Ferguslie Cricket Club new season begins this April

The club will launch its campaign on Saturday, April 18 with events both on and off the field, marking the end of the near eight-month close season. 

John Docherty, club president, said: "It’s been a long break, that’s for sure, but it’s been a busy one off the field, as our hard-working members will testify, with plenty of fundraising events being held to raise money for the very best of causes."

The season opener features a challenge match at Meikleriggs against rivals Kelburne Cricket Club, as well as a special fundraiser being held in memory of a beloved club member. 

 John said: "On the night we open with a challenge match at Meikleriggs against our good friends and deadly rivals Kelburne, we’re also staging a very special dinner in the Paisley Town Hall in memory of club icon Sandy Strang.

"It’s easily the biggest event we’ve ever organised in recent times, and every one of the 240 seats has been sold.

"Sandy was a wonderful man who brought much joy and entertainment to our club until he sadly passed away a few years ago, but with the help of his long term partner Mary we are hosting this event to remember him, while raising money to build the Sandy Strang Memorial Pavilion at the ground which will be a permanent reminder of a very special person.

"We’ve got celebrity speakers coming to the event, an auction, a fabulous menu, and the night will be one where there will be lots of smiles and laughter as we remember a unique individual who remains well remembered within the club."

Ferguslie’s second XI will also be in action, travelling to Mearns on the same day.

John  said: "It’s a busy opening day, but that’s how we like it.

"We were able to get in weekly indoor practices at Hutcheson’s Grammar School, courtesy of the Meikleriggs Cricket Foundation, and I’m sure that all the close season hours spent there will stand us in good stead now we’ve finally reached Spring."

One notable absence will be new signing and head coach Michael English, who is representing Scotland A in a T20 tournament in Jersey.

John said: "Fans will have to wait another week to see him make his second debut for Ferguslie, but we’ll be comforted in the knowledge that this illustrates the magnitude of capturing of a Scotland international as our player/coach, and we look forward to watching him score runs in the manner which has seen him score 3000 of them in the last 4 years, while grabbing handfuls of wickets into the bargain.”

The club will also host an interclub match on Saturday, April 25, followed by a Scottish Cup first-round tie away to Corstorphine the next day.

Looking ahead, John said: "We made the semifinals of the competition last year, only to lose to eventual winners Clydesdale, this year we’re hoping to improve on that performance and make the final in late summer.”