County league season opener

Visit to Drumps

Despite the winter weather this week, cricketers at Stirling County are ready for their first league matches of the 2017 season.

The final pre-season friendlies took place on Saturday when Western Union Premier League side Ferguslie visited New Williamfield and the 2nd XI travelled through to Paisley for the reverse fixture.

County fielded first and although wickets fell at regular intervals, runs also flowed from the Ferguslie batsmen and they reached 274 for nine off their 50 overs. Wickets were shared with Ali Mubarak taking three for 53, Ross McGarvie two for 35 and Tom Jones two for 39.

Stirling’s reply faltered from the start when they lost two wickets in the opening overs. It went from bad to worse as the strong Ferguslie bowling attack reduced them to 75 for eight with six players registering ducks.

Bowlers McGarvie and Mubarak showed some resistance alongside skipper Matthew Tweedie, who carried his bat for 73 in a total of 138 all out.

A depleted 2nd XI went down heavily in a Test-style T20 match at Ferguslie 2nds where all players batted and bowled.

This weekend, the 1st XI open their Western Union First Division season at Drumpellier, who were relegated last term. The 2nds are at home to Greenock 2nds following the decision to allow promotion and relegation between the Reserve Leagues last season.

On Sunday, the development XI makes its debut in the Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union at New Williamfield against Callander.

Practice nights are on Tuesday and Thursday from 6.15pm at New Williamfield, all new players welcome.