Poloc's juniors

Poloc runs junior cricket teams at seven available age-group levels: Under 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 and compete in West District Junior Cricket Union - as well as ECB and Cricket Scotland - competitions.  Under 10 players compete in "Kwik Cricket" competitions, the others hard-ball.  But competitive play is only one, small, aspect of Poloc's junior work and this page will tell you more about what's going on at the club for the 50 or so youngsters registered with it.

The club's coaching staff are all qualified and appropriately CRBS, Disclosure Scotland, PVG and/or Police checked, and the club is an enrolled body under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme.  Poloc's Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy can be viewed online and is also available from our Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer, Keith Young, whose contact details can be found below and on the Contact us page of the website.

Junior news and match report  

Under 16s defeat the Dark Side [posted 04/09/18] 

The Under 16s made the short trip over to Crossmyloof, for the latest Rebel Alliance : Empire clash.  With a 5.30pm start agreed there was still enough light [Ed: just!] to play a full twenty-over match, notwithstanding both sets of players seemingly determined to rubbish this idea by gifting 45 runs in wides between them!  Anyway, back to the match: batting first, the 'Loc recovered from 15 for 3 to eventually post 122 for 6, thanks in the main to 37* (43) from Elliot, as well as a couple of cameo 11s from Abdul (out) and Nabeel (not out), Nabeel's knock including a "shot of the night" extra cover drive for 4.

123 then for the Dark Side to secure the win.  Like the 'Loc, Clydesdale's top order struggled a bit.  24 for 3 was the scoreboard read-out in the sixth over as a wicket a-piece from Samee and Hassaan, and a run out by Zakir, had seen batters one, two and three returned to the clubhouse.  Wickets continued to fall at fairly regular intervals in fact, with two more run outs perhaps reflecting a growing agitation resulting from falling behind the required run-rate. 

Nine bowlers would be used before, with eight balls to go and 22 runs still needed for the win, the third run out - by Hassaan, after fielding the ball off his own bowling - was executed to see the home side dismissed for 101.  A good win therefore, and just in time as darkness enveloped the ground.  We've got the scorecards from tonight's matches online, alongwith updated stat's. 

Under 18s reach Scottish Cup Finals Day [posted 02/09/18] 

The Under 18s finally got their quarter-final match against Carlton played this morning, the 10am start seeing the 'Loc bat first and post 144 for 4.  Buggsy (89*) was the main reason that a decent total was reached after the side had slipped to 25 for 3 with Rambo, Itty and CJ all "back in the hutch" cheaply.  He got decent support, late on, from Kess (20) that gave the side something to bowl at.  The Edinburgh youngsters, in their reply, then got off to a good start, reaching 70 for 2 at the halfway point.  However, just 18 runs then being scored in overs eleven to fifteen when Raza and Zakir were bowling in tandem put the 'Loc "in the box seat" going in to the final five overs.  And it would turn out they'd just done enough as Carlton finished 12 runs short, five down.  So it was off to Titwood for a semi-final! 

At Titwood, after no break at all, Forfarshire awaited.  Again the 'Loc would bat first, and again only one of the top order would make a score.  This time it was Rambo (35), with Itty, CJ, Buggsy and Kess mustering just 19 between them.  In fact only Froggy (17), batting at eight, would get to double figures aside Rambo to emphasise the scale of the batting collapse.  Sure, the side hadn't had much of a break between matches, but that's why fitness and resiliance are such an important parts of sport.  90 for 9 was the total posted, the match reduced to eighteen overs-a-side.  It was always going to be tough to defend such a low score, and so it proved with the Broughty Ferry side crossing the finish line with six balls to spare, 92 for 2 their winning reply.  The "spin twins", Raza and Zakir, again took the bowling plaudits, their combined figures of 8-0-30-1 standing out from the other figures returned.  So a fall at the second-last hurdle, but still a decent "cup run", beating two Edinburgh clubs with strong junior pedigrees along the way.  We have the scorecards online, as well as updated stat's. 

