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Western Cricket Academy news archive
August 2010
Defeat at Hughenden [posted 08/08/10] A strong senior Academy side lost out in their latest WDCU Division 1 league match against Hillhead CC at Hughenden today. Batting first the home side recovered from their top five making just 15 between them to post 206. Locke (46) and Yadav (41) chipped in with the two largest contributions for Hillhead CC whilst the Academy bowlers shared the wickets around. Ross Patterson of Prestwick CC grabbed a "3-for", as five other bowlers managed to get at least one. In reply the Academy's innings was built on Clydesdale CC's Paddy Barbour's 50, but with no other batter getting past 17 (even though five got past 10), the WCA slumped to 146 all out, in the 42nd over. Astonishingly, home team wicket-keeper, and WCA Coach, Matt McMillin took four catches and completed a stumping in the Academy innings, revenge for being dismissed for a duck in the first innings. The scorecard's online.
Pictures from Stirling [posted 06/08/10] We have a couple of pictures in the Gallery from yesterday's senior Academy success in the inter-Academy tournament at New Wiilamfield. The scorecards are also online.
Clean sweep for WCA [posted 05/08/10] Day three of the senior Inter-Academy tournament at Stirling County CC's New Williamfield ground saw the senior Academy defeat the Caledonian Cricket Academy to seal victory in the four-team, round-robin format tournament. Batting second, WCA chased down their required target with about an over to go. The win means the senior Academy players retained their 100% record during the week, and can return to the west with the tournament win in their bags. Congratulations to the players, Coaches and squad management for a successful week.
Day two, and second win for WCA [posted 04/08/10] After their day one win over their Eastern Cricket Academy rivals the senior Academy recorded another win on Wednesday, this time against guest side Northumberland. With the scorecard still to be sent in, reports in tell of the WCA batting first and scoring around 170, a total they defended to win by about 20 runs. The back-to-back wins mean the senior Academy goes into Thursday's final match against the Caledonian Cricket Academy - who lost today to Eastern Cricket Academy - looking for a third win, and a tournament win.
WCA cruise to win over Eastern rivals at Inter-Academy tournament [posted 03/08/10] The 2010 senior Inter-Academy tournament got underway today at New Williamfield, home of Stirling County CC. And the tournament draw had thrown up the match that every WCA player and Coach looks for first: West versus East.. The scorecard of the game is online, and the good news for west cricket is that the senior Academy recorded a 5-wicket victory. Batting first the East side struggled on a slow wicket, posting only 138 - all out - in their 45 overs. Dhruv Satpute of Glasgow Accies CC took a "5-for" and Ayr CC's grabbed three wickets as the ECA found scoring tricky. In the reply two west batters got to 40: Jamie Cook (Kelburne CC) and Alex Baum (Greenock CC). Day two of the tournament sees the senior Academy take on guest side Northumberland.
Loss on run-rate [posted 01/08/10] The senior Academy lost on run-rate in their WDCU Division 1 match against Glasgow Accies CC today at New Anniesland. The Academy's run-rate when persistent rain put paid to proceedings was 4.24 as compared to the 4.74 that their hosts managed in posting 237. When the match was called off Neil Smith of Ayr CC (61 not out) and Poloc CC's Danial Chaudhry (35 not out) were looking well set, and, with the Academy on 127 for 3, there was genuine belief that the run-chase would be successful. However - frustrating though it is - the rain gods intervened and league playing conditions meant that - even though the Academy would have won on D/L - the win accrued to Glasgow Accies CC. The first innings had seen Richard Andrew score 102, and Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin take 5 for 52. Ross Arbuckle of Kelburne CC also grabbed a "3-for".
July 2010
Team selection [posted 26/07/10] The junior WCA squad selection for the match against the XL Club on August the 5th at New Anniesland in Glasgow (home of Glasgow Accies CC) is online now.
Partick beat Academy in WDCU [posted 25/07/10] The senior Academy lost to Partick in the WDCU First Division match between the two sides at Hamilton Crescent today. The Academy batted forst and - thanks to Greenock CC's Alex Baum (59), Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin (50) and Poloc CC's Danial Chaudhry (48 not out) the total of 228 for 8 was posted. However, improved as the batting was on recent Western Union outings, the bowling figures suggest the second half didn't go as well. Six of the nine bowlers used went at 6 an over or more, and as the Partick side eased to victory well inside 40 overs, the inability to restrict league opponents to manageable run rates again cost the side. Partick ended up winning by seven wickets with over thirteen overs to spare, Singh and Ross Bross top-scoting with 94 and 63 respectively. The scorecard of the game is online.
Team selections [posted 24/07/10] The senior WCA squad selections for Sunday's WDCU First Division match against Partick, and to play in the upcoming senior Inter-Academy tournament at New Williamfield, are online now.
