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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
Indoor cricket, winter 2019-20 [posted 20/09/19] The club has again secured bookings at Hutchesons' Grammar School Sports hall for winter indoor practice and coaching. The winter programme, initially on Sunday afternoons and extending to a midweek evening in Spring 2020, starts on Sunday the 3rd of November. More details of the sessions, and what age-groups will attend which sessions, will be announced nearer the date - watch this space.
Local derby [29/07/19] Keith Sheridan reports, "The Under 12s made the short trip to 'Titwood' for the next instalment of the cup group stage with the daunting prospect of once more facing up to a very good and mature Clydesdale outfit. The last meeting didn't end well with a loss in excess of 200 runs with Poloc losing 23 wickets in the process. However, tonight, albeit a defeat, was much more honourable. Losing the toss and being tasked with bowling first, the Poloc side set about their business and to their credit, bowled as straight and full as possible. Adam, Aatish and Momin each picked up one wicket while Clydesdale batters Samuel, Abhi and Shlok were the chief destroyers amassing the majority of Clydesdale's runs. Clydesdale finished their twenty overs on 167 for 3.
"Unfortunately for Poloc, we went down to seven players when a freak accident befell Muntaha. Having fielded heroically for four overs at 'cow corner' bravely stopping some powerful blows from Samuel in particular, young Max lobbed the ball to Muntaha who was coming on to bowl. The ball struck her on the nose which initiated a veritable monsoon of claret forcing Muntaha off the field and ultimately out the game altogether. I'm pleased to report that Muntaha is fine now – although her whites will take a bit of washing! Many thanks to Karthik who looked after her so well on the side-lines. Muntaha's early exit meant Nitin had to pass the 'keeping gauntlets to Aatish for the final five overs to allow him to bowl competitively for the first time this year – and what a good job he did. Is he wasted behind the sticks? Something to think about! Adam and Max were the stand out bowlers each conceding only 26 runs from their four overs each. Thanks to Clydesdale for the 'loan' of a young fielder for the majority of the innings who threw himself about with great enthusiasm.
"Nitin and Aatsih opened in Poloc's reply putting on a very respectable 28 for one in the first five overs. The 'one' being a needless self-inflicted runout from Nitin – tut-tut! Special mention to Aatish remaining undefeated in the five overs after his difficult innings against Ayr the previous week. Well done in applying your skills. Momin and Saffi were next, each being dismissed once and each hitting a nice boundary each – Saffi in particular was effusive in his celebrations of his own boundary! So 28 for 1 became 45 for 3 at the halfway point. It is worth noting here that at the same stage, Clydesdale were 68 for 3. Whilst ahead on runs, it was pleasing to see Poloc were only 3 down as well. The third pairing was the dream team of Max and Adam who put on 26 for the loss of only one wicket – Adam being cleaned up by Alexander's last delivery but not before smiting 23 well compiled runs. Max was undefeated starved somewhat of the strike. However, a valuable lesson learned that the partnership is greater than the individual and his stoic defence and fast running paved the way for good results – well played. The final pair was Muneeb, and in the absence of Muntaha, Clydesdale graciously allowed Adam to bat again. Muneeb battled bravely and is improving week on week and Adam again struck some nice shots but Alvin's 'Malinga-esque' pace bowling proved a little too good taking three of the four wickets to fall in the final five overs. So, Poloc finished on 99 for 8 (adjusted to 111 for 8 courtesy of the 'runs for wickets' rule) with Clydesdale running out winners by 88 runs ending, as they did, on the adjusted score of 199 for 3. A vast improvement on the last showdown with Clydesdale and indeed from the week before against Ayr – well done guys. We need to keep working on our skills and game management in practice and more importantly, employing that during the games. Next week sees another away trip to play a Weirs/EK combo'. Final note – Muneeb – be on time next game or we will leave without you and play with 7. You have been warned!"