Junior practice - finished for outdoor season [posted 30/08/18]

Please note that Thursday evening Under 10, 12, 14 and 16 junior practices are now finished fore the 2018 outdoor season.  A big thanks to our coaches - particularly Jurie Snyman and Coenie Nel - who have largely enjoyed great weather on Thursdays.....at least until near the very end of the season!  Details of winter cricket will be released over the next month or so. 

However even though practice and coaching sessions are done, there are still a couple of rescheduled junior league and cup matches to be played, so the season itself is not quite yet done!

Back-to-back losses for the Under 12s [posted 20/08/18] 

The Under 12s were again up against the East Kilbride|Weirs combined side, this time making the trip to Torrance House where - as ever - there was the other opposition to be overcome: midges!  To the game: a week ago the 'Loc's youngest side lost heavily to the combined side, and so it was really pleasing to see a much-improved performance all round.  The side scored 17 more runs batting first, and then took two more wickets and conceded 11 fewer in extras when bowling.

The result might still have been a loss, but the margin much less: 52 runs compared to the 123 runs seven days ago.  There were also some good individual performances: Abdullsubhan with 20, Max with a great direct-hit run out from square leg, and five of the seven bowlers used taking a wicket.  Encouraging signs from this very young side.  We've got the scorecards from tonight's matches online, alongwith updated stat's. 

Monday night blues for junior sides [posted 13/08/18] 

Both the junior sides in action this evening suffered losses unfortunately.  At Shawholm the Under 12s were well beaten by a strong, and much bigger and older, East Kilbride|Weirs combined side, the 'Loc youngsters going down by 123 runs.  Meanwhile down at Glenpark the Under 16s were also on the wrong result of the result, their six-wicket defeat seeing them exit the Frank Smith Trophy at the hands of Greenock.

Batting first, the 'Loc set their hosts the pretty reasonable target of 143 to win, thanks to useful contributions from Hassaan (43), Hasan (35) and Abdul (27), their combined 105 coming from just 81 balls.  However the bowlers couldn't quite defend 142, Greenock running out winners on the last ball of the eighteenth over, Forrest top-scoring with a 28-ball 64.  We've got the scorecards from tonight's matches online, alongwith updated stat's. 

Win for the Under 14s [posted 10/08/18] 

The Under 14s saw off the challenge of visitors Uddingston this evening in a rescheduled league match.  Batting first the youngsters eventually posted a whopping 167 for 4, this after losing two early wickets.  There were contributions pretty much throughout the middle and lower orders, with retirements and not outs for Samee (27*), Elliot 26*, Abdullah 25* and Nabeel 21*, and 20 for Moiz.

In the defence of their total the 'Loc bowlers bowled straight enough to clean bowl six of the Uddy line-up, with the other wicket to fall coming courtesy of a good safe pouch in the deep by Nabeel.  Uddingston would eventually be bowled out for 76 in the eighteenth over, their skipper Willmott being unable to bat after leaving the game with suspected broken finger - our best wishes go to him.  We've got the scorecard from tonight's match online, alongwith updated stat's.

Under 15s exit the cup [posted 09/08/18] 

The Under 15s exited the Scottish Cup at the quarter-final stage this evening, going down by 31 runs in a relatively high-scoring match at Titwood.  Batting first after being inserted by Abdul, the Dark Side posted 134 for 7, with Zulfiqar retiring after reaching 50.  Oddly the hosts were 100 for 0 at one point, then 103 for 4 after - first - Nabeel, and - then - Shahan took two wickets in two balls to cause jitters in the home changing room.

However 135 was eventually set as the target, and it would see the 'Loc need over a run-a-ball to secure the win.  At the halfway stage in their reply this looked on too.  60 for 3 was the score, and - aided by Clydesdale's bowlers' generosity on the extras front and some dropped catches - the run-rate needed was still manageable.  27 runs from the next four overs kept them in contention still too.  However when Hasan (23) was fourth out the impetus seemed to be lost.  Overs fifteen, sixteen and seventeen saw only 10 runs scored, and more wickets go down.  And so it was that the run-chase fizzled out, the side eventually finishing 103 for 5, to lose by 31 runs.  Hasan's 23 was the top score, aside extras who managed 27! 

