News

WDCU Season 2023 – Pre Season Notes
2023 Fixtures
The finalised 2023 fixtures for all WDCU competitions are now available on the WDCU website and WDCU Live application. These have been adjusted to reflect the unfortunate withdrawal of Poloc CC from cricket in the WDCU. Should any clubs change a date or venue of a fixture then please do let me know so that I can update the Website and WDCU Live.
Premiership 2 and 3
With Poloc CC’s withdrawal from Premiership 2 The CMC have agreed that only 1 team will be relegated from Premiership 2 and 2 teams promoted from Premiership 3 (assuming of course all necessary requirements satisfied).
WDCU Championship 2 and Championship 3
For season 2023, these leagues will play 40 over matches and not 50 over matches as originally scheduled. This is in keeping with the wishes of the vast majority of the teams in those leagues. The playing conditions will be updated to reflect these changes.  Up to date Playing Conditions for ALL leagues are available on the WDCU website Document Centre.
WDCU Subscriptions
Just a reminder that if your club hasn’t yet paid its 2023 subscription to the WDCU could you please do so now. We know who you are and will chase you if its not paid soon.
DLS Version 5 software
A jar file of the update DLS5 software is now available and should have been sent to all club secretaries. If you haven’t got it then please get in touch and we will try to get it through to you.
Midweek League Fielding Restrictions
Just a reminder that for season 2023 fielding restrictions are included in the 2023 Playing Conditions.
Rules 8 & 9 state:
“8. Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The fielding semi-circles shall have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-circles shall be 27.45 metres (30 yards). The semi-circles shall be linked by two straight lines parallel to the pitch. The fielding circle shall be marked by white dots 4.5 metres (5 yards) apart, covered by circular white plastic or rubber (but not metal) discs 180 millimetres (7 inches) in diameter.
At the instant of delivery, no more than 2 fielders may be outside the area described above during the first 6 overs or 30% of the scheduled overs in a reduced over innings. Thereafter, no more than 5 fielders may be outside the area described. If this restriction is breached, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal no-ball.
9. At the instant of delivery, no more than 5 fielders are permitted on the leg side. If this restriction is breached, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal ‘No ball’.”
Clubs Scorers Responsibilities 
The CMC wish to remind clubs of the expectations clubs have in providing scorers and how the games should be scored.
Premiership 1: Each club should provide a scorer, home team using CS Live App and away team using book as back up. Cricket Scotland requested that in this Division that at least 1 team should use the app. (Remember if possible to also use a book as back up in case of failure!).
Premiership 2 and Championship 1: The home club should provide a scorer, the away club may if they do not provide a scorer use players to keep the book. Ideally the home team (where possible) should use the CS Live App (but remember to use a book as back up in case of failure!).
All Other Divisions: Do not need to supply scorers, books may be kept by players. Using the CS Live App as always would be preferable (but remember to use a book to as back up in case of failure!).
It is recommended to clubs using the App that both teams should be populating their XIs by Friday to help with setting up the games
Parking at West of Scotland and Hillhead
Hillhead and West are concerned that visiting teams to Hamilton Crescent and Hughenden this season may be caught out by the recent hike of parking charges in the west end of the city – 80p per 15 mins mounts up pretty quickly. We therefore ask if you could kindly bring this situation to the notice of all teams which may be playing at our grounds this season on Saturdays in particular. There is no charge on Sundays and the charges finish daily at 6pm.
As Visitor Parking Permits are in fairly limited supply due to the Council only issuing a few books at a time, priority will necessarily be given to players and umpires.
WDCU Player/Umpire Guidance 2023
As we are all aware issues can arise during matches where there are no appointed umpires and matches are umpired by player/umpires. In an ideal world each and every match would have at least one umpire appointed but unfortunately umpiring numbers at present do not allow this to happen.
WDCU Guidance:
  • Where there are no appointed umpires, clubs are expected to ensure matches are umpired as fairly and respectfully as possible, ensuring the laws, playing conditions and spirit of cricket are recognised and respected at all times.
  • Player/umpires should recognise and be familiar with recent “law” changes, these will be in effect in all cricket played moving forward.
  • Captains are expected to “set the tone” and should ensure they discuss player/umpiring in advance or at the toss to ensure the match can be played in the correct spirit and respect is shown at all times.
  • During matches captain’s should be responsible for the player/umpire undertaking their duty as an umpire, ensuring they are competent to do so.
  • Player/umpires should be 16 years old and/or completed suitable training- their competence should be at the discretion of their captain
  • Player/umpires must not use mobile phones or mobile devices while umpiring under any circumstances ensuring they are giving their full attention to the game, this includes devices for scoring or taking videos or photos
  • Player/umpires must not enter the field of play while eating or drinking with the exception of agreed “drinks” or breaks in play
  • Player/umpires must not smoke on the field of play- this includes the use of e-cigarettes or vapes
  • Any dissent or disciplinary issues on the field of play should be managed in the first instance by the player/umpire in a calm, respectful manner and directed to the relevant captain in the first instance
We hope that you all enjoy the 2023 season and that games are played in the spirit of cricket. Here’s hoping for another long hot sunny summer.
Strathclyde University CC Looking for Fixtures.

Rahul Sharma, President of Strathclyde University CC has been in touch looking for fixtures for his club. Please get in touch with him at rahul.sharma.2022@uni.strath.ac.uk  if you wish to arrange a game.