East Kilbride beat Academy in WDCU [posted 18/07/10] An Academy side lost out to East Kilbride CC at Torrance House today in the Academy's latest Western Union First Division league match. Batting first on a damp wicket, the Academy batters - bar Clydesdale CC's Lyle Hill - all struggled to "get in". After both openers departed without scoring, none of the middle order managed to stay with Hill, three consecutive batters reaching double figures, but none getting past 15. Hill's 69 ended up his side's top score by a clear 54 runs. 152 all out was eventually posted, 24 extras helping the Academy's cause. In reply the home side, enjoying the benefits of an improved wicket, quickly slumped to 46 for 3, with Poloc CC's Bilal Chaudhry grabbing two quick wickets in a good opening spell. But this was as good as it got for the Academy and East Kilbride's Dalglish and Khalid then put on 107 to see their side home inside 30 overs. Lyle Hill added to his batting performance returning 6-1-10-0 with the ball. For East Kilbride CC, Mahmood Alam took 4 for 19, and Khalid top-scored with 69 not out. The scorecard of the game is online.
Senior Academy versus English Boarding Schools select - day two [posted 14/07/10] Day two of the senior Academy's match with an English boarding schools' select at Nunholm started with the Academy 173 for 4. Fraser Conn (Galloway CC), the Academy side's skipper, was not out 64 overnight. The morning session saw Conn add 4 to his overnight score, and the Academy add 73 to their total. Conn's 68 was the top score of the innings, with Clydesdale CC's Lyle Hill (38) and Poloc CC's Craig Young (37) making useful contributions. With the close of their innings the tourists held a 78-run lead. By lunch this has extended to more than 100. With rain in the area, time was a factor and the English select side tried to up the scoring rate in the afternoon session as they looked to set the Academy a decent target. Wickets, as a result and as expected, fell at regular intervals as batters played more expansively. 137 for 8 was the score when the declaration came, setting the Academy 216 to win. The wickets in the boarding school select's second innings had been spread around, with two each for Hill, Young and Shreyas Chitnis (Clydesdale CC). With the weather turning, the Academy's run-chase always looked likely to run out of time, and so it was at just after 5pm when heavy rain drove the players off the ground. When the weather intervened, the Academy were 80 runs shy of their target with four wickets in hand, Ferguslie CC's Michael English 31 not out. The scorecard of the two-day game is now online.
Senior Academy versus English Boarding Schools select - day one [posted 13/07/10] News from Numholm - home of Dumfries CC - on Tuesday evening, on day one's play in the two-day game between a senior Academy eleven and an English boarding school select, reports that the tourists posted 324 all out in around 60 overs. In their reply, at stumps on day one, the Academy were 173 for 4, leaving the game nicely poised. Local Academy player, Galloway CC's Fraser Conn, top-scored for the Academy and is 64 not out overnight.
Under 16 Academy side lose to Caledonian Northern Academy [posted 12/07/10] New Williamfield was the venue for today's match between the Western Cricket Academy ("WCA") and Caledonian Northern Academy ("CNA") at Under 15 level. The CNA are on a tour of the central belt and chose to bat first in this 45 overs-a-side contest. And they made good use of their overs, posting 255 for 8. Huntly CC's Jack Mitchell (55) and Fraser Proud of Aberdeenshire CC (38) were the top scorers for the CNA, whilst Ferguslie CC's Michael English returned figures of 3 for 42. The WCA reply then got off to a disappointing start when opener Abdul Sabri of Drumpellier CC was run out, this before number three - and Sabri's club team-mate - Nick Pyne followed him back to the pavilion in the same fashion. Ayr CC's Seb' Stewart then joined Michael English and Stewart would go on to top-score with 49 as wickets fell around him. The WCA's innings ended when Stewart was last man out, caught at gully, the reply having mustered just 131, the side being bowled out inside 38 overs. There's a longer report on the Cricket Scotland website, as well as photo's. The scorecard of the game is online.
Academy lose out to Meikleriggs [posted 11/07/10] Meikleriggs hosted the latest WDCU Division 1 match involving an Academy side today, and came out comfortable winners. Batting first on a damp wicket the Academy could not post any more than 80-odd, a target the home side chased own without losing a wicket. The scorecard of the game is online.
Junior Academy tour report [posted 10/07/10] There's a short blog from members of the junior Academy touring party online on the Cricket Scotland website - read it here.
Additional scorecards uploaded [posted 09/07/10] The scorecards from the senior Academy matches against Norway Under 19 and Leinster Under 17 are now online. The Irish tour came to a close today with the players arriving back in Stranraer in the late afternoon. The tour statistics are below.