Earlier Nabeel had returned the best bowling figures of 4-0-18-3, and had added to this with a blinder of an overhead one-handed catch to dismiss Ahmadzai.  We've got the scorecard from tonight's match online, alongwith updated stat's.

Academy beat West of Scotland [posted 08/08/18] 

It was the Poloc Academy's turn to play in the Evening League this evening, West of Scotland their visitors.   And, pleasingly, it was back-to-back wins for the club after last night's win by the Panthers in the same competition.  Tonight's win saw the side chase down West's score with more than three overs to spare, Saify top-scoring with an unbeaten 45.  Earlier, as the Hamilton Crescent side was bowled out inside their twenty-over allocation, there was a "4-for" for Hamaad.

We've got the scorecard online, and updated stat's.

Under 16s slip to defeat [posted 06/08/18] 

The Under 16s slumped to defeat tonight on a dull, chilly and gloomy evening at Shawholm.  In what must've been the slowest moving junior T20 match of all time (!), the Under 16s' run-chase reflected the lethargy of proceedings, the side ending up 91 for 8 in pursuit of their opponents', Glasgow Accies, 116.  Abdul top-scored with 27, but from 36 deliveries, and - overall - the sluggishness of the second innings was reflected by both openers (Abdul and Zakir) facing no fewer than 68 dot balls between them.

The first innings had been a little better, with the 'Loc's bowlers bowling generally good lines, and the fielding getting pass marks.  Shahan likely takes the bowling plaudits, returning 3-0-13-2.  However the overriding memory of this one will simply be that it took nearly forever!  Next up is the Frank Smith Trophy, being played at Under 16 age-group this season, the 'Loc going to Glenpark in round one next Monday.  We've got the scorecard from tonight's match online, alongwith updated stat's.

12s win at West [posted 16/07/18] 

The Under 12s recorded a good away win this evening over on the north-side, defeating West of Scotland at Hamilton Crescent.  The side defended their first innings score, but only just, taking three more wickets than their hosts, under the Under 12 League playing conditions, helping them along the way.  The standout performance came from Musa Rana who took a "6-for"!  We've got the scorecard online, and updated stat's.

Under 16s make it back-to-back wins [posted 09/07/18] 

The Under 16s travelled to the Ayrshire coast this evening to take on Ayr at New Cambusdoon on yet another beautiful summer's evening.  In the field first, the 'Loc youngsters made a couple of early breakthroughs to see their hosts set back on 9 for 2.  This good early also wasn't allowed to slip as further wickets came at regular intervals, so much so that the home side were bowled out for just 71 inside their twenty-over allocation.  The target of 72 was then chased down in 11.2 overs, with Froggy top-scoring with 32*.

We have the match scorecard online, and the season's junior stat's have been updated.

Under 14s narrowly lose to Ferguslie [posted 06/07/18] 

Tonight's junior match saw the Under 14s narrowly lost to Ferguslie, with the 'Loc youngsters just failing to chase the 134 to win they'd been set.  The game was really a battle between two players on the night, with Ferguslie's Mahapatra scoring 65 of his side's 133 all out, and Hasan Malik's knock accounting for 47 for the 'Loc's eventual 118.  Aside Hasan's innings Hassaan Mehmood scored 29 and young Musa Rana a really well-composed 20.  Nabeel Khan and Abdullah Rana were the pick of the bowlers returning figures of 2-0-3-2 and 3-2-11-2 respectively.

We have the match scorecard online, and the season's junior stat's have been updated.

Under 16s defeat Renfrew|West of Scotland [posted 02/07/18] 

The Under 16s entertained the Renfrew|West of Scotland combined side this evening in the league, and ran out 33-run winners.  Batting first the 'Loc posted 124, Zakir top-scoring with 46 (39).  He was ably assisted by Hassaan's run-a-ball 28, with Samee chipping in with a cameo 16.  Then in defending their total the side bowled out their visitors for 91, with the Mehmood brothers taking three wickets a-piece.  We have the match scorecard online, and the season's junior stat's have been updated.

