Greenock 1st XI v Clydesdale - 1st May - Preview

Greenock open their 2010 Scottish National Cricket League season with a home game against perennial foes Greaves Clydesdale this Saturday at Glenpark, the match starting at 1pm. The home side has undergone a number of personnel changes from last term when they secured 3 of the 5 trophies available to them in a season severely hampered through the loss of players to international duty.

On the plus side, the locals have attracted opening batsman Andy Hislop who ironically starts his Greenock career against his former club, all-rounder Chris Bellwood from Dumfries and old friend Kevin McLaren (pictured) who returns to the Club from Corstorphine to skipper the side.

Due to the impending and indeed controversial league reconstruction next year there will be no relegation from the Premier Division this coming season. With this in mind Greenock have decided not to invest in an overseas professional but will instead use the now available financial resources to provide more coaching for the Club’s ever growing number of youngsters who attend the coaching sessions, run by Club Coach, Tony Judd.

The Club has though decided to engage the services of an overseas amateur and just recently signed up 22 year old Springbok Courtney Kruger who currently plays with former Greenock wicket keeper Mark Ferguson in Hong Kong. Icelandic eruptions not withstanding, Courtney is scheduled to arrive on Sunday and everyone at Glenpark welcomes the young man to the Club.

In what is sure to be a season of transition and consolidation for Greenock many of the younger players will be expected to start repaying some of the faith and coaching time afforded them over the last few years. This season there will definitely be nowhere to hide and they will without doubt get the opportunity to perform on a weekly basis.

The Glenpark XI travel to Glasgow to play Albert Park, buoyed by last week's splendid victory over Motherwell. They will, however, be fielding a less experienced team this week and may have their work cut out to achieve a second victory.

Sunday sees a friendly fixture against Hillhead when it is expected that an experimental team will be fielded.

To celebrate the start of our 148th season, the Club has organised a Coffee Morning and Plant Sale which start at 10.00am on Saturday and run until 1pm and 2pm respectively.

Greenock would especially like to thank this week's sponsors

Ball Sponsor- Spar Convenience Store South Street

Match Sponsor - Murray Plant of Linwood

Presidential Suite Sponsor - Acorn Apartments