Welcome to the March edition of our bulletin
We received a lot of positive feedback about our first edition
We hope you continue to find the bulletin useful
Overseas Player
We have now secured the services of Theo van Pyle as our overseas amateur for 2016. Theo is a top order batsman who bowls useful medium pace. He is due to arrive a week ahead of the league season. We look forward to welcoming him to Lochside.
Indoor Cricket
The club's indoor season came to an end on 3rd March with a victory over Dundee & Angus College. The overall record for the season was played 14, won 4, lost 10.
So, room for improvement, but an enjoyable winter's cricket for all those who played.
Is there scope for more indoor cricket in Forfar next year? Well worth a thought.
Fixtures
We now have the league fixtures for both of our teams. This season brings major changes to the Strathmore & Perthshire Cricket Union. Division Two - which is the league our second team plays in, is now considered to be a development league designed to bring on young players and provide opportunities for "social" cricketers. There will be no promotion or relegation to this division and teams are allowed to vary the length of matches by mutual agreement.
The Division is now divided in to three area leagues and six new clubs have been welcomed in to the Union to make this viable.
The changes will have limited impact on our second team; the North section of the league is as last season, with the addition of a Mannofield development eleven.
Pre-Season Training
Pre-season started a couple of weeks ago with healthy showings at the sessions we've had so far. Training continues this weekend from 10-11.30am on Sunday morning at the Websters Sports Centre, Kirriemuir.
Cricket Force
Our Cricket Force is this coming weekend (2nd/3rd April). We have been selected as one of Cricket Scotland's Cricket Force focus clubs - this means that we can look forward to having a few extra pairs of hands to help out as a few staff and members of the national squads (potentially players who have recently returned from competing in the WT20) will be in attendance over the course of the weekend.
We hope there will be plenty willing volunteers along to get involved and that it will be a very productive weekend.
Pool
The club's pool team finished their league campaign with a comfortable 15-3 win last Thursday which saw them finish in 4th place. Unfortunately, they just missed out on reaching finals day this year by losing out in the semi-finals of one of the knockout cups. A number of players are however still in contention to reach the latter stages of the doubles, 3-man team and captain's cup competitions.
The pool team also held their latest 24 hour pool marathon last Friday/Saturday, raising a significant sum in sponsorship for the club.
Dominos
The club domino team is enjoying more success in the Forfar Domino League. The team did well to finish runners-up in the top division and have progressed to the final of one of the knockout competitions.
Social
Well done to Forfar Dramatic Society on their comedy double bill at the end of February. It was great to see the club full on the night and everyone seemed to enjoy the performances and our club's hospitality.
Earl of Strathmore
Members were saddened to hear of the death of the 18th Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne, who was an honorary member of the Lochside club. The Earl, a great-nephew of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and first cousin once removed of the Queen, passed away at the age of 58. Members' condolences go to the family.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is now up and running at the club.
Easyfundraising
The club has registered with easyfundraising - this means that you can be earning donations for the club when you shop online (and in some cases on the high street too). It's very simple and costs you nothing. All you have to do is go to www.easyfundraising.org/causes/strathmorecc and sign up.
Upcoming Events
Roach Racing Night
- Forfar Pool League event on Friday 1st April at 7.30pm (First race at 8pm). Raising funds for the pool league and Ward 33, Ninewells Hospital in memory of David Buchan.
Cricket Force Weekend
- Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd April, 10am-4pm each day
Afternoon Tea
Quiz Night
- Fundraiser for Forfar Dramatic Society on Friday 22nd April at 7.30pm.
Strathmore XI v Falkland
- The first pre-season friendly will take place on Saturday 23rd April with Falkland visiting Lochside.