Under 12s Sessions Over
Please note that Under 12 Monday practice sessions have now finished
for the season.
29/08/10
Saints' Aussies Farewell
St Michael's Cricket Club said farewell to this year's Aussie overseas
players Mark Smith and Matthew Friend over a farewell barbecue and
a last, less-than-serious cricket encounter for seniors and juniors
on the new Kingholm artificial wicket last weekend.
Matthew and Mark (first and second from left) were
about to jet off back down under following an extremely successful
season, in which they played a big role in ensuring DMPS Saints
promotion to Division 1 of the Western District Cricket League.
Also pictured is visiting Aussie Andy Murray, who
coincidentally was one of Saints' overseas players in 2004 when
the club last topped Western District Division 2 and also played
for the same club as Mark Smith in Australia.
Completing the party are (from left) Sunday and First
XI Captains Chris Brockwell and Derek Heron, and Raymond Marshall
of sponsors DMPS Financial Services, who were among many club players
and supporters who turned up to wish "Spanner" and "Friendy"
on their way.
Club Secretary Mike Lumb later said: "The club
has been very lucky to have been joined by two outstanding overseas
players this season. Both made major contributions both on and off
the pitch and were heavily involved in our junior coaching programme
in local schools."
24/08/10
End of Season Dance - Date Arranged
The End of Season Dance (including raffle, buffet,
presentations and hopefully title celebrations) has been fixed for
Saturday 25th September.
Watch this space for more details.
07/08/10
Kwik Cricket Festival Report
Last Friday St Michael's Cricket Club hosted its inaugural cricket
festival for primary school aged boys and girls on a beautiful sunny
afternoon at Kingholm Park, Dumfries.
This was a follow up to the free coaching the club has been providing
in many local schools in both Dumfries and in and around Annan over
the last several weeks. We are extremely proud that on average over
550 primary aged boys and girls have received cricket coaching on
a weekly basis during this programme.
Close to 40 boys and girls representing six local primary schools
took part in the Kwik Cricket festival, supported by 10 club coaches/members,
and much appreciated coaching from Lea Tsui and
Iain Martin of Cricket Scotland. Those attending
took part in several games and also had specialised coaching on
batting, bowling and fielding.
Certificates were awarded to all the boys and girls who attended.
Batter of the festival award went to Harshit Morrisety
(St. Andrews), bowler of the festival award went to Sam
Rowe (Troqueer), and fielder of the festival award went
to Gianni Copland (St. Andrews). The best represented
school award went to St. Andrews RC Primary who
had more than 20 pupils attend the festival.
Head of youth coaching Davy Fallas said “We are extremