships to post totals when batting first. I was never a batter myself but played in sides full of them and always understood the value of small contributions go a long way to post a score that is defendable, especially in a team sport like cricket.

    Plaudits to both sides though with only a solitary no-ball and 2 wides between them – thank you.

    There are no bad teams in the WDCU Premiership and all are capable of beating each other and convincingly to boot if required – but there is luck, what ifs and belief. And belief is the major component to have – believe that you will win, do well, bat, bowl, catch it, run him out, chase down the total or defend the low score – cricket is a team game where your fortunes are determined by those you play with and how you play with them. Some team-mates are good, some team-mates are bad, some are selfish, some are show-offs, some try their hardest and others are just simply ordinary enthusiasts. But collectively, it is a combined resolve to achieve something together that is not only rewarding, but beneficial to all involved, and that is by having belief.

    Siggy

    PS – while the cricket was going on today, I spent some time at Hampden Bowling Club in Kingsley Gardens on the southside and was in the company of the oldest football trophy in the world, the Scottish Football Challenge Cup (Scottish Cup).

    The Scottish Cup competition was created in 1873 when seven Glasgow area cricket clubs met with Queen’s Park Football Club to found the Scottish Football Association and a governing body under one set of rules and a cup competition for the member clubs.

    13 Glasgow area cricket clubs played in the original tournament of 16 teams with Clydesdale losing 2-0 to Queens Park in the final. The final was played at the First Hampden Park, the site of the bowling green that I am standing upon, and the pavilion behind me was originally the Caledonian Cricket Club that stood at Kelvinbridge.

    Our cricket – your cricket – has an awful lot to be proud of and a history that we must protect, preserve and promote.

    On a final note, only 5 clubs have won that Scottish Cup three-in-a-row – Queen’s Park, Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and a Western District Cricket Union club in Vale of Leven. The Vale are 175 next year, let’s make sure they get there as well, because they are part of our cricketing history, a history that we must never forget.

  • Scott Weir – Kilmarnock CC (19th May 2025)

    It’s with huge sadness that Kilmarnock CC share news of the tragic death of lifelong friend and team mate Scott Weir. Our thoughts go out to Scott’s family and friends and all at Kilmarnock.

     

  • Premier Division – 10th May (11th May 2025)

    Week 2 – WDCU Premier Division – Saturday 10th May 2025

    Dumfries v Stenhousemuir

    At a sun-drenched Nunholm, Stenhousemuir batted first. As ususal, the policies looked magnificent in the sunshine and the facilities thronged with people availing themselves of everything Dumfries Cricket Club has to offer the community. Stenhousemuir batted cautiously to begin with and were 40-0 after 10 overs and were 100-1 after 20. After 25 overs, Stenny were 120-3 but with Yaseen Valli still at the crease, a reasonable total could be expected.

    Yaseen fell in the 50th over for 109 and the Stenhousemuir total finished up 261-8 with batting contributions by Manas Sahare (22), Dennico Hollis (24) and Callum Grant (27no). For the second week in a row, the Messrs Cubbon played their part for Dumfries in the field with Nairn taking 3-36 and Munro pouching 3 catches.

    Dumfries had a valiant attempt at chasing down 261 and finished up 7 short on 254-8. Bellwood (13), Davidson (16) and Malik (25) kept the scoreboard ticking over while James Ritchie scored a combative 61 to keep the pressure on Stenhousemuir’s bowling. When Ritchie and Brockwell fell on 144 in the 32nd over, one would be forgiven that the match was over.

    It wasn’t – Fergus Bainbridge scored 31 and was run out in the 42nd over and the total 197-6. The following stand of 44 by the Messrs Cubbon made the equation become tighter and tighter. When Nairn fell for 28 and the total now 241-8 and 9 balls to go, it was still game on. Dumfries finally finished on 254-8 with Munro Cubbon 40no but it was a fantastic game of cricket by both teams.

