Western District Cricket Union

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

  • No Admin support – WDCU (24th June 2022)

    There will be no Admin Support for WDCU until after next Wednesday at the earliest This is due to ill health.

  • (24th June 2022)
    Hi everyone,
    Hi profile talent spotting opportunity. Don’t miss out
    Fantastic news !! – Peshawar Zalmi coming to Scotland to Talent Hunt for Overseas Paksitanis
    Peshawar Zalmi are coaching team are coming on the 30th June 2022 at Stirling Cricket Club (Scotland)
    Please don’t hesitate to contact @muhammad.ramzan.733 for any further informartion.
    Interested players can register using the attached form : http://forms.gle/8kjs7sUf15Eb951F7
    Last Date to Register: 25th June, 2022
  • DLS – Most recent edition (14th June 2022)

    Please see the link below to the most recent edition of DLS. Could all clubs please ensure that they are using this for all competitive games.

    International Cricket Council (icc-cricket.com)

  • Club Communication 31-05-2022 (31st May 2022)

    Please see the most recent club communications sent out to all contacts today:

    Hi there,
    A relatively short one today. Can I start with the Captains reports please. This will be the last ‘encouragement ‘ note sent to remind all captains to complete their reports in games where CSMOA umpires are appointed. It is really important that we receive these to assist with the umpires performance and identifying training and support needs. I checked ‘Whos the Umpire and a there were only 13 reports from a possible 40. Not good enough. One more week to get it sorted and the penalty points will be re – introduced on the 10th of June.
    Please remember that all in season transfer requests ‘must’ be accompanied by a fully completed TR1 Form. As we are now well into the season there needs to be compelling grounds for transfers to be approved by CMC.
    The McCulloch Cup Final has now been scheduled and will take place at Titwood on Sunday 21st August with a start time of 1pm. Weather permitting that will be the last of our four Sunday cup finals. We are intending to Live stream all the finals!
    We are still making progress with WDCU Live although I would comment that there are a number of results – and a greater number of scorecards –  missing from some competitions. In general the Saturday competitions are coming along fine but the Sunday league and the midweek cups are lagging behind. Could you spend some time in catching these up please to maintain the integrity of the competitions. If you need help please ask – George Burns and Paul Coffey are helping me and between us we can probably resolve the issues you have. Please remember we are getting lots of queries so it takes time to resolve them all.  A reminder of a few important points
    • Make sure your team is entered on the system before the match takes place.
    • When submitting your scorecard you do not need to  add in ‘winning points’ the system does that for you
    • You do have to enter the losing bonus points or is in the case of Division 4 the draw points
    • At the end of the game the team that does not lead the scoring has to confirm the result for it to go live.
    Finally – again some relatively good news. At time of writing there has only been one level one charge from the weekend games – so well done again. However there have also been some informal messages  received regarding players not showing respect to opponents  nor playing in the Spirit of the Game in self umpired games. Could captains please communicate with each other before games with player umpires to agree the standard to be set.

    Please remember our clear message for the season:

    The message from the WDCU and CSMOA is repeated: ‘Respect your opponents and match officials and play in the Spirit of Cricket.’
    Players who do not do so will face sanctions. Clubs who fail to control their players will also face team and whole club sanctions as the WDCU/CSMOA strive to tackle this issue.

    Iain Kennedy

    WDCU Administrator

  • Club Communication 24-05-2022 (24th May 2022)

    Please see the most recent club communication sent out this morning.

    Lets start with some good news. For the first time this season on Saturday there were no disciplinary charges reported by either the CSMOA umpires or for games that were player umpired – Keep it up.
    Unfortunately that has not always been the case with a number of disciplinary charges being handed down already this season. There have also been complaints received regarding players/umpires not showing respect to opponents nor playing in the Spirit of the Game in self umpired games. Please remember our clear message for the season:
    The message from the WDCU and CSMOA is repeated: ‘Respect your opponents and match officials and play in the Spirit of Cricket.’
    Players who do not do so will face sanctions. Clubs who fail to control their players will also face team and whole club sanctions as the WDCU/CSMOA strive to tackle this issue. 
     