Mixed fortunes [posted 25/06/18] 

There were mixed fortunes for the club's two junior sides in action this evening, with the Under 12s losing to Glasgow Accies over on the city's northside, whilst the Under 16s were beating Prestwick at Shawholm.  The Under 12s, despite finishing on the losing side, again showed real improvement in all areas of the game as they took on a very much older and bigger side in Accies.  There was also a hardball debut for Max Moffat who acquitted himself well.  Highligh of the night for the Under 12s was Abdullsubhan's "4-for".

At Shawholm the standout performances in the Under 16s' 20-run win over Prestwick included Zakir's 40 and Hasan's 36 in their first-wicket partnership of 73, and Shahan's 3 for 22 in the visitors' reply, an innings that also saw James return figures of 3-0-9-1 opening the bowling.  We have the match scorecards online, and the season's junior stat's have been updated. 

Under 14s win in Lanarkshire [posted 22/06/18]

The Under 14s romped to a big win this evening, defeating their Uddingston counterparts at Bothwell Castle Policies by 133 runs.  Batting first Samee led the way with 47, with Nabeel all-but matching him with 41 not out.  There were also useful contributions from Elliot (24*) and Hassaan (20) as the side posted 183 for 7.  Uddingston's reply stuttered from the off, the Under 14s' hosts slipping to 5 for 2.  However 22 from Wilson held things together at one end whilst wickets fell at the other.  Aside Wilson's 22, no Uddy batter got past 10, and three didn't trouble the scorers, as the csaying goes.  Eight 'Loc bowlers were used, with the nine wickets to fall [Ed': Under 14 matches are nine-a-side] being shared around.  We have the match scorecard online, and the Under 14 stat's have been updated.

Double defeat [posted 18/06/18] 

There were mixed fortunes for the club's two junior sides in action this evening, with the Under 12s losing to Glasgow Accies over on the city's northside, whilst the Under 16s were beating Prestwick at Shawholm.  The Under 12s, despite finishing on the losing side, again showed real improvement in all areas of the game as they took on a very much older and bigger side in Accies.  There was also a hardball debut for Max Moffat who acquitted himself well.  Highligh of the night for the Under 12s was Abdullsubhan's "4-for".

At Shawholm the standout performances in the Under 16s' 20-run win over Prestwick included Zakir's 40 and Hasan's 36 in their first-wicket partnership of 73, and Shahan's 3 for 22 in the visitors' reply, an innings that also saw James return figures of 3-0-9-1 opening the bowling.  We have the match scorecards online, and the season's junior stat's have been updated. 

Academy win in the Sunday League [posted 24/06/18]

Rambo saw the Academy side home with an unbeaten 99 in a solid run-chase that saw the young side make 254 for 5 in reply to Whiteinch's 253 for 9.  That had seen Gary and Amaan Ali take "3-fors", with Coenie picking up a brace of wickets.  Whiteinch's total owed much to 106 from Khan and Ahmad's 83, the two putting on 152 for the fourth wicket.  The Academy's reply got off to a flyer with Coenie bunting a quick-fire 42 (28), before Rambo and Bugsy (44) put on 106 for the second wicket.  Rambo then batted with the rest of the middle order, Zakir (11*) finishing as his not out partner when the finish line was crossed in over 31.  A third century of the weekend for a 'Loc was only missed out on because, needing 2 to win but 3 for his century, Rambo's lofted drive to deep mid-on was cut off and the required boundary not scored.  Unlucky, so-near-yet-so-far, but well batted nonetheless. The scorecard's online, and the statistics have been updated.

