Technology boost for Meigle
Squad also benefits from psychology consultant
Meigle Cricket Club’s first team players have upped the ante of late.
Outdoor training has been permitted since the end of last month as a result of easing Covid-19 restrictions and squad members have also been working on their fitness using online platform Zoom.
The technology is being used to hone technical skills in the hope of making up for the usual indoor nets pre-season training phase having been scuppered.
In addition, the Black and Golds have also worked with sports psychology consultant Rachel Hannen, a former European Curling Championship silver medal-winner.
Meigle player/head coach, Iain Stewart, is confident the squad has what it takes to make its mark in the Cricket Scotland Eastern Premier League.
He said: “The squad has worked hard on its fitness individually and collectively around their varying work and study schedules.
“I have never seen a fitter squad at Meigle, that’s for sure, and this will hopefully give us that ‘X factor’ in tight games in the EPL when captain Charles Clark needs players to stand and be counted.”
Coronavirus-related travel rules mean it is unlikely any clubs will be able to bolster their ranks with visiting professionals or amateurs in time for the new campaign getting under way.
However, Victory Park stalwart Stewart insists competition for places remains high.
He explained: “We have a good core of a squad putting their hand up for starting places in the top flight.
“If you are not motivated to run out at the likes of Grange – Scotland’s main international venue – in a Meigle jersey then you are in the wrong place.”
The competitive season will start on Saturday, May 22, with the villagers hosting Stoneywood/ Dyce.
There will be some double-header weekends to fit in the 18-game season, which is likely to test even the strongest of squads in the EPL.
The campaign is due to end on September 4, with the weekend of the 11th and 12th kept in reserve in case of Covid-related postponements.
Stoneywood/Dyce lost on their last visit to east Perthshire in August 2018, but won a promotion play-off a couple of weeks later and maintained their place in the top flight.
They did convincingly defeat a shadow Meigle first XI in the Scottish Cup the same year after the round one fixture clashed with the Scottish Village Cup final.
The opening month of the new season will also see Meigle travel to play old rivals Freuchie on Sunday, May 23, in the Voneous Broadband Village Cup.
Ian Stonebridge’s Fifers will be eager to avenge their loss in the last Scottish final in 2019. The winners play will play Doune or Falkland in the next round, set to take place in early June.
News from the Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union in relation to the 2nd and 3rd XI’s fixtures is expected to be announced shortly.
Both sides will feature many youngsters from the youth ranks, under the tutelage of some experienced senior players.
Meigle’s second string will be gunning for promotion in 2021 given the strength of the wider first team squad, while the 3rd XI will maintain its developmental and sociable outlook.
Stewart added: “The 3rd XI welcomes new adult players to offer support to the younger players, be that from former cricketers keen to get playing the great game again after a lay-off – or those keen to try a new sport and ensure a positive environment for youngsters starting out.”
I have never seen a fitter squad at Meigle...and this will hopefully give us that ‘X factor’