    And some more good news. We are all getting better in engaging with WDCU Live. There has been more live streaming , scoring and punctual completion of scorecards so well done. However could I remind you all that WDCU Live is where all results should be logged. There are still some gaps in the Saturday fixtures and even more so in the Sunday league, Western and McCulloch Cups. Could you please check that all your matches show a result or the league tables will be out of kilter.
    Could I also ask you to remind your captains of teams who play in games where there are CSMOA umpires appointed that you should complete a ‘captains report’ on the Whos the Umpire website. This is simple to do so please get your captain to register and complete the forms following each fixture. Back dated forms are accepted. Can I at this stage remind you that this is part of the SLAR and going forward if it is not completed could result in sanctions being applied.
    In games that are self umpired if there are any issues with a lack of respect or fair play a note should be sent to me clearly outlining the issues at:  Admin@wdcu.co.uk
    Please also remember that teams in the Premier and First division must also provide a scorer or again face sanctions.
    Could all clubs please remember that any in season transfer requests should be accompanied by a fully completed TR1 Form. As the season is now well established there needs to be strong reasons for any transfer to be considered by CMC. Please also note that when initiating a transfer the ClubRep for the releasing club must go to the player’s profile page, select the transfer option on the left of the page and follow the instructions.
    Could I also remind all clubs that for each game you should produce your full photographic team sheet clearly identifying your players or again you could face sanctions. Please note there are a number of very unclear photographs and young players requiring a photograph so I would ask you to check your club details on Player Reg and edit where necessary
    Finally on Player Reg. I have had lots of de activations so far (over 400) and am happy to take any others so please submit any players you want deactivated to me and I will process this
  • Club communication 11-05-2022 (11th May 2022)
    Please see communication sent to all club contacts today.
    Hi,
    It may not seem like it but we are making progress in the introduction of the new WDCU Live Digital Platform. In my covid isolation as I was able to look in on lots of live streamed games and follow Live scorecards. so well done to those who have achieved that.
    The biggest issue remains the uploading of the scorecards on to the system and this needs some attention. Please look at the league tables and the scorecards and check for accuracy and completeness. There are still a number of issues that need resolved. Points to emphasize at this time:
    • Make sure the game is downloaded on the system before it starts
    • Make sure your team is entered on the system before the match takes place.
    • When submitting your scorecard you do not need to  add in ‘winning points’ the system does that for you
    • You do have to enter the losing bonus points or is in the case of Division 4 the draw points
    • At the end of the game the away team has to accept the scorecard for it to go live.
    • Make sure all players are registered on WDCU Live. George Burns kindly uploaded all players from Player Reg and Cricket Stats on 19th February. You need to add in any players  registered following that date.
    A big thanks to George Burns who is doing a great job guiding us and dealing with our issues and if we are all patient and stick at it we will get it working well.
    Could I remind all clubs to complete the Captains Report where you have CSMOA appointed umpires. This can be completed on Whos the Umpire. Please ask your captain to register if he hasn’t already done so and if he goes into the support hub it will point him to the report form. Its important that umpires get regular and accurate feedback so that all training and support needs can be met.
    In games where there are player umpires no formal  reporting system is in place this year but I would encourage all teams who have an issue with the standard of player umpiring or any fair play issue to send me the details by email. This way I will be able to monitor any trends for clubs failing to achieve the required standard.
    Please also remember that all in season transfers can only be approved by WDCU if they are supported by a fully completed TR1 Form. No transfer request will be accepted without this form. I have attached it for your use.
    I am disappointed to report that last weekends games resulted in the first two disciplinary reports. Two captains also received low scores in the Umpires Fair play report for ‘ respect of umpires,’ and two umpires  reported unruly behaviour from supporters at pitch side.
    As you know the message from WDCU has consistently been about  playing in the spirit of the game and with respect to all. WDCU will deal with all who players, spectators and clubs who fail  to meet the required standard. You have been warned!!
    Finally just a warning about those of you who play games covered Frog box – It picks up all bad language and inappropriate sledging and behaviour really well!!!!
    Regards Iain
  • Club Communication 6-05-2022 (6th May 2022)

    Please see the most recent communication sent to all club contacts:

    It looks like we are going to get lots of cricket so everyone can engage with WDCU Live and hopefully we can have a lot of live scores and other cards uploaded after the games too. Please alert me to any issues and we can hopefully sort and share them.
    Could teams in Div 3 and 4 note that the start time for games is scheduled at 12 noon. This has changed from last season and is now accurate in WDCU Live. Clubs have the option to start at 1pm and a few teams have notified me of some games that will start then. Please contact your opponents if there is any doubt regarding start times.
    I believe their are a small number of clubs providing teas. If you are providing teas could you please make sure that the opposition and any appointed CSMOA Umpires are informed.
    Clubs are reminded that as the season has now started all ‘in season transfers’ need to be requested by completing  form TR1. I have attached this for your information. Please note that transfers need to be completed in both Player Reg and WDCU Live.
    Three of the four Cup finals have now been arranged for this season. With the McCulloch Cup being successfully held on a Sunday last year, this  years finals will all be on Sundays:
    Rowan Cup – Sunday 10th July – 1pm – at Meikleriggs
    Western Cup – Sunday 31st July – 1pm- at Henry Thow Oval
    Greenwood Cup – Sunday 7th August -1pm –  at Albert Park
    McCulloch Cup TBC
    Finally and again with no apology a reminder on player behaviour:
    The message from the WDCU and CSMOA is repeated: ‘Respect your opponents and match officials and play in the Spirit of Cricket.’
    Players who do not do so will face sanctions. Clubs who fail to control their players will also face team and whole club sanctions as the WDCU/CSMOA strive to tackle this issue.
    Iain Kennedy
  • Club Communication 4-05-2022 (4th May 2022)
    Please see below a communication sent to all clubs this afternoon:
    Hi,
    Apologies to all I am struggling with a nasty bout of Covid so if you don’t get me you know why!!
    Firstly thanks to everyone for getting through week one of WDCU Live. I know lots of games were off but a good few of you managed to either live score or upload your score card later in the day.  We did experience a few problems but I would ask you to continue to do your best. You should all have registered and attained log ins and if you are having difficulty with that contact George Burns at CS. Hopefully the weather will be kinder this weekend and we can get a full quota of games to try the system out. If you encounter a problem ( and find a solution) please let me know so I can share it with everyone. Please note Cricket Stats is not functioning in the West this season.
    Would all clubs please note that the ‘Captains Report’ on all CSMOA appointed umpires should be made on Whos the umpire following the game . In games where there are no appointed umpires if there are any concerns regarding the player umpiring please contact me directly with details at admin@wdcu.co.uk
    There has been a slight error in the Saturday Division 4 fixtures upload to WDCU Live in that the start time for games should show as 12 noon. (That is a change from last year). These will be changed soon but in the meantime could all Div 4 teams please contact your opponents and make sure you agree your starting time. 12 noon preferable bu 1pm if you both agree
    From Poloc CC a notice for all travelling to Shawholm:
    Just an update following the reopening of the Burrell Collection early this year for those heading to Shawholm. There is no right turn into Pollok Country Park on Pollokshaws Road for those coming from the city centre. All vehicles are diverted around the roundabout and back along Pollokshaws Road.  Car parks within the estate are now charging but the Poloc car park is still free for members and visitors but there should be no parking on verges around the car park or at the back of the clubhouse.
    Exit is now slightly different with all vehicles turning left out of the car park and then a right turn between the clubhouse and the Police dogs which takes cars out onto Haggs Road.
     ‘To conclude and with no apology- The message from the WDCU and CSMOA is repeated: ‘Respect your opponents and match officials and play in the Spirit of Cricket.’
    Players who do not do so will face sanctions. Clubs who fail to control their players will also face team and whole club sanctions as the WDCU/CSMOA strive to tackle this issue.
    Kind regards Iain

