Cricketers get ready for challenge

The Ashes are done and dusted and while the weather outside may be more like the Arctic than Antigua, Stirling County’s cricketers are getting ready for the 2018 season.

Having won promotion to Western Union Premier Division after finishing runners-up to champions West of Scotland, the New Williamfield side have been handed a baptism of fire in their opening two fixtures – away to last season’s CSL Grand Final winners Prestwick on Saturday, April 28 followed by a home match against Clydesdale, who defeated County in the final of the Western Union Cup at the end the season.

Also joining County in the Premier Division are Ayr, Dumfries, Ferguslie, Greenock, Poloc and Uddingston.

The Western Union leagues have been restructured for 2018 and Stirling 2nds, who finished an admirable fifth place in last season’s First Reserve League, now find themselves in the new DivisionTwo.

The league features five 2nd XIs – Stirling, Weirs, Glasgow Accies, Drumpellier and Dumfries – and five 1st XIs – Galloway, Hillhead, Kilmarnock, St Michaels and Victoria – some of whom will be able to field professionals.

County will start on the road to 2018 on Monday, February 5 at Dollar Academy when winter indoor nets begin.

Coaching and guidance will be provided by the club’s many experienced coaches and players and all sessions from 6-8pm, will be free of charge. Anyone interested in coming to the winter nets can find more details at www. stirlingcountycc.co.uk; tel 01786 450413 or email ContactUs@ Stirling CountyCC.co.uk.