Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
International ties at Forthill
INTERNATIONAL cricket is set to return to Dundee this week.
Forfarshire Cricket Club, based at Mackays Forthill i n Broughty Ferry, is hosting the Women’s Celtic Cup Series between Cricket Ireland and the Scottish Wildcats.
It marks the first time international cricket has graced t he wicket at Mackays Forthill for a number of decades.
The two teams will tangle in four ties.
The first fixture took place today, with the two teams taking part in a 50 over match.
On Thursday, they will play in two T20 games starting at 11am and 3pm.
The two will then clash in a final T20 fixture on Friday (11am).
A Forfarshire spokesman said they “expect plenty of thrills” as the two sides battle it out.
They added that refreshments, a barbecue and a bar will be on offer for spectators.
Lifelong Forfarshire player, Priyanaz Chatterji, from Broughty Ferry, has been selected for the Scottish Wildcats.
The 23-year-old will be hoping to claim a few wickets with her medium pace bowling.
She said: “It’s a really exciting time for women’s cricket. The success of the Women’s World Cup has been fantastic to see.
“I was lucky enough to attend the sold out final and the atmosphere was amazing.
“I’ve been really looking forward to the Celtic Cup Series.
“I think it will be a great opportunity to play some high quality women’s cricket in preparation for our upcoming qualifiers against Holland and the USA.”
Priyanaz said she was especially looking forward to plying her trade in front of a home crowd.
She said: “Getting to play the series at Forfarshire is a real bonus.
“My cricket career started there and it will certainly be special to represent Scotland at my home ground.
“Hopefully, there will be a good few familiar faces around.”
Ahead of the matches, Wildcats skipper Abbi Aitken said the ties were “ideal preparation” for the Holland and USA games.
She said: “Ireland are sending a very strong side over, boasting a lot of experienced players, so this will be the i deal preparation for us leading i nto the T20 qualifiers l ater in the month.
“Getting competitive games under our belts before we host the T20 qualifiers in Stirling is vital.
“The qualifiers will be a good test for us too, with two teams progressing to the global T20 qualifier next year.
“While our full strength squad might not be available, I’m excited at the opportunity this presents to other players to step up to the plate.”