    Prestwick v Kelburne

    Prestwick took first dig at the Henry Thow Oval and all looked good after the first over, however, a loose shot by Ewen McBeth at the start of the 2nd saw a sharp catch being taken by Zain Mohammad. A few balls later, a rasper of a diving catch in front of first slip by Kyle Northend did for Calum Rodger and Prestwick found themselves 7-2 after 2 overs. At this point I feared for Prestwick and perhaps a repeat of last week’s batting at Titwood was on the cards. A strange shot by Indy Singh at the beginning of the 6th saw Prestwick puffing somewhat at 20-3. Declan Botes helped Sachin Chaudhary steady the ship (sic) before being bowled with the score on 57. A fine partnership of 98 by Chaudhary and Tom Fleet took the Prestwick total to 155 when young Tom, perhaps the latest victim of the dreaded drinks-break and getting out immediately thereafter scenario, fell LBW for 48 to the bowling of Jamie Cook (I hope Jamie got him a beer after the game). With Gurupreet Singh adding a late 38 and Sachin Chaudhary posting 102, Prestwick looked to have overcome their early-season batting jitters and closed the innings with a respectable total of 267-9. For Kelburne in the field, Ross MacLean took 2-48, Aftab Ahmed took 3-47 and Pashtoon Mohiagha took 2-40.

    Keburne’s response was brisk. When Cameron MacLean (35), the first Kelburne wicket fell, the total was 72 in the 14th over. When Mo Kamran (20) and Tanu Makoni were dismissed by Sachin Chaudhary in the space of a couple of balls in the 17th over and the total now 80-3, I was worried that the remaining wickets were going to fall quickly like dominoes being toppled. Alexander Gilmour and Jamie Cook came and went and at 117-5 in the 26th over, the game’s a bogey. But no – Kyle Northend’s 61 gave hope while Mohammad (19), Ross MacLean (27) and Mohiagha (18) kept it interesting. Kelburne’s innings finished in the 47th over with them 226-9 and Lucas Farndale retired hurt/ill. What ifs and maybes had Lucas been fit and batted earlier but both sides can take comfort from today’s performances. Prestwick recovering from their shoeing of last week and Kelburne blowing off early season rustiness and showing that they are capable.

    Drumpellier v Clydesdale

    Clydesdale won the toss at Langloan and invited Drumpellier to bat first. The setting was perfect as the two senior clubs of the WDCU renewed their 350 years worth of Saturday afternoon cricket against each other. Drumps quickly found themselves 23-3 after 10 overs including a well taken catch by Lukas Fischer-Keogh to dismiss Supeshala Jayathilake for 0. A find stand of nearly 60 by Jordan Pryde and Hassan Azhar got the Langloaners back into the game but both batters were quickly removed following the almost talismanic introduction of Zeeshan Bashir into the ‘Dale attack and Drumpellier found themselves 85-5 and having to rebuild their innings again. But it was not to be for Drumpellier as they were 117 all out in the 42nd over with Bashir taking 5-11 in his spell.

    In reply, Drumpellier had Clydesdale 12-2 after 4 overs and with new batters at the crease, the chance of another couple of wickets might turn the match back in their favour. But Craig Young, Mr. Calm personified, plugged away for 31 in a partnership of 72 with Sizwe Masondo. Kallum Dhami came to the wicket at 84 and was 14no when Clydesdale overtook the Drumpellier total in the 23rd over, finishing up 121-3. I watched the innings of Sizwe Masondo with interest – nothing flashy, nothing outrageous to note, but as a bowler, I was wary of him as a batter. He looks the part and will probably be a staple of Clydesdale’s defence of the championship. His 56no was effortlessly efficient in its execution and his foot movements and shot selections made me, as an observer, glad that I wasn’t playing. He’s a player and definitely one to watch this season.

    GHK v Ayr

    GHK have obviously been reading the Ayr game-plan book of recent seasons and opted to bat first at Old Anniesland. An interesting decision to go for, but GHK were 62-1 after 12 overs and setting a rare old pace. Ali Majeed (34) fell in the 16th over with the total now 77-2 and GHK were still going for it, as they say, and were 121-3 after 25 overs. The GHK innings finally concluded in the 47th over with them being 175ao with Fazal Jawad scoring 67. The Ayr bowling saw Flack, Ali and Tahir all take 2 each while Marcel Marconi’s airwave floaters took 3-13 off 5 overs.

    Chasing 175, it would be easy to expect Ayr to overcome that total. But this is GHK they are playing – the Paul Daniel’s Magic Show of the WDCU with the tagline of “You’ll like it. Not a lot, but you’ll like it”.