Deja vu,.....all over again [posted 08/07/10]
Today they would post 236 for 7, using all of their allotted 40 overs. Top-scorer was Cormac McLoughlin with 56. In reply, the Academy got off to a good start with Luke Speirs (Ayr CC) and Craig Young (Poloc CC) putting on 60 for the first wicket, Speirs going caught behind off Killian Lynskey. Young was next out, dismissed in slightly bizarre circumstances - stumped after thinking the ball was dead. After the good start, only really Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin got in, his 32 being accumulated whilst wickets fell at the other end. 154 was all that could be mustered, and in the 33rd over the Academy were all out having again not used their full allocation of overs. A fuller report from Assistant Coach Christopher Stewart is on the Cricket Scotland website, here, and the Leinster view of things can be read online too. The scorecard of the match will be posted online as soon as possible.
An Irish viewpoint [posted 08/07/10] For an alternative version of events from yesterday's first match between the senior Academy and Leinster Under 17s why not read the short match report on the Leinster Cricket Union website - here.
Senior Academy agonisingly lose by 3 runs [posted 07/07/10] After losing heavily on day one of their Irish tour, the Senior Academy travelled south to take on Leinster Under 17s at Merrion CC on Wednesday. Skipper Fraser Conn of Galloway CC again guessed wrongly; this time the Academy's hosts decided to bat first. And this looked like a good decision 35 overs later when 203 had been scored. Top-scorer for Leinster was Merrion CC's David Watkins with 94 who had, frustratingly for the Academy, been dropped at slip by Poloc CC's Danial Chaudhry in just the fourth over. Credit to Watkins for going on and scoring heavily. He was eventually dismissed in the 28th over courtesy of a catch by Alex Baum of Greenock CC off Poloc CC's Craig Young's bowling. 204 to win in 35 overs was a stiff target and required a positive start from the Academy to their innings. Chaudhry and Young opened and scored quickly giving their side the start that was needed. Chaudhry was first to go for 25 (from just fifteen balls) in the eighth over, leaving Young to continue the run-chase with Baum who was batting at three. Another 40 was then added before Young got his third partner of the innings as Baum departed for 15 and was replaced by Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin, Tuesday's top-scorer. McLaughlin and Young added 30 before - with the score on 104 - the latter was adjudged LBW in the seventeeth over, out for 45 from 49 balls. McLaughlin kept the run-chase alive, going on to score 31 at more than a run-a-ball. With fifteen overs left, the Academy needed 68 runs and had six wickets in hand. However a flurry of wickets in the middle order left the tail to try and win it, the innings eventually closing when Clydesdale CC's Shreyas Chitnis was another LBW victim with the Academy 4 runs short of the winning line. Only Abdul Sabri of Drumpellier CC in the middle order really did himself justice with 36 from 31 deliveries. Thursday sees the Senior Academy take on Leinster Under 17s again, this time at Clontarf CC. A fuller report by Chris Scott is on the Cricket Scotland website, here and the scorecard of the match is online too.
Senior Academy side starts Irish tour with a defeat [posted 06/07/10] A Senior Academy side lost heavily on day one of their short Irish tour. The tourists were at Carrickfergus CC playing against an NCU Under 17/18 select side. Losing the toss, the Academy was inserted and were quickly in trouble, both openers - Poloc CC's Danial Chaudhry and Ayr CC's Elliott Speirs - being dismissed early on. And this set the tone for the innings as almost every batter struggled. Top scorer was Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin with just 25, and the combined efforts of the side had produced the meagre total of just 116 six overs short of the side's 45-over allocation. In reply the NCU side made short work of the challenge they'd been posed: the target was reached in just the sixteenth over, with only three wickets having been lost, one each for Clydesdale CC's Shreyas Chitnis, Kelburne CC's Ross Arbuckle and Poloc CC's Craig Young.
Touring parties [posted 01/07/10] The Academy touring parties for next week's two tours have been finalised. The junior squad tourers - making the trip to Jersey, are: Christopher McBride (Dumfries CC), Nicholas Pyne (Drumpellier CC), Ross Armour (Poloc CC), Ilan Sleby (Clydesdale CC), Mitchell Rao (Prestwick CC), "Sam" Mong Sun Tung (Clydesdale CC), Nitesh Majhu, wicket-keeper (West of Scotland), Dhruv Satpute, tour captain (Glasgow Accies CC), Neil Flack (Greenock CC), Douglas Willoughby (Helensburgh CC), Dean Kennedy (Ferguslie CC), Alistair Preston-Jones (Ferguslie CC), and Owain Taylor (Clydesdale CC). The senior squad - going to Ireland - are Fraser Conn, tour captain (Galloway CC), Alex Baum, wicket-keeper (Greenock CC), Craig Young (Poloc CC), Danial Chaudhry (Poloc CC), Anthony Hulatt (Galloway CC), Abdul Sabri (Drumpellier CC), Chris Scott (Prestwick CC), Shreyas Chitnis (Clydesdale CC), Calum Thornton (Ayr CC), Ross Arbuckle (Ayr CC), Calum McLaughlin (Ayr CC), Elliot Speirs (Ayr CC) and Luke Speirs (Ayr CC).