Under 14s win in Lanarkshire [posted 22/06/18]

The Under 14s romped to a big win this evening, defeating their Uddingston counterparts at Bothwell Castle Policies by 133 runs.  Batting first Samee led the way with 47, with Nabeel all-but matching him with 41 not out.  There were also useful contributions from Elliot (24*) and Hassaan (20) as the side posted 183 for 7.  Uddingston's reply stuttered from the off, the Under 14s' hosts slipping to 5 for 2.  However 22 from Wilson held things together at one end whilst wickets fell at the other.  Aside Wilson's 22, no Uddy batter got past 10, and three didn't trouble the scorers, as the csaying goes.  Eight 'Loc bowlers were used, with the nine wickets to fall [Ed': Under 14 matches are nine-a-side] being shared around.  We have the match scorecard online, and the Under 14 stat's have been updated.

Double defeat [posted 18/06/18] 

The junior sides' poor run of league form continued this evening with the Under 12s going down to defeat at Hamilton Crescent against West of Scotland, and the Under 16s suffering a third consecutive set-back at Glenpark against Greenock.  There were highlights notwithstanding the two results however, the young Under 12s continuing their improvement against another much older side, and Abdul Malik's 65 not out being the standout individual batting performance down the Clyde, and seeing him get an entry on the Junior honours board.

We have the match scorecards online, and the season's junior stat's have been updated. 

Under 13s exit the Scottish Cup [posted 12/06/18]

A very young Under 13 side performed admirably against much older, and stronger, opponents tonight in the Scottish Cup, going down to a loss at Meikleriggs against their Ferguslie hosts.  Scorecard.

Well beaten [posted 11/06/18] 

The Under 16s lost heavily this evening in the latest southside derby skirmish with the Dark Side.  Batting first the 'Loc's started badly - Zakir nicking off first ball - and never really recovered.  Poor shot selection and execution, allied to horrible calling and running (leading to two avoidable run outs) saw the side bundled out for just 54 in the nineteenth over.  The target of 55 then proved as hard as a Scottish win over England at The Grange, Clydesdale romping home, just two-down.

We have the match scorecard online, and the Under 16 stat's have been updated. 

Back-to-back wins for the Under 14s [posted 08/06/18] 

The Under 14s were again hosting this week, tonight's visitors being Ayr.  As seven days previously the side was in the field first and, also as last week, they dismissed their opponents relatively cheaply.  Ayr would be bowled out in under ten overs, with the wickets being shared around.  The score posted was just 33, however it might've been much lower had 22 (!) not been conceded in extras.  In their reply, the 'Loc's batters were equally fragile as they lost four wickets en route to a five-wicket win in the sixth over.  We have the match scorecard online, and the Under 14 stat's have been updated.

Under 16s lose at Stenhousemuir [posted 04/06/18]

The Under 16s' league season finally got underway this evening, but ended in defeat at The Tryst, thanks in part to a mix-up over there being no retiral rule in this age-group league.  As it was the match was high-scoring, with the hosts' 140 being 18 runs too many for the 'Loc.  All ten fielders bowled for the 'Loc too, with only 'keeper Abdul not rolling his arm over.  With the ball in the first innings Hassaan's 2-1-1-0, Samee's 2-0-4-1 and Jamesy's 2-0-6-1 were the best bowling figures returned, whilst with the bat Hassaan completed a decent all-round performance with 25* (retired); Zakir (22), Abdul (20) and Nabeel (15*) also chipping in with contributions as the side ended up on 122 for 8.  We have the match scorecard online, and Under 16 stat's have been uploaded too.

Straight-forward win [posted 01/06/18] 

This might've been the quickest junior league match of all time, the Under 14s' win over East Renfrewshire seeing them chase just 24 for the win, and doing so on the first ball of the third over.  Hasan and Hassaan saw the side safely home, their low target owed to the potency of the bowling attack.  Seven-player East Ren' won the toss and decided to bat first, however lost wickets quickly and regularly to see them bundled out for just 23 in the twelfth over.  We have the match scorecard online to look at, and the Under 14 stat's have been updated.