WDCU Statement- Poloc Cricket Club 2nd April 2023

We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Poloc CC is to be dissolved. Poloc CC have done everything they possibly can to determine whether cricket could be retained at Shawholm under a new tenant, but sadly have ran out of options. The landlord, Pollok & Corour, has engaged with The W Academy, a youth football organisation, and agreed to lease the historic Shawholm cricket ground to them, ending Poloc CC’s 143-year tenancy there, and effectively its existence.

Undoubtedly this will see Shawholm and the grounds of Pollock Park change forever. We are left to wonder if the ground will be subject of planning applications for fencing and floodlights, as well as perhaps installation of 4G playing fields – a far cry from the idilic surrounding which Poloc CC currently provide, in keeping with the surroundings of Pollok Park. We wonder how any development might fit with the ambitious plans Glasgow City Council have for net zero carbon by 2030 – repurposing grounds within one of their “dear green places” surely can’t enhance their ambitions.

In addition, not only are we witnessing the end of a historic and hugely influential cricket club dating back almost 145 years, but we see a modern cricket club who have adapted to the present day challenges all of our clubs face, being wound up. A club that has existed within a community, and provided a valuable resource. A club which has a diverse membership who represents what cricket in the west is today.

In light of all of the discussions over the last days, weeks, and months, in relation to Scottish cricket we cannot ignore that while we have clear divisions within our game we have seen a historic club fold. This should be a lesson to everyone, and should be a clear signal to us that, unless we can move on from our current issues, the real victims will be Scottish cricket, the players, supporters, and member clubs which is the very thing we can all unite behind.

The committees of the WDCU continue to work hard to maintain and support cricket in the west. We must be willing to have constructive and meaningful dialogue to ensure the betterment of cricket in the west, and across Scotland. All stakeholders need to be willing to put differences aside and work to this common goal. We are committed and determined to do our very best to support our clubs in any way we can. Again, we are deeply saddened by this news, but encourage everyone to unite wherever possible behind our common purpose, discuss and resolve our problems. If we don’t do so now, sadly the game we know and love will not survive.

WDCU

David Barr – Renfrew CC – Funeral notice

Please see information regarding  Davids funeral later this week.

David Barr’s funeral  is taking place on Friday 17th February 2.30pm at Woodside Crematorium, Paisley and will be a celebration of David’s life.
David’s family are encouraging those attending to wear a Scotland Cricket top or their cricket club  top.
WDCU Administrator – Iain Kennedy

This is to let you know that  I vacate the position of WDCU Administrator on 28th February 2023. Unfortunately my health and other family commitments mean I no longer have the time to commit to the role. I would like to thank all of you who helped and supported me during my 5 years in post. It is very much appreciated.

The WDCU is reviewing the role and an announcement regarding the future of administration support for clubs in the west of Scotland will follow shortly.

Iain Kennedy

WDCU Administrator

WDCU Player/Umpire Guidance 2023
Please see below an update from the WDCU regarding player umpiring. This was sent to all club contacts today
As we are all aware issues can arise during matches where there are no appointed umpires and matches are umpired by player/umpires. In an ideal world each and every match would have at least one umpire appointed but unfortunately umpiring numbers at present do not allow this to happen. CSMOA are continuing to work hard to encourage new umpires and anyone keen on taking up umpiring should reach out- there are more courses running via CSMOA than ever and there are real opportunities for individuals to continue their involvement in the game post playing within umpiring. Details of courses available via CSMOA are here. https://www.csmoa.org.uk/education-courses.html, courses are soon 16th & 21st February… The new laws, added last year will be covered in these courses.
WDCU Guidance:
  • Where there are no appointed umpires, clubs are expected to ensure matches are umpired as fairly and respectfully as possible, ensuring the laws, playing conditions and spirit of cricket are recognised and respected at all times.
  • Player/umpires should recognise and be familiar with recent “law” changes, these will be in effect in all cricket played moving forward.
  • Captains are expected to “set the tone” and should ensure they discuss player/umpiring in advance or at the toss to ensure the match can be played in the correct spirit and respect is shown at all times.
  • During matches captain’s should be responsible for the player/umpire undertaking their duty as an umpire, ensuring they are competent to do so.
  • Player/umpires should be 16 years old and/or completed suitable training- their competence should be at the discretion of their captain
  • Player/umpires must not use mobile phones or mobile devices while umpiring under any circumstances ensuring they are giving their full attention to the game, this includes devices for scoring or taking videos or photos
  • Player/umpires must not enter the field of play while eating or drinking with the exception of agreed “drinks” or breaks in play
  • Player/umpires must not smoke on the field of play- this includes the use of e-cigarettes or vapes
  • Any dissent or disciplinary issues on the field of play should be managed in the first instance by the player/umpire in a calm, respectful manner and directed to the relevant captain in the first instance
West of Scotland CC – Vacancy – Groundsman

Please see notice below from West of Scotland CC

GROUNDSMAN FOR WEST OF SCOTLAND CRICKET CLUB

West of Scotland Cricket Club, based in Partick, require a groundsman for season 2023 to prepare wickets, cut outfield and surrounds. 35 hours per week Monday to Sunday starting at the end of March. If necessary, training on wicket preparation can be provided.  In addition, part time hours will be available from February on an agreed basis.

Please email CV and references with evidence of past groundwork experience to secretary@woscc.co.uk

East Renfrewshire CC – Pre season Training – Information

Please see note below from Zarak Ahad from East Renfrewshire CC regarding indoor pre season nets. Please contact him directly should you wish to take advantage of this.

Nets availability (Sundays only) Barrhead Foundry Sports Centre, Main St Barrhead. 2 nets, £15 per net for 2 hours. Total cost £60. First come first served.
Contact person: Zarak Ahad – ERCC Club Secretary.
zarakahad@live.co.uk