June 2010
Academy beat Norway Under 19 [posted 30/06/10] The Academy defeated the touring Norwegian Under 19 side at Langloan, Coatbridge, today. Batting first, the Academy posted 192, thanks in the main to 77 from Niall Macleod of Uddingston CC and 38 from Fraser Conn of Dumfries CC. In reply the Norwegians, coached by former England off spinner John Emburey, were 183 for 8, Kelburne CC's Ross Arbuckle taking 4 for 29.
Defeat to Galloway [posted 28/06/10] After the good win over Titwood on the 20th, an Academy side lost to Galloway yesterday in their latest WDCU Division 1 league match. The Academy were 141 all out with Calum McLaughlin top-scoring with 39, a total Galloway chased for 5-down.
Team news [posted 24/06/10] Academy Head Coach Iain Stewart has released his selections for the senior squad's fifth scheduled WDCU Division 1 league match this Sunday against Galloway CC., and the senior squad's game next Wednesday against Norway Under 19 at Langloan, Coatbridge. Teams online here.
Change to joint junior WCA:WDJCU Under 12 squad training session [posted 22/06/10] Tim Hart has let the website know that the joint training session for the Western Cricket Academy junior squad and the WDJCU Under 12 squad scheduled for Wednesday the 23rd of June at Langloan, Coatbridge, has been moved due to Ayr CC's New Cambusdoon ground as Langloan is now playing host to a West League Cup match between Drumpellier CC and Poloc CC.
Win over Titwood [posted 20/06/10] The senior WCA recorded a Western Union win over Titwood today, 153 all out being enough to see off the 137 all out posted by Titwood in their reply. For the senior Academy, Fraser Conn top-scored with 36, Niall Alexander chipping in with 20. Then, in the Titwood innings, Andrew Scobie's 24 was the highest individual score made, Luke Speirs's 4 for 35 and Anthony Hulatt's 3 for 41 being the standout bowling performances. The 'card of the match is online.
Academy match washed out [posted 13/06/10] Today's Western Union Division 1 match against Helensburgh CC was called off early after overnight and morning rain made play impossible.
Team news [posted 11/06/10] Academy Head Coach Iain Stewart has released his selections for the senior squad's third WDCU Division 1 league match this Sunday against Helensburgh CC., and the junior squad's trip to play Glenalmond College on Tuesday the 15th. Teams online here.
WCA cruise to win over Eastern Academy [posted 10/06/10] The two-day match between the senior Western Cricket Academy and their eastern counterparts finally got underway today. With Day One washed out the format became a 40-overs-a-side match, split - interestingly - into two innings per side, each of twenty overs. Batting first the Eastern Cricket Academy managed 64 for 4 in their first innings. The Western Cricket Cricket then countered this by posting 96 for 1. Batting a second time, the east boys then pushed their total on to 138 all out, leaving the west guys 43 to win, which they did with plenty overs in hand. The detailed scorecard's online now too.
Day one wash out [posted 09/06/10] The first day's play in the two-day Western Cricket Academy versus Eastern Crickat Academy match at West Lothian CC's Boghall ground in Linlithgow was called off early this morning. With an improving forecast it is hoped to play a one-day match on Thursday.
Cumbria match OFF [posted 08/06/10] The junior squad's trip to play Cumbria Under 14s at Penrith on Wednesday the 9th has been cancelled - the ground is waterlogged and the match has been called off. Iain Stewart, Head Coach, tells us that he hopes the match can be rearranged for later in the summer.
Change to joint junior WCA:WDJCU Under 12 squad training session [posted 06/06/10] Tim Hart has let the website know that the schedule for the upcoming joint training sessions for the Western Cricket Academy junior squad and the WDJCU Under 12 squad have been changed due to the WCA fixture against Cumbria on Wednesday the 9th of June. The training sessions will now be as follows:
Wednesday 16th of June, Bothwell Castle Policies, Uddingston (Uddingston CC), 6.30pm until 8.30pm; and Wednesday 23rd of June, Langloan, Coatbridge (Drumpellier CC), 6.30pm until 8.30pm (Note: there will be no clubhouse access at this session).
Tim wants to remind all the players involved that all junior squad members and all WDJCU Under 12 squad members are expected to attend. Players should bring full kit, water, etc. And if, for any reason, a player cannot make either session they should contact Tim in good time. Similarly, if there are any queries.
Rain's the winner at Marress [posted 06/06/10] The Met' Office was correct in predicting the rain that would eventually wash out Sunday's WDCU Division 1 match between the senior Academy and Irvine CC. Not, however, before the home side had racked up 320 for 8 batting first. Their innings owed much to two things: 225 between their two overs players (Basson with 65, and Avontour with 120 not out), and 46 extras. And in those extras were no fewer than 36 wide balls. The other eight Irvine CC batters to make it to the middle mustered just 49 between them, three scoring just 1, another 2 and opener and skipper Stuart McCallum a duck. For the senior Academy, Craig Young of Poloc CC took 4 for 56 in his ten overs, Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin being the most economic, his ten-over spell yielding 1 for 39. The Academy reply never started however as continuing rain prevented a restart after the tea interval. The scorecard is online.
