Teenager gets a result after going tech-free

Tom’s sacrifices raise more than £1,000 towards new electronic scoreboard at Forthill

A technology-daft teenager has helped Dundee move a step closer to hosting international cricket once more.

Tom Bruce, 13, dodged all electronic devices during a nine-hour period in an effort to raise funds for Forfarshire Cricket Club.

Tom, who was given his first computer at the age of four, weaned himself off all forms of tech by baking, reading and completing other practical tasks.

The 13-year-old’s sacrifices raised more than £1,000.

The funds will help his club fund a new electronic scoreboard, meaning the Broughty Ferry-based team will be able to abide by rules set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and host sides from throughout the globe.

Tom’s mum, Susan, who performs junior coaching duties with the club, revealed international cricket could now return to Broughty Ferry for the first time since the early 1980s.

She said: “In the mid-1950s there used to be crowds of 4,000 up at Forthill.

“The West Indies played here in the past. That was in the days long before electronic scoreboards.

“Now we have to abide by the rules put down by the ICC.

“There will be lots of high-profile domestic and women’s cricket played there this summer but the ground can’t host an international game until it can put an electronic scoreboard in place.

“We’re currently looking at the cost to see how much it will be to get the board installed.”

Tom’s tech-free efforts have left Susan very proud.

She said: “This is a child who had his first computer at the age of four.

“He builds his own PCs and is never caught without technology in his hand. Tom has done really well.”

Tom’s efforts have so far raised £1,030.

Cricket has been played at Forthill since the 1880s.

The West Indies travelled to Forthill to take on Scotland in 1980.

The first day of play, in front of a crowd of 2,000 fans, was halted by rain.

Famous batsman Viv Richards was among the star players to play in the match.

The West Indies eventually triumphed.

Tom Bruce gave up using technology to raise funds for a new electronic scoreboard at Forfarshire Cricket Club in Broughty Ferry, so that the Forthill ground could host international matches.

A report in The Courier of the first day of Scotland’s match with the West Indies in 1980 at Forthill which was halted by rain.