    And miracles do happen – the opening salvo of the GHK bowling attack can be an ordeal – it is quick, challenging and also unexpected. Ayr did well to ride the opening burst of 10 overs and only be 27-3. With the change of pace, Michael English and Jake Wodehouse took the total along to 72-4 in the 28th over when Wodehouse was bowled by Azeem Akbar. Mikey Miller (33) chipped in to a 50 run partnership with English, and when he fell in the 39th over, the total was 128-5. 48 runs required off 10 overs with 5 wickets in hand – sorted.

    Michael Maxwell scored 18 in a 30 run partnership with English and with 20 required from 6 overs, Michael English looking determined, a tight victory for Ayr was in the offing.

    And then the magician’s wand was waved and the GHK spearhead bowling attack returned for the death. Wickets fell on 160 (Riggs) and Tahir and Ali in consecutive balls on 165 in the 46th over. English took the game to Akbar in the 47th and scored 9 runs from it. He scored a single in the 48th to tie the scores and would be facing the 49th over from Akbar. And once again, and not for the first time in recent seasons for GHK, the magic dust took effect and Michael English was caught to be last man out for Ayr and a tied match.

    A tense, close and enthralling encounter that proves that you never, ever write off a final result until that final ball is bowled.

    Ferguslie v Uddingston

    Ferguslie batted first at Meikleriggs and the well-oiled batting machine that operates at the field of dreams got up and running for the 2025 season. 60 was on the board at the beginning of the 8th over when David Stafford was caught behind and that brought to the wicket the welcome return of Gregor Preston-Jones to 1st team action – always nice to see Gregor playing. Gregor’s return to the crease was cut short when out with the total on 71 in the 11th over, but the spectators were then treated to a majestic batting display by Muhammad Mayet (110) and Uzair Ahmad (70) and a partnership of 166 in 25 overs.

    Praise to Uddingston’s Keerat Singh who bowled his 10 overs and took 3-66 during the majority of that partnership and it seemed rather apt that he was rewarded with the wickets of both Mayet and Ahmad.

    The Ferguslie innings finished with the impressive total of 298-9 off their 50 overs with Muhammad Awais taking 2-22 and Rajarajan Kamaraj taking 2-18 in the closing overs.

    It was going to be a tall order for Uddingston to chase down almost 300, and when Muhammad Awais was caught for 44 in the 17th over and the total 84-5, my initial reaction was that’s that. But I had forgotten about Ross Lyons and that he can golf it to all corners of the ground and make an impossible target very reachable. He gave it a good effort and when joined at the wicket by Tom Wilmott and 136-7 in the 30th over, the measured sclaff was on. When Ross was eventually dismissed in the 44th over, he had put on a partnership of 91 with Wilmott and personally scored 82 runs that included seven 4s and four 6s. Tom Wilmott fell for 34 shortly afterwards and Uddingston were eventually 234ao in the 46th over. Ettiene Jewell took 3-27, Haroon Tahir took 3-44 and Uzair Ahmad took 2-28.

    A win for Ferguslie but Uddingston made a game of it. 532 runs for 19 wickets. A century, two 50s, a couple of large partnerships, some strong bowling performances and decent cricket to watch. Meikleriggs again living up to its moniker ‘the field of dreams’.

    I’ve included some clips from Frogbox this week to add to the review. The first two are the catches I mention, and the other two are sporting appreciations by the fielders towards batters scoring 100. Nice to see the spirit of the game in the WDCU.

    Hope you enjoy this ‘review from the badger’s sett’ of week 2 of the WDCU Premiership 2025, but if you get a chance, study the scorecards of the games and look at the extras of each innings. Count the wides and no-balls and then deduct these ‘extra runs and balls bowled’ from the totals, factor in what those ‘extra runs and balls bowled’ did to the final result of the games played and remember what I wrote last week – every run is a prisoner and every ball bowled is vital.