Team news [posted 01/06/10] Academy Head Coach Iain Stewart has released his selections for the senior squad's second WDCU Division 1 league match this Sunday against Irvine CC., and the junior squad's trip to play Cumbria Under 14s at Penrith on Wednesday the 9th. Teams online here.
May 2010
Team news [posted 25/05/10] Academy Head Coach Iain Stewart has released his selection for the senior squad's first WDCU Division 1 league match this Sunday against Prestwick CC. The match, at the Henry Thow Oval, is a 50 overs-a-side match. Twelve players have been selected - team online here.
West District Under 12/WCA Junior squad training sessioms posted [12/05/10] Drew Pryde (West District Under 12 squad Coach) and Jamie Burton (Western Cricket Academy Under 14 squad Coach) today annouced two joint-training sessions. These will be on Wednesday the 9th of June, fom 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Langloan, Coatbridge (Drumpellier CC's ground) and Wednesday the 23rd of June, at the same times, at Bothwell Castle Policies, Uddingston (Uddingston CC's ground). All squad players expected to attend.
Match news [posted 11/05/10] Academy Head Coach Iain Stewart reports that in today's Junior Academy match with Loretto School in Musselburgh the home side posted 196 for 7 batting first with Australia Under 15 player, Sam Hain, scoring 102. Glasgow Accies CC's Druv Satpute scored took 3 for 26, and Niall Alexander of Dumfries CC returned figures of 2 for 31. In reply the Academy made 73 for 7 in 30 overs, Alistair Preston-Jones from Ferguslie CC top-scoring with 24.
Match pictures [posted 09/05/10] There's some match pictures online from the senior Academy's recent two-day match against Durham Academy at Swalwell CC. You can find these in the Gallery.
Team news [posted 06/05/10] Team selections for the next junior squad matches is now online. Selections will also be circulated to West district clubs' Junior Convenors.
April 2010
Senior Academy versus Durham Academy, day two [posted 29/04/10] Day two of the Senior Academy's game against Durham Academy saw the match end in a draw. After restricting the home side to around 170-odd, the Academy boys then had a twenty-over thrash to post around 200 as the target for their Durham counterparts. In the end however this proved too stiff a target, and Durham Academy finished around 35 runs short. And with the Western Cricket Academy not bowling them out, a draw resulted. The scorecard of the game will be posted shortly.
Junior Academy take on XL Club [posted 29/04/10] After their big win against Strathallan school, the Junior Academy played the XL Club today at Titwood. Batting first, the XL Club posted 204 for 6 with Wolton top-scoring with an unbeaten 60, and Stuart just missing out on a half century, Ayr CC's Elliott Speirs taking his wicket courtesy of a Druv Satpute catch. Druv, the Glasgow Accies CC player, also took a couple of wickets, as did Clydesdale CC's Ilan Selby. In reply the Academy struggled to get close to the winning post, their innings eventually closing on 119 for 9. Five of the Academy batters got in to double figures, but none reached 25. The scorecard from the game is online.
Junior Academy bounce back with thumping win [posted 28/04/10] After their defeat to Clydesdale Under 15 last Friday the Academy junior squad bounced back in style with a thumping win over Strathallan Under 14. Posting 201 for 4 batting first - a total that included a 150-run partnership between West of Scotland CC pair Nitesh Majhu (70) and Andrew Umeed (102) - the Academy youngsters then skittled out their hosts for just 30, Glasgow Accies' Druv Satpute and Mitchell Rao of Prestwick CC taking three wickets a-piece. In his brief report, Tim Hart writes: "An Junior Academy XI, led by Dhruv Satpute, travelled to Strathallan School and recorded a very comfortable win on Tuesday. The Academy won the toss and chose to bat. The backbone of the innings was provided by a magnificent 150-run partnership, for the third wicket, between Nitesh Majhu and Andrew Umeed. Nitesh made 70 (off 78 balls) before being bowled, and Andrew retired out for an excellent 102 (off 69 balls). The Academy 210 for 4 off their 30 overs. If the batting had been good, the bowling was just plain destructive. Dhruv and Mitchell Rao both picked up three wickets – with Dean Kennedy (1), Andrew Umeed (2) and one run out completing the rout. Strathallan 30 all out."
Senior Academy versus Durham Academy, day one [posted 28/04/10] Sketchy reports from the north-east of England this evening suggest that the senior Academy side skippered by Sam Page of Clydesdale CC batted first in their two-day - 70-overs-a-side - match against their Durham counterparts and posted around 290 for 8. Top-scorers in the Western Cricket Academy's innings were Poloc CC's Danial Chaudhry with 119, and Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin and Prestwick CC's Ross Patterson who made - respectively - 40-odd and 30-odd. At stumps on day one Durham were 40 for 2, or so, in their reply. More news to come.
