County wiped out by the weather yet again
Stirling County’s cricket season is developing into a version of Groundhog Day – if it’s Saturday, it must be raining and therefore no play.
For the fourth consecutive week, the New Williamfield side saw their Western Union First Division match cancelled. This time heavy rain meant puddles on their own pitch and on Friday evening it was clear that the following day’s match against Stenhousemuir would be cancelled.
The rain stayed with Stirling on Sunday when they went to Paisley to meet Kelburne in the Western Union Cup semi-final. Seven days before, the match was hit by the weather and there was no change to proceedings when County headed west.
It is hoped the game can be played on Sunday with the winners meeting Clydesdale or Poloc in the final.
Surprisingly with all the rain around, the 2nd XI managed to complete their Western Union First Division Reserve match at Stenhousemuir.
They were unlucky not to get over the winning line, being bowled out for 148 after dismissing their opponents for 153.
Wickets were shared with Jason Jones, Vamsi Machana, Ian Brett, Stevie Nolan and Alasdair Morton all taking two scalps. Ian Wilkinson scored 27 as did Jones while Steven Hopper’s 24 almost gave them the win.
On Saturday, Renfrew are the opposition for County and the 2nds – the former are away from home and the latter at New Williamfield.
Next week New Williamfield plays host to the 2018 T20 Women’s World Cup – Europe/Americas Qualifier featuring Scotland, Holland and the USA.
In the Scotland squad are regular Stirling players Liz Priddle, Lois Wilkinson and Lorna Jack – who recently played her 100th match for her country – while skipper Abbi Aitken has also appeared for County in the past.
Scotland open against Holland on Monday, August 14 with a 10am start then face USA later in the day at 2.30pm.
The following day USA and Holland meet at 10am before a rest day on Wednesday, August 16.
Thursday’s match sees Scotland meet the USA at 10am with the Americans and the Dutch facing each other ast 2.30pm.
Friday at 10am is the final fixture when the Scots are up against Holland.
Entry to all the matches is free.