    Siggy

    https://highlights.frogbox.tv/5-119e9e4d-0948-4e3e-a60b-892933054b9a/4a738f8d-8d2c-4046-8a76-b757c11c8d25.m3u8?dt=1746875675&start=0&end=30

    https://highlights.frogbox.tv/5-3162861a-6815-4907-aaca-f72018613c4f/8560009d-0541-4faf-a07f-9810b8b3af1b.m3u8?dt=1746878006&start=6&end=36

    https://highlights.frogbox.tv/5-3d3563e1-c823-415f-8135-4178e443a29a/7cbd9403-a5a5-43d1-b019-47d3a8dc152b.m3u8?dt=1746883624&start=4&end=34

    https://highlights.frogbox.tv/5-9eba6c4e-8d66-4c72-a3ed-3d6319ab6c34/86e9e5a8-8813-4551-a9f6-b68d5a7c6ed2.m3u8?dt=1746887222&start=0&end=30

  • WDCU Spring Meeting (17th April 2025)
    Please find attached details of the WDCU Spring EGM to be held at 7pm on 24th April 2025 at Uddingston CC.
    Please note that balls will be available for collection for those clubs who have ordered, unfortunately I cannot guarantee being able to arrange collection of balls outside of this time ahead of league games beginning.
    We will be joined on the evening by Andrew McDowall, the Head of Integrity and Compliance at Cricket Scotland. Andrew will be leading a discussion on the CS Code of Conduct and expectations with regards to this. This discussion has already been held within the other CS regions and your participation is strongly encouraged. On this basis, we ask that Captains of all playing XI’s from clubs are in attendance in order to ensure this message is shared with and encouraged among their teams going into the new season.
    If you haven’t yet ordered balls for the 2025 season please send your order urgently to me at the following email address: wdcu.secretary@gmail.com  Please DO NOT send your orders back to this email…
    A reminder to those clubs who have not yet paid their WDCU 2025 Subscription to do so ASAP.

     

    Bryan 

  • Job Advertisement  – WDCU Administrator (24th March 2025)

    WDCU are currently seeking an Administrator an administrator with a view to support the organisation of club cricket within the region. No previous experience within cricket administration is required, albeit an understanding of the region and structures of the organisation and cricket in the West of Scotland would be advantageous.  Applications should be made in writing via email to,

    Hon. Secretary & Treasurer – Bryan Clarke, wdcu.secretary@gmail.com

    Please see link below for further details –

    WDCU Administrator Roles and responsibilities 2025

    _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • Job Advertisement Head Coach/Development Office (26th February 2025)

    Job Advertisement

    Head Coach/Development Officer

     

    Renfrew Cricket Club, currently competing in Division 1 of the Western District Cricket Union (WDCU), is seeking to appoint a Head Coach/Development Officer with a minimum qualification of ECB Level 2 or an equivalent coaching accreditation.

    This role will be pivotal in supporting the development of the club’s current adult and junior members, attracting new players, and working collaboratively with the senior and junior cricket convenors to strengthen the club’s overall performance.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Head Coach:

    • Collaborate with the Senior Convenor to establish clear development pathways for players progressing through the senior teams, identifying and nurturing talent.
    • Provide input into senior team selection and work closely with senior captains to implement the approved development pathway.
    • Support match-day duties for the first XI in partnership with the team captain.
    • Develop and oversee a comprehensive winter training and development programme for senior and junior players, including the establishment of an academy offering group and one-to-one coaching sessions to generate additional income.
    • Deliver the fourth year of the club’s successful “Introduction to Cricket for Adults” programme and support the development of veterans’ cricket.
    • Lead the creation and implementation of a women’s cricket programme.

    Development Officer:

    • Work alongside the Junior Convenor and Active Schools coordinators to increase participation across boys’ and girls’ age groups, from All Stars/Dynamos to junior teams.
    • Organise and deliver development initiatives, including school festivals and summer camps

     

    Performance Monitoring:

    • Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to track progress and achievement of the outlined objectives.

    Qualifications and Experience:

    1. ECB Level 2 Coach or equivalent qualification.
    2. Relevant coaching and playing experience, supported by references from previous clubs detailing both playing and coaching abilities.
    3. Proven track record of senior cricket experience.

    Working Hours and Remuneration:

    • The role requires flexibility, with an average of 37.5 hours per week to accommodate the club’s requirements.
    • Remuneration will be negotiable based on the experience and credentials of the successful applicant.

    Application Process:

    Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing remuneration expectations and a CV to: renfrewcricketclub@gmail.com for consideration.

    We look forward to receiving applications from passionate and committed cricket professionals who are eager to contribute to the growth and success of Renfrew Cricket Club.

