Cricket: Ups and downs at Boghall as cricket season now over

Sep 25 2008 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

THE 2008 cricket season for West Lothian County has finally drawn to a close.

George Strachan and his team of dedicated helpers have been busy getting the Boghall wicket ready for the winter close down.

This week the ground works are being done and reseeding and top dressing will be completed.

This weekend the fence surrounding the square will be erected to keep the rabbits from doing any damage.

County first eleven will be playing in SNCL Second Division next season along with RH Corstorphine, Dumfries, Renfrew, Prestwick, Weirs, SMRH, Falkland, Freuchie and Edinburgh.

As Edinburgh finished in last place in the SNCL Second Division this season they had to play-off against Kelburne, winners of the feeder leagues play-offs at Penicuik, last Sunday.

Edinburgh’s win means they will continue in SNCL Division Two next season.

County’s second string finished in eighth place in East League Division Three and will compete in the same division next season.

County’s third eleven finished in fifth place in East League Division Seven after a better second half finish to the season and will compete in the same division next season.

West Lothian County Cricket Association would like to say a big thank you to the three major sponsors for all their help and support during the season, it was really appreciated.

Main sponsors were RGM Solicitors and Estate Agents — Linlithgow. Match ball sponsors were Star and Garter Hotel — Linlithgow. Kit sponsors were Kukri Sports Ltd — Preston.

Also thanks goes to all the local companies who provided matchday sponsorship.

Meanwhile, in the West Lothian County Cricket Association’s under 13 Junior XI, West Lothian and Penicuik finished first equal at the top of the East of Scotland under 13 Junior League, with identical records.

The team played 10 of their 13 matches, winning 9 and only one loss against Penicuik.

Both teams played nine League matches, each suffering one defeat and winning eight matches.

The closely matched outfits finished with 24 points and share the title.

In total the team played a total of 12 matches for the season, winning 10 with two losses in what was a season for the youngsters, and everyone at the club, to remember with pride.

So very well done young boys and everyone at Boghall now looks forward to seeing how all then players develop in future seasons but in the meantime keep up the good work.

And all youngsters in the region have been urged to keep playing cricket because West Lothian will need you in future years.

But looking at the standard of talent on display there is no doubt the future is bright for cricket in the county.