Under 13s exit the ECB Cup [posted 27/05/18]

What must've been the youngest Poloc Under 13 side ever to take to the paddock, took on Carlton today in the ECB Cup.  Up against a strong, and much older, side, the young 'Loc players accredited themselves really well.  It was also a great experience for the youngsters who, in the most part, are playing their first season of hard ball cricket.  After bowling first they found themselves having to chase 198 to win!  Yikes.  However on the plus side, they took six Carlton wickets.  In their reply, the main plus points were Moiz's retiral-inducing unbeaten 32, and the fact that they batted their full twenty overs [Ed: senior Saturday teams, are you reading this!].  But in the end it was a hefty defeat, score-wise, but invaluable experience for the youngsters in all other ways.  We've the match scorecard online.

Consecutive defeats for the Under 14s [posted 25/05/18]

Clydesdale were the visitors to Shawholm tonight in the Under 14 League, and after a good performance seven days ago at Ferguslie, the 'Loc were looking to put in another tonight, and convert it in to a "W".  But that's not quite what transpired!  Instead, at 11 for 3, three 'Loc batters were back "in the shed", and saving face had become the first priority.  Luckily Shahan and Abdullah steadied the ship for a bit, adding 19 for the fourth wicket.  However 30 for 4 then became "for 5" and another clatter of wickets took place.  Shahan then had to retire having faced the now maximum twenty deliveries.  This triggered,.....another collapse.  54 for 8, Shahan the eighth out after returning from his retirement.  And so it was down to Jamesy.  The skipper was the "last man standing", and under this season's playing conditions he'd keep on going 'til either he or his runner (Shahan) was dismissed.  And it would be James who'd go,.....run out.  He'd got to double figures, and the side were 75 all out. 

A straight-forward-enough chase then?  Eh, no.  Not to be outdone, the 'Dale batters showed the same feet-in-cement batting technique as their 'Loc hosts and proceeded to slump to 25 for 4.  Then two more wickets fell with the score on 48, and another two when the 'board showed 67.  67 for 8, one wicket needed for the 'Loc, 9 runs needed for the Dark Side.  Tense stuff.  And with five of the eight Clydesdale batters bowled, the thought was that some straight deliveries might do the trick.  Instead we got wides and no balls, as last batter Ferguson faced eighteen legitimate deliveries and ended 6 not out to steer his side home, the winning runs a howk for 4 off a full toss.  Sigh. 

So an exciting finish, sure.  But, in truth, there was little quality on show with a couple of exceptions.  With the ball Ahmadzai, Faisal and Koteeswaran, and Malik and Raja, are excused criticism, whilst Koteeswaran and Raja likely escape fault with the bat.  Back-to-back defeats then, and some basics to be addressed this week in training.  Blame the Coach this scribe says.....

Under 12s lose to Glasgow Accies [posted 21/05/18] 

It was a bright, if not warm and sunny, night this evening at Shawholm as the Under 12s entertained visitors from the city's northside.  Glasgow Accies were the Under 12s' opponents, and in a match that saw nineteen wickets fall the 'Loc youngsters slipped to defeat to an older and physically bigger and stronger Accies.  There were plus-points in the loss, as always, however, with the side taking ten Accies' wickets, to Accies' haul of nine.  Then with the bat, there was a good knock from Abdullsubhan, whilst all the batters' calling and running was improved on seven days previously.

We have the match scorecard online to look at, and the Under 12 stat's have been updated.

Under 14s lose at Meikleriggs [posted 18/05/18] 

The Under 14s got their league underway at the third attempt this evening, travelling to Meikleriggs in deepest, darkest Paisley to take Ferguslie.  Batting first the 'Loc's youngsters lost just four wickets en route to posting 120.   Under the new WDJCU league rules [Ed: devised by Professors of Complication at the University of Complication, in Complicationville] three 'Loc batters also retired having faced twenty deliveries.  The scores-on-the-doors showed four 'Loc batters got to 20 [runs!]: Hasan, Abdullah, Samee and Moiz.

In their defence of 120 the 'Loc started brightly, grabbing an early wicket, however - and despite taking six wickets - they'd end up on the losing side thanks, in the main, to self-induced pain caused by bowling wides, and two good innings from Mahapatra and Esakhiel.  Defeat was confirmed in the seventeenth over, Mahapatra pushing the winning single square of point to secure the win points for his side.  Ubaid's figures were the standout ones, his two overs costing just 5 runs, Hasan's 2 for 12 also being worthy of mention.  The scorecard's online, as are stat's.