Junior Academy lose out at Titwood [posted 27/04/10] Friday night saw an Under 14 Academy take on a Clydesdale Under 15 team at Titwood. In a decent game, the hosts ran out winners. The scorecard from the game is online courtesy of Clydesdale CC. There's also a match report on the Clydesdale CC website here.
Senior Academy away game at Durham [posted 20/04/10] Head Coach Iain Stewart has emailed the players selected for the upcoming away match at Durham to remind them that they should send their £40 cheque (bus money( to Academy Administrator Tim Hart at their earliest convenience. The cheques should be made payable to "Western Cricket Academy" and can be mailed to Western Cricket Academy, c/o Clydesale CC, 22 Beaton Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 4LA.
First weekend of matches [posted 18/04/10] Saturday and Sunday - the 17th and 18th of April - saw the Academy play their first two competitive matches of the new outdoor season. Saturday saw an Under 16 Academy side take on the Forth Valley Academy at New Williamfield, whilst Sunday's match was an Under 19 side playing Kelburne at Whitehaugh. Saturday's game ended in defeat for the Academy, their opponents comfortably chasing 227 to win, for the loss of just a single wicket. Batting first, the Academy had posted 226 all out, with Michael English of Ferguslie CC top-scoring with 74 and Greenock CC's Alex Baum making 50. The two shared a 156-run partnership for the second wicket. There was also a cameo 29 from Ayr CC's Calum McLaughlin batting at five. In reply the hosts reached their victory target in the 36th over, Tweedie's 82 not out and Bell's 91 not out both being impressive knocks. The two had put on 195 after McNish's wicket had fallen with the total on 33. Sunday's match at Whitehaugh featured an older Academy side, an Under 19 team taking on Kelburne in Paisley. The Academy again batted first, this time posting just 140 for 8 in their 40 overs, on a tricky wicket. Poloc CC's Craig Young opened with Luke Speirs of Ayr CC, and these two put on 88 for the first wicket, Craig's 45 being the day's top-score, 11 more than Luke's 34. How good the Academy's 140 was, however, would become clear in the second innings as Kelburne's batters struggled, and the Academy's bowlers quickly got in amongst the wickets. In the end Kelburne mustered just 62 in their reply, leaving the Academy winners by 78 runs. The wickets were shared pretty evenly around the Academy's bowlers - eight were used - Ross Arbuckle of Kelburne CC and Anthony Hullatt of Galloway CC grabbing two a-piece however. Scorecards from both games are online.
Team news [posted 15/04/10] Team selections for the first three junior squad matches are now online. Selections will also be circulated to West district clubs' Junior Convenors.
Team news [posted 12/04/10] The first team selections for the new outdoor playing season are now online. Selections will also be circulated to West district clubs' Junior Convenors.
Nutrition - a special article by Druv Satpute [posted 01/04/10] Glasgow Accies CC's Druv Satpute, one the junior WCA squad players writes: "For the first time, the under-14 squad received two sessions from the squad's nutritionist; one session at the start of the winter season and one nearing spring. At first she stressed that whatever the situation on the field, if we - as a team - have been eating and preparing correctly for the match, we will always have a better chance of coming through as winners. She then clarified which foods are in which category, and what amounts of each category of food makes a balanced diet. It came as a bit of a shock to some, but by the second meeting it was clear to see we had improved as a squad by looking at what we have been eating. Finally, she showed us what are the rights and wrongs of pre-match preparation by making us fill in a table of what we would and should do on the day of a big match. Hydration is vital and again would give us the edge in a "last over" situation. We intend to carry her views and advice right on into the season and I’m sure everyone there would agree it was a valuable experience to have her with us."
March 2010
Mental skills - a special article by Elliot Speirs [posted 26/03/10] Ayr CC's Elliot Speirs, one the junior WCA squad players writes: "We have recently been fortunate enough to receive mental skills sessions from Stevie Gilmour. The sessions covered: the characteristics of mentally tough cricketers; developing mental toughness; evaluating performance, and assessing strengths and weakness; finding what areas of performance needed worked on; and the goal-setting process S.M.A.R.T. We also looked at routines we could implement. And all to improve our general performance by giving us a mental edge over our opponents."
Umpiring - a special article by Gavin Main [posted 16/03/10] Uddingston CC's Gavin Main, one the junior WCA squad players writes: "At a recent Academy session we went from our psychology session to attend the new SCOA (Scottish Cricket Officials Association) 'Introduction to Umpiring' course. We fired up the projector and Sandy Scotland, our course tutor, started the course introduction and gave us an insight into the art of umpiring. First to come were the basics, what’s out and what’s not out. This then got a bit more complicated as we looked at catches on the boundary edge and the different variety of boundary ropes. Then we moved on to deciding on wides and no-balls. This took more describing as it brought the creases into play and watching of the feet. Sandy taught us well and we even managed to feel sympathetic towards umpires' difficult role. We're all grateful to Sandy for giving up his time to teach us the art of umpiring. And now, with our certificates, we can actually umpire in senior games instead of standing at square leg the whole day!"
