Weather wins through as Cricket clubs left stumped

Jul 4 2012 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

HOPES of some cricket action at the weekend were knocked for six as the soggy summer led to the fixture list being decimated once again.

All three Renfrewshire clubs – Ferguslie, Kelburne and Renfrew – were due to take part in Scottish Cup group games.

However, not for the first time this season, the weather was the winner.

Ferguslie were due to take on Stirling County in Group B but the game was scrubbed 24 hours before play was due to start.

Frustrated Ferguslie Cricket Club convener David Sturgeon said: “Once again our match was called off – as early as Friday night – with the heavy rain during the week causing Stirling County’s ground, New Williamfield, to be waterlogged, with no prospect of playing cricket.

“The points are shared for the ‘no result’ and this helps us more than it helps Stirling County since we remain two points ahead of them in second place in the group.”

Ferguslie only need one more victory in the groups to be sure of qualifying for the latter stages.

Sturgeon added: “Winning one of our two remaining matches in the group should be enough to see us qualify for the quarter-finals.

“Let’s just hope the weather in July is a lot better than it has been in June!”

Kelburne were scheduled to play Drumpellier in Group F but, like so many other clubs, they were forced to scrap the fixture due to the rain.

However, on Sunday, the club did manage to go ahead with their memorial day, with a young ’Burne team taking on their older counterparts in a game of 20/20.

The youngsters set a target of 108 all out but the ‘Old Yins’ reached a winning total of 109 with two wickets to spare.

Renfrew had been due to meet Grange in Group C of the Scottish Cup at the KGV ground but this match was also cancelled due to wet weather.