Under 12s get their season underway [posted 14/05/18] 

The Under 12 season got underway today with the visit of the East Kilbride|Weirs combined side.  After winning the toss, Abdullsubhan decided the 12s would bowl first.  Taking four wickets, the 'Loc youngsters then restricted their opponents to 102 for 4 [Ed': or at least it's thought this was the score given the sheer complexity of the new "pairs-but-not-really-pairs" format.  Then in their reply, needing 102 to win, [Ed': or more, but not sure how much more, if wickets fell!] the 12s ended up 78 for 6.

And so, and please pay attention here, this resulted in a loss by 32 runs.  Nope, we don't know why either! Anyway, highlights on the night included a plethora of head-high beamers as the new 16-metre pitch was used for the first time, and a late finish given the requirement for overs with wides and no balls to see at least eight balls bowled.  More seriously it was good to see Aaitish make his competitive debut, good to see the sun shine and a good number of parents and families in attendance, and good to see the enjoyment that results from runs being scored and wickets taken! The scorecard's online, as are stat's.

:: IMPORTANT :: Changes to junior and senior practice and training session timings [posted 03/05/18]

Changes are being made to the club's practice nights and times.  From next week - the week beginning 7 May 2018 - practice nights will now be as follows:

• Mondays: open senior net practice (6.30pm to 8.30pm);
• Tuesdays: coach-led senior training (6.30pm to 8.30pm);
• Thursdays: coach-led junior training, all age-groups (Under 12s, 6.30pm to 7.30pm; and Under 14s and 16s, 6.30pm to 8pm); and
• Fridays: open senior net practice (6.30pm to 8.30pm).

The rationale behind the changes include: 

1. Under 12 cricket matches are now on Monday evenings (whereas Under 11 matches were, historically, on Fridays);
2. bringing together all junior practice on the same night will be helpful for parents who then only have to bring their children to practice on one evening, not two;
3. having junior coaching and training on a night where there are no senior matches will help optimise coach numbers;
4. starting all practices at 6.30pm allows additional time for parents/players to get to the ground after school/work/tea;
5. moving to three dedicated time-slots for senior practice should assist accommodate the good numbers we have, and ensure players playing in Tuesday Midweek League matches can still practice at two dedicated times.

Junior matchdays are Mondays (Under 12s and 16s) and Fridays (Under 14s), and the ground itself will be being used most weeks on these weekdays, however there remains plenty room for net practice and fielding and fitness training at Shawholm.

Match cancelled/rescheduled [posted 03/05/18]

Unfortunately tomorrow's Under 14 League opener against Uddingston has been cancelled at Uddingston's request.  It has, however, been rescheduled for 10 August 2018. 

Under 15 ECB Cup [posted 22/04/18]

The club's Under 15s were drawn away to Carlton in the first round of the ECB Cup, and this fixture's been agreed for Sunday the 6th of May, with a provisional 10am start at Grange Loan.

Junior outdoor training [posted 22/04/18]

This week sees the start of outdoor junior training after a long winter indoors.  Monday night between 6pm and 7pm sees players aged 11 or younger (as at 1 September 2017) practice at Shawholm, before, on Wednesday, between 6.30pm and 8pm, players aged 12 to 15 will train. 

Under 15 Scottish Cup draw [posted 20/03/18]

Cricket Scotland released the draw for this season's Under 15 Scottish Cup this morning, the draw seeing the club draw away to Greenock CC in the first round.  The full draw is online, here.

WDJCU junior league fixtures, 2018 [posted 19/03/18]  The WDJCU released the league fixtures for season 2018, and these can now be found online, in the Juniors sub-sections.