    Iain Kennedy

  • Alex Simpson – Andersons East Kilbride CC (2nd May 2022)

    It is with much sadness that the news of Alex Simpsons passing has been shared with the WDCU by East Kilbride CC. One of the West districts great cricket characters he will be sadly missed by his family and cricket enthusiasts alike. Speaking of Alex, Tom Halpin of Prestwick CC described him as one of the two best captains he ever played for and a fantastic motivator. I’m sure we will all have fond memories of Alex but I distinctly recall his supportive and encouraging words to me as I started out on my ‘District’ career in the early 80s. Kind words stay with you forever and I’m sure he shared many.

    Alex family shared that he died peacefully on the 28th April with them by his side. Alex funeral will be on Monday the 9th May at St Columba’s Church Airdrie at 13:30 then onto Daldowie Crematorium for 14:45. There will be food and refreshments provided thereafter at the Tudor Hotel.
    His son Andy commented ‘Rest in peace Dad you’ll be captaining a new cricket team in heaven with all the players who have passed before you! All our love to the best Dad ever’ xx Andy Simpson.
    Iain Kennedy WDCU Administrator

     

         

  • Club Communication 26-04-2022 (26th April 2022)

    Please see a communication sent to all club contacts today.

    A few updates for you;
    Firstly a note from West of Scotland CC that their clubhouse has not yet been restored following the disastrous floodof last year. They have ensured that there is operational changing rooms, toilets and tea facilities but unfortunately the basement is out of bounds so there are no showers. Also the back of clubhouse is closed off so currently there is no separate facility for umpires but it is hoped there will be a remedy to that before the season starts. Please also note that teas will be provided at all 3 West of Scotland Saturday home team fixtures including those held at New Williamfield.
    Secondly Kilmarnock CC has informed me that there are proposed major roadworks in the area and access to the ground may be compromised for the early part of the season. Please note all clubs and appointed umpires due at Scott Ellis Field should contact the club for the most up to date details.
    Hopefully now we all have a basic idea on the new WDCU Live scoring system. I am sure there will be teething problems and I would ask you all to try your best to engage with it. If you have issues please share them with me and I can share with others as they might be having the same problem:
    A couple of points to note that have come up this week:
    • Two scorers can score the same game on the software at the same time. First scorer in will be the live scorer. The 2nd scorer can score but will not update the database.
    • Scorecards can be entered on EITHER the Admin platform (on a laptop) or the scoring software (on a tablet). Both teams have to be selected before you can input the full scorecard. The advice from CS is, if possible, to enter the scorecard in the scoring software. In the scoring software you can select BOTH teams, but if you input your team on the admin platform you CANNOT enter the opposition team. They have to do that, as administrators on the admin platform can only see their own players.
    • There is currently a problem viewing scorecards from games that have been live scored and filmed. This is being investigated.
    • It is still recommended that each team provide a scorer where possible.
    Please remember there will be no sanctions for those struggling to complete thier scorecards in the early part of the season. if we work together all the problems can be overcome!!
    Finally one last reminder regarding the WDCU and CSMOA Player Behaviour message for the season:
    The message from the WDCU and CSMOA is: ‘Respect your opponents and match officials and play in the Spirit of Cricket.’
    Players who do not do so will face sanctions. Clubs who fail to control their players will also face team and whole club sanctions as the WDCU/CSMOA strive to tackle this issue.