Under 10 Kwik Cricket friendlies versus Clydesdale [24/07/19] Keith Sheridan writes, "#bluebatbedlam2. On a balmy summer evening at Shawholm, the Under 10s had great fun once more battling it out with derby rivals Clydesdale. Two, ten overs-a-side games were played and honours were even with Poloc winning the first game followed by Clydesdale exacting swift revenge taking the second match-up. There were the usual series of comedy moments in amongst some genuine quality. Max from Poloc is worthy of special mention for his bowling and fielding. He is like a human dynamo popping up all over the paddock taking catches and executing run outs – an awesome display. For Clydesdale, mention once more of their crafty young leg-spin bowler who showed admirable confidence in closing out the death over of the final game displaying lovely skills and a calm head when all around were losing theirs. We (well, I am) never one(s) to over promote young players above their station, but Innes may be one to watch (or poach!) for the future. Thanks to Jeetinder and the Clydesdale crew for coming over and making it such a fun evening – the kids really enjoy it. #bluebatbedlam3????????" Keith Sheridan reports, "Making the long trip to New Cambusdoon is always a bit arduous (for me anyway – and it always seems to rain on Fenwick Moor!) but we were rewarded with a beautiful evening and the 'New Cambusdoon' policies looking delicious in the evening sunshine. The changing room however was like a sauna! That notwithstanding, Ayr won the toss and elected to bowl first. Having selected ten players, Ayr rotated their fielders with every different pair of Poloc batsmen so only eight were on the park at any one time and all ten each bowled two overs. Johnny Cowan was the star performer taking 3 for 3 in his allotment with Robbie and Mikey each snaring two. All the rest took a wicket each except Corey and Alfie but despite not taking a wicket, both were economical. The Ayr bowling was pretty disciplined and made life difficult for the Poloc batsmen who amassed a mere 54 runs, 26 of which were extras!! Nitin top scored with 9 but every batsman was out at least once with Aatish in particular suffering an evening to forget being dismissed four times (in the space of five balls!). Remember, every wicket gifts the opposition 4 runs. We lost thirteen of them – I’ll let the reader do the arithmetic but suffice to say Poloc in effect scored a net of 2 in their innings.
"So a stiff task to defend our total was set about with some gusto by Poloc snaring three wickets in the first three overs – promising signs. Poloc would go on to take ten Ayr wickets which was pleasing and nearly cancelled out the run deficit conceded by losing our wickets. It is also worthy of note that Poloc conceded less extras than their opponents as the bowling was nice and straight. However, the Ayr batsmen kept chipping away and were always ahead of the game. The real difference however was the fifth (!) pairing of Mikey and Cammy who compiled a partnership of 39 for 2 in their four overs with Mikey in particular punishing the bowlers, striking a powerful undefeated 30 runs. Max and Adam were outstanding with the ball returning figures of four overs 1 for 13 and four overs 3 for 17 respectively. Special mention too to Muntaha who grabbed a brace of wickets in her three overs whilst conceding only 14 runs. Things to work on for the Poloc team – and they will be – long barrier fielding, forward defensive stroke and catching the ball – basics guys, basics! What we do in practice needs translated in to the games. Well played to Ayr and Poloc's next assignment is a tough one – probably the toughest yet – Clydesdale away."
Convincing win in Paisley [posted 08/07/19] The Under 16s were up against a strong Ferguslie|Kelburne combined team this evening, their hosts at "Meikleriggs" including no fewer than three Western Warriors players in McLean, Wylie and Khan. After the toss it was the combination side that were batting. And McLean put down a marker, first ball, driving Jamesy's first delivery for a 4 through mid-off. A good shot, but also a good ball. And Jamesy would have his revenge three balls later when he enticed McLean in to a repeat shot, this time however the Kelburne batter could only drive it straight back at JDC who pouched a smart caught and bowled. This brought Wylie to the crease, however he'd last just the one ball as Jamesy yorked him to see the wicket dismantled and the batter disgruntled. 4 for 2. Khan and Tahir then added 38 for the third wicket, their burgeoning partnership being ended by Tahir (17) being out-foxed by Samee, who sneaked an arm ball past his defences. 42 for 3. From this point on all Khan was then able to do was watch as partners came and went. Nabeel did for Collins, his direct hit from backward point running out the left-hander, before Moiz decided to try and end things very quickly with three quick wickets. 49 all out. And, pleasingly, just 3 runs conceded in wides and not a bye to be seen. Good effort, and putting senior players to shame.