Junior cricket restructured [posted 13/01/18]

The WDJCU Committee has circulated details of the new junior league structure for 2018.  2018 will see Under 11 cricket played with a softer ball, in two formats.  A new Under 12 hardball league has been introduced.  The Under 13 and Under 18 leagues have both been disbanded, with the Under 14 and Under 16 leagues the remaining main leagues.  Only the Under 16 League is eleven-a-side, with nine-a-side being the format for the Under 14 League, and the Under 11 and Under 12 leagues both being eight-a-side.  A summary of the changes is online.

Success in the Indoor Super 8s [posted 30/12/17]

The Under 15s finished runners-up today in the Indoor Super 8s, winning one and losing one on their Finals Day.  However the Under 19s, pictured left, went one better and ran out winners of their age-group tournament.  Congratulations to them on their success!

Under 15 indoor Super 8s group stages [posted 28/12/17]

The Under 15s followed in the footsteps of the Under 19s, and qualified for the Finals Day of their indoor tournament today, three wins out of three saw them win the Group B qualifying group and see them through to Saturday afternoon's Finals Day where they'll face Clydesdale and the Ferguslie|Kelburne combined side.

Under 19 indoor Super 8s group stages [posted 27/12/17]

The Under 19s qualified for the Finals Day of their indoor tournament today, two wins from their three group stage matches proving enough to see them through to Saturday evening's finale where they'll face two Clydesdale sides.

Draw made for the Indoor Super 8s [posted 18/12/17] The 'Loc Under 15s and 19s know who they'll be facing in this year's Indoor Super 8s tournament.  The Under 15s will take on Renfrew, the Ferguslie|Kelburne combined team and a Clydesdale II team on Thursday the 28th of December, their Group B matches starting at 3.15pm.  The Under 19s' group stage matches are the day before - on the Wednesday the 28th - and see them face Clydesdale II, Clydesdale III and a Ferguslie|Hillhead combined side, their Group B matches starting at 2pm.

Western Warriors winter squad selections [posted 09/11/17] The Western Warriors have announced a number of winter training squads, and the club's well represented.  In the Under 14 squad James Cathcart, Hassaan Mehmood and Samee Mehmood have been selected.    The Development squad sees Taimoor Ahmad, Ahmed-Raza Hanif, Amaan Ramzan and Uzzair Shah all included.  And the senior Warriors training squad features Ihtisham Malik, Abdul Sabri, Owais Shah, Jurie Snyman, Hamza Tahir and Craig Young.  Congratulations to all these players.

Archived junior match reports

You can read earlier, and prior season, junior match reports online in our archive too. 

Junior membership

The coaching provided by the club for juniors is free-of-charge, and young people attending do not have to become club members unless they want to.  The club, however, welcomes new junior members.  The related application and consent forms can be downloaded for completion direct from the website.

Club-based junior coaching

"Open-to-all" coaching

Outdoor junior coaching

Under the umbrella of the "Community Coaching Initiative", this takes place on Thursday evenings at the club between late April and early September.  Under 12s (as at 1 September in the previous year) between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, with Under 14s and Under 16s between 6.30pm and 8pm.  Older players practice along with seniors.

The club's registered juniors number around 50 and are regularly updated as to what's going on for them at the club and encouraging them to get along to these outdoor practices.

As with senior practice, sessions, whenever practical, involve "nets" although teaching of the basics of the game is given a high priority. as such, genuine "beginners" are welcome along on any of the juniors evenings with children of both sexes, and as young as seven years old, taking part.  The use of "Kwik Cricket" facilitates safe play for even the youngest children.

Indoor junior coaching

After the end of the traditional summer playing season, coaching moves indoor with the facilities of Hutchesons' Grammar School Sports Hall being utilised.  Indoor coaching sessions are advertised here on the website and are normally on weekends.

Junior coaching is co-ordinated by Junior Convenor Keith Young with the assistance of other registered coaches.  The club's overseas players/coaches also play a central role in junior coaching.

Interested parents and/or children can find out more about junior coaching by contacting Keith Young and/or the club directly. the club's contact details can be found on the Contact us section of the website, Keith Young can be contacted directly on 07802-951913, or by email.