Fixture schedules updates [posted 15/03/10] The WCA's Western Union league fixtures are now online. These matches see the Academy play all the Union's Division 1 clubs at the clubs' home grounds. In addition there are a few additions and/or changes to the other fixtures - both for the junior squad and senior squad. Have a look.
The art of captaincy - a special article by Ross Patterson [posted 11/03/10] Prestwick CC's Ross Patterson, one the senior WCA squad players writes: "Along with a few others, I was one of the lucky Academy lads invited to attend a captaincy seminar last Sunday, delivered by none other than Gordon Drummond, current Scotland Captain in first-class matches (and so far undefeated). This seminar was an excellent hour of anyone's time and gave us a good insight into what qualities are required to captain a side at a high level, qualities that can easily be used to our advantage at any level of the game. Gordon covered many aspects of captaincy, including: - knowing your team ‘inside out’ ie what makes them tick; - how to make decisions on and off the field; and - how to handle confrontation with players (as well as their demands) and managerial staff alike. But most importantly, I came away with a clear message that setting an example for the rest of your team to follow "on" and "off" the field is the key!"
February 2010
Change to training programme [posted 26/02/10] WCA Head Coach Iain Stewart has notified the website of a change to the WCA programme on Sunday the 7th of March. Pilates will now be between 6 and 7pm, with the senior squad session thereafter between 7 and 9pm.
Umpiring course, Sunday 28 February [posted 22/02/10] WCA Head Coach Iain Stewart has clarified that the umpiring course being held this Sunday at Titwood (Clydesdale CC) between 2pm and 5pm should be attended by all Academy squad members aged 15 years and over, including - for the avoidance of doubt - Performance Squad members and part-time members of both the Junior and Senior Squads.
Change to junior Inter-Academy tournament dates [posted 16/02/10] There's been a change to the August dates for the junior squad's Inter-Academy tournament. The tournament, being held at Fettes College in Edinburgh, will now be played on 9, 10 and 11 August 2010, i.e. starting and finishing a day earlier than originally planned.
Scorers initiative [posted 15/02/10] The WCA, in conjunction with Cricket Scotland, is running a scorers initiative. Anyone interested in getting involved should download, complete and return the necessary form. The form's online now. After completion it should be returned to Ken Nisbet. Anyone with any questions on the form, or the initiative more widely, should get in touch with either Ken or WCA Head Coach Iain Stewart.
Academy squad fixtures [posted 08/02/10] WCA Head Coach Iain Stewart has released details of this summer's fixtures. In addition to the schedule now online, the senior squad will also compete in the Western Union First Division, details of these [Sunday] matches still to come.
Burton takes on full-time coaching role with junior Academy [posted 07/02/10] Jamie Burton, part of last summers Under 14 squad coaching staff at the inter-academy tournament at Fettes that saw the WCA finish the top-place Scottish academy, has been appointed Lead Coach for the 2010 junior Western Academy squad. Jamie is a UKCC Level 2 Coach and has been coaching the Western Womens & Girls squad over the past twelve months, as well as carrying out schools coaching visits for West of Scotland CC. He started his cricket at Helensburgh CC as a promising opening bowler before converting to wicket-keeping, 'keeping for the West District Under 19 on their tour to New South Wales and Queensland in 2005. Iain Stewart says "Jamie is really looking forward to the challenge, and is a strong appointment".
January 2010
2010 lead coach for senior Western Academy announced [posted 27/01/10] "Kiwi to take the reigns". WCA Head Coach Iain Stewart today announced that Matt McMillin is to be the lead Coach of the Senior Academy for all one-day cricket this summer. New Zealander Matt, is player/coach at Hillhead CC and a Level 2 Cricket NZ coach currently sitting the ECB's "Coach Development Workshops", the stepping stone for Level 2 coaches looking to become Level 3 coaches. Matt was a player/coach for a number of years in Auckland's Premier club competition and counts familiar names such as Tim McIntosh amongst his former teammates. He also played as an overseas player in Yorkshire and London in the '90s. Now married to a Brit' Mat's settled in Glasgow's West End. He will be ably assisted by experienced Team Manager John Blair, who will also manage the Senior Academy's four two-day matches. Commenting on his appointment Matt said "I am excited to get to work with the guys this summer. There is definitely some talented players around and I will be trying to make my mark on the team and, like the two Iains, will set high standards and expect hard work from everyone." Iain Stewart also noted that the Senior Academy fixtures are soon to be released: the ten Sunday Western Union Division 1 dates will be scheduled after the draw is made for the SCU Trophy that affects several clubs in that league.