The run-chase was efficiently dealt with too. Zakir (20) and Abdul (17*) all-but securing a ten-wicket win, the former being dismissed - caught and bowled - just as the finish line was neared. However it wouldn't spark anything other than a short delay in the win being secured, and the winning post was passed in the eighth over. A good win, over a good side, and as pleasingly a good performance from this side.
#bluebatbedlam [posted 04/07/19] Keith Sheridan reports on last night's Kwik Cricket at "Titwood". "Thanks go to Jeetinder Berman for setting this up and we will definitely try to squeeze some more games against Clydesdale in as we enter the second half of the season. The kids all had a great time as we managed to get in three, 8-overs-a-side, matches in the evening. We even had a fresh Captain each game much to the delight of the kids. For once only, even the results genuinely did not matter with Clydesdale winning all three games, the closest of which was a mere 3-run victory. I'd say that even if Poloc had won all three games! There were even some familiar faces in the opposition team which spiced things up nicely. Everyone batted, everyone bowled and everyone fielded and it all simulated real cricket, so learning all the time. Playing right in front of the grand old 'Titwood' pavilion, there were genuine moments of great cricket from both sides.
"Clydesdale may have unearthed a majestic young leg spinner who, even at Under 10, can spin it both ways which proved challenging for the 'Loc batters! Nonetheless, some highlights included Aaron Campbell hitting his first ball in any form of cricket in his life for 4, James Sheridan's fielding is worthy of special mention with great hands, fast over the ground and a good throwing arm and some lusty blows while batting. Elliot MacQuien, too, was great in the field and can strike a nice ball in only his second week of playing cricket. Muntaha was her steady self with very sensible batting and running and nice straight bowling (most of the time!). Aatish was not in prime form with the [blue plastic] willow but produced some very nice bowling on the night. Young Aqib along with Muneeb and Abdul are making huge strides forward. At the start of the season bowling was not on the agenda but last night all three were bowling legitimate balls – great to see – keep it up lads. Batting, too, they are getting to grips with the concept of running and not getting out and costing the team 4 runs every time! So, much to work on, but progress being made and, most importantly, a great fun evening had by all. Thanks again to Jeetinder and we will look for dates in the coming months to turn a one off perhaps into a series!"
Under 12s lose out in Giffnock [posted 10/06/19] Keith Sheridan reports on tonight's Under 12 defeat at "Woodfarm Pavilion". "Losing the toss, Poloc were inserted. A very young Poloc team were up against a much older, streetwise East Ren' side containing 9 (!) players. Things started badly with Aatish being cleaned up first ball of the game and really didn't improve much over the 20 overs. The additional fielder for East Ren' did make scoring harder but their bowling was straight and asked plenty questions of our batters. Max and Aatish both made 9, striking some lusty blows. Max in particular smiting a couple of boundaries in an eventful first over. Something to discuss with brother Elliot over dinner this week!
"However, the openers having put on 24 for the first five overs were dismissed five times between them costing 20 runs. So all the hard endeavour led to a net total of 4 from their five overs! Muneeb and Muntaha were next and were stoic in defence with a partnership of 1 for three dismissals from their three overs. Aqib accompanied skipper Adam for the 'Loc's third partnership with Adam striking the ball nicely and remaining unbeaten.
"Last up were Nitin and Abdul, the latter surviving unbeaten on 0 despite a nasty habit of teasing fielders by consistently hitting the ball in the air just out of their reach! A habit requiring immediate breaking! Nitin bore the brunt of the East Ren' star bowler, Tariq superbly negotiating two torrid overs himself while protecting Abdul from the strike. Nitin reaped the rewards of his endeavours in the last over of the innings striking three lovely boundaries finishing with a creditable 12 not out.
