Cults Cricket Club
AS I write this article it is hard to believe that there are only 5 weeks of the 2005 cricket season left - where did the summer go? How has our season gone so far?
1 st XI: 2nd in Grade 1 and chasing leaders Kintore very hard. The championship could come down to the last game of the season (Kintore v Cults).
Cup competitions have been mixed:
• SCU Small Clubs Cup: lost at home in the semi-final v Victoria (Glasgow)
• Aberdeenshire Cup: lost away to Kintore in the 2nd round - a lamentable batting performance.
• Turriff: still being played for. Next opponents? Yes you have already guessed - Kintore.
There seems to be a pattern developing this season as Kintore have emerged as the team to beat. Can they hold their nerve?
Individual performances have been patchy, though Bryan Alexander and Graeme Gillanders are still racking up the runs. The loss of Paul Upjohn (canning fish in Norway I have heard) has weakened the bowling attack appreciably. Paul did return to Aberdeen for holidays and has managed a few wickets.
2nd XI - chasing the top two - Inverurie and B anchory - all the way for promotion to Grade 1 and, like the lst XI, their season could come down to their last
game v Inverurie at Allan Park Stadium. Bon Accord cup final has been reached again with some impressive performances. Opponents, as in 2004, are Mannofield. Best wishes to Phil Gill and his side.
Players are doing rabbit impressions: congratulations to Dan Smith and Amol Saxena on additions to their families. Soon to follow is Barry Milne. Remember you can still play cricket after children.
Allan Park has been an absolute picture this year. Bill Davidson has been spending his summer working on the ground and the quality of the wickets reflects that hard work. I have been entrusted to carry on the good work when Bill is down at the Oval for the 20/20 finals. Bill's efforts, coupled with the hard work of our good friends at Aberdeen City Council, have resulted in the place to play cricket in Aberdeen. Those of you who visit the Allan Park will notice the improvements to the play area, gateway to the park and general tidiness. Thanks to Councillor Malone for the funding of these.
On a personal note, after a playing career of 40 years for Cults, I have finally hung up my boots.
Age, infirmity, lack of talent and no ability whatsoever have finally caught up with me. The playing side is by far the best; that I miss! I also miss the verbal jousting with Phil Gill, such a deep joy during matches!!!! But there is life after playing. I continue to `cook the books' and assist Bill Davidson with the ground. Have returned to umpiring in Grade 1.
If you wish to play, watch or have a general interest, please call me on (01224) 742833 or email: thesutherlandfamily @btinternet.com
The Cults CC in undergoing a major upgrade with Barry Milne taking over as webmaster. The site has a familiar look about it, but Barry is putting his own stamp on the contents.
Please visit on http:// cultscricketclub.co.uk/
Ian Sutherland Cults Cricket Club