Strength and conditioning programme [posted 18/01/10] Iain Stewart has released the Academy's strength and conditioning programme. The programme is generic for all academies, and national age-group squads and can be downloaded from the website. Changes to Academy sessions on 10 and 17 January [posted 06/01/10] Both Academy sessions at Hutchesons' Grammar School Sports Hall on the 10th and 17th of January will now finish at 1pm, and not 3pm. The pilates, and strength and conditioning sessions originally scheduled for both days have been cancelled. Academy players have been emailed with the changes and the online schedule has also been updated.
Change of date for Performance Squad training session [posted 06/01/10] Academy Administrator Tim Hart has intimated that tomorrow's scheduled Performance Squad session at Glasgow Academy has been postponed a week as the sports hall is not open on the 7th. The full 2010 schedule has been updated accordingly.
Performance squad sessions [posted 04/01/10] Academy Administrator Tim Hart has passed on a couple of dates for Performance Squad sessions in the early part of 2010. These are:
Thursday, 7 January 2010, 7 to 9pm at Glasgow Academy
The March session date and venue have still to be confirmed.
December 2009
Academy sessions for 2010 [posted 23/12/09] Academy Administrator Tim Hart has released the session timetable for the first part of 2010. It's online now.
Inter-Academy fixture dates [posted 10/12/09] Academy Head Coach Iain Stewart has released the dates of the 2010 Inter-Academy "festival" weeks. The Junior Academy "festival" dates are Wednesday the 4th, to Friday the 6th, of August. The Senior Academy "festival" dates are Monday the 2nd, to Wednesday the 4th, of August. Venues for both "festivals" will be confirmed in due course.
There's no need to enter a team in advance, so you can simply turn up - with or without a team. Tim finishes by saying "We're aware everyone's very busy at this time of year, but hope as many as possible will be able to join us for the evening". Get in touch with Tim (07753-987286) for more information.
Code of conduct [posted 03/12/09] Academy Head Coach Iain Stewart has forwarded on Cricket Scotland's Code of Conduct, and this is available to read and/or download from the website.
November 2009
Channel Island invite [posted 29/11/09] In addition to the senior Academy squad being invited to tour Leinster in 2010 (see below), Head Coach Iain Stewart has now been invited by Peter Gough from the Jersey Cricket Board to take the junior squad to the Channel Islands next summer tour. As with the senior squad and its invitation, watch this space for more news. An update on the Irish invitation is that the dates being looked at are Monday 5 to Friday 9 July 2010. However these dates will only be finalised after confirmation by ICC Europe of its U17 Euro' "Challenge Series".
Player Diaries [posted 29/11/09] All Academy players should now have their Player Diary. Players must write up the key advice they're given by Coaches at sessions, including commenting how they felt things went. There must be an entry for every session over the winter. One of the main aims of the Diary is to insure players don't up with "too many voices" in their heads. Ideally there should be one voice and the Diary allows players to work on things at club training identified by Iain Stewart or other Academy Coaches. Anyone interested in seeing what a Diary looks like can see the templete online. If club Junior Convenors or Coaches see something and are not to sure why the player has been asked to work on it, they should not hesitate to get in touch with the Academy. If its batting feedback from Iain Kennnedy or Bruce Patterson, both would be only to happy to have a dialogue with clubs, as would Paul Hoffmann or Iain Stewart on seam bowling, Richard Young on spin bowling and Dougie Lockhart on wicket-keeping.
Performance squad players announced [posted 17/11/09] Head Coach Iain Stewart, has announced his, and Craig Wright's, picks for the 2009-10 Academy Performance Squad. You can see their selection online here. In announcing the squad, the Academy says "In a change from previous years, the Academy will be running some specific training sessions for players aged over 16. This squad of players is known as the Performance Squad and players can only be invited to join this squad by Iain Stewart, following consultation with Craig Wright." Also released this week is the timetable for Academy squad sessions - this, too, is now online.
Academy squads announced [posted 13/11/09] WCA Administrator Tim Hart has released details of Head Coach Iain Stewart's selections for the 2009-10 Western Cricket Academy junior and senior squads. Those players invited to join the Academy after the recent trials are listed online here.
October 2009
Academy trials [posted 13/10/09] The Winter Programme 2009/2010 is now upon us. There will again be two squad trials this winter and trials will take place on Sunday the 25th October (for the senior squad) and Sunday the 1st of November (for the junior squad). The Academy will ask some nominees to attend these trials directly, and the Area Development Groups will be invited to put nominees forward too. These two methods of being nominated will be the only ways for players to be nominated for a trial. The Academy will begin gathering information about potential nominees from Thursday the 14th of October onwards. The main aim of the Academy remains unchanged - to discover and develop young cricketing talent within Scotland and, ultimately, to produce players (both male and female) that will go on to represent the full Scottish National sides in years to come. This Winter will see the Academy run three squads - a Junior (Under 14) squad, a senior (Under 16) squad and a performance squad (for players between the ages of 16 and 19).
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