"Poloc, thanks to extras, finished on 65 for 9 from their twenty overs. The quirk of the rules making that 77 for 9 with 12 runs being added for taking three wickets when they bowled. More of that later. The East Ren' repost commenced in solid fashion with Tariq and Hadi putting on 33 for no loss in their five overs. Their running between the wickets was very accomplished and took the Poloc fielders by surprise. One to learn from as a fielding unit and as a batting unit! Only 19 of those 33 runs from the opening partnership were from the blade and so it went on through the innings with runs being gifted to East Ren' throughout either from wides, no-balls, byes or silly over throws. Indeed, it seemed that the horizontal and vertical hold of the Poloc bowlers had been switched off prior to the innings commencing! No Poloc bowler took a wicket this week but the team did execute three runouts.
"East Ren' "loaned" Poloc an extra fielder for the first five overs to compensate for them having nine on the paddock for the whole Poloc innings. However, the final fifteen overs of the East Ren' innings there were just the eight Poloc players on the park. Not a game-changing scenario by any means but a handicap nonetheless. For East Ren', Ibrahim and Musa both made 18 the latter however being runout twice. Final mention goes to de Silva who bludgeoned 32 not out including a maximum. Sanjith, his batting partner, made 3 in tandem with de Silva, but was not always overly enamoured with his batting partner who, as well as a knack of hitting boundaries, was extremely good at farming the strike!
"East Ren' finished on 134 for 3 and, courtesy of their earlier nine wickets, this was supplemented by the tune of 36 to make 170 for 3 and a victory for East Ren' by the imposing margin of 93 runs. So, a loss for Poloc's youngest side and on to play an ever strong Clydesdale side next week at Titwood. As long as lessons are being learned and games are being worked on then there is always room to progress. Things to work on is a fairly comprehensive list including catching, saving singles in the field, bowling straight and full, defending straight balls when batting, backing each other up in the field and backing up as a non-striking batsman and last, but not least, general fitness and speed around the ground. Onwards and upwards!"
Under 15s exit the ECB Cup [posted 19/05/19] The Under 15s made the trip over the river to "New Anniesland" today to take on Glasgow Accies in the ECB Cup. With a start time of 10am, on the morning after a wet Saturday, the ground was still damp when play started. Batting first after being inserted were the hosts, Accies got off to a cautious start. Paterson's would be the first home wicket to fall, 5 for 1. However McCorkindale and Chadha then added 84 for the second wicket, Chadha being given a life when his miss-timed shot to mid-on was parried but couldn't be held by Haidar Raza who was stationed there. Chadha going on to make 51 before retiring was critical to his side being able to post 114. Aside his knock, only McCorkindale (26) got past 6. 22 gifted in extras, added to Chadha's knock, in letting Accies post a defendable total.
The 'Loc's reply was started by Hasan Malik and Hassaan Mehmood. And they scored freely at the top of the innings, 30 for 0 after five overs becoming 58 for 1 - Malik (26) having chipped a catch to Chadha at cover - at the halfway point. However Hassaan and new partner Elliot Moffat couldn't really "kick on" from this point, and overs eleven to fifteen saw just 23 runs added, a 30-ball period that saw fourteen dot balls recorded. In all no fewer than 67 dot balls - out of 120 legitimate deliveries bowled - would be recorded, and this really cost the side. Also relevant was Accies' ability to gift fewer extras: the 'Loc's 22-run present not being matched, Accies conceding just 14. 8 fewer extras and 8 fewer dot balls and,.....yup, you're right: Poloc win. But it wouldn't be, and after Hassaan Mehmood departed for 35 (51), late scurrying between the weeks couldn't see the side catch up quickly enough. And so, finishing on 104 for 6, the Under 15s went down by 11 runs.
Rained off [posted 06/05/19] Unfortunately, afternoon rain washed out this evening's Under 12 match against East Renfrewshire. Hopefully the match will be re-arranged.
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.
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