     

     

  • WDCU Adminstrator (24th February 2025)
    Please note that Iain Murdoch resigned from his position as WDCU Administrator in late January and we have been working hard in the background to reorganise in his absence.
    Iain did a great job in his two years as our administrator and we thank him for his efforts and we wish him well for the future. If we didn’t know this already, the administrator is a key position for us and Iain will be difficult to replace. In the meantime, we have agreed as a committee to pick up the various aspects of his role between us and will communicate any changes moving forward.
  • Cricket Scotland Captain’s Meeting (21st January 2025)
    As part of the planning process for the 2025 season, Cricket Scotland along with your regional representatives, and our colleagues in CSMOA,  are planning a series of Captain Forums across the country in March.
    Our intention is to open up dialogue with key figures within the domestic game (the team captains) and discuss some of the issues that arose during the 2024 season and the plans for the 2025 season. It will also be an opportunity for team captains to raise any issues and ask any questions they may have.
    The invite is extended to all individuals who perform the role of team captain, irrespective of level or league, within your club. Accordingly,  we would be grateful if you were able to identify to your regional representatives, your team captains for the 2025 season in order that we might extend an invite to attend their nearest local forum.
    Thank you and kind regards,
    Andrew McDowell, Cricket Scotland Conduct in Sport Manager
  • New Year Update from WDCU (14th January 2025)
    Happy New Year all,
    As the year rolls into 2025 and cricketers across the region start to get their minds focused on the 2025 season I enclose an update from the WDCU. Can you please ensure that you read the full email as it contains important information, and also to ensure that you inform the appropriate people within your club. Thanks
    Season Dates
    The 2025 WDCU League season will run for all Divisions, apart from Premiership 3, from Saturday 3rd May to Saturday 30th August inclusive. Premiership 3 will run from Saturday 26th April to Saturday 6th September inclusive.
    Divisional Placings for Season 2025
    The WDCU will continue, for season 2025, with the existing tier structure. For season 2025 WDCU has seen the inclusion of 4 new teams, sadly there has also been the loss of 3 teams from 2024.
    In creating the composition of the divisions the WDCU CMC has considered the League Administration Rules and also a number of requests of extenuating circumstances from some clubs. The WDCU CMC consider the finalised structure to be the best fit for the forthcoming season. The playing conditions for the new Championship 4 will be the same as those for Championship 3.
    The 2025 Divisional placings are as below.
    Competitions Structure Sub Committee 
    As indicated at both the WDCU Club Forum and WDCU AGM, WDCU are initiating a sub-committee tasked with reviewing all competitions currently run by the WDCU to establish if they are fit for purpose in their current format. This sub-committee will be expected to produce recommendations to the WDCU CMC for them to consider how best to agree with clubs the adoption of any such recommendations. The WDCU CMC note that any recommendations towards League structure will be for season 2026 at the earliest.
    Overseas Amateurs 
    At the 2024 WDCU AGM clubs voted to remove the age restriction currently applied to Overseas Amateurs. This brings the WDCU in line with the EPL. The 2025 League Administration rules will be amended to reflect this change.
    It is STILL the responsibility of the club to ensure any Overseas Amateur engaged fully meets the criteria set out in the Home Office Immigration rules for cricket.
    Coloured Clothing 
    As indicated in the 2024 Pre-season notes (issued April 2024), coloured clothing will be mandatory in ALL WDCU Leagues and Cup competitions for season 2025.
    WDCU Subscriptions
    At the AGM the WDCU recommended and was agreed by clubs that the annual subscriptions rates increase as follows:
    Full Member Class 1 – £240
    Full Member Class 2 – £70
    Affiliate Member Class 3 – £35
    Invoices will be issued in the coming weeks.
    Fair Play System
    At the AGM the WDCU recommended and agreed by clubs that a Fair Play system will be introduced in season 2025 as a trial.  More details will follow in due course.
  • 2024 WDCU Club Forum – Monday 25th November 7pm. Old Anniesland (14th November 2024)
    Following responses from club’s to the recent club survey we have organised an in-person club forum on Monday 25th November at 7pm at Old Anniesland Pavilion (GHK).
    We would like to thank all clubs who have responded so far for their feedback and having reviewed, can see some common threads for areas where we can focus and in general some great ideas and suggestions. It is our intention to pick up on the common responses and discuss these on the evening. Following the initial review, we can clearly see areas where we can work on in preparation for 2025 and are looking to use this meeting to engage fully.
    All clubs are invited to attend with a maximum of 2 representatives for each club. Please ensure that on arrival you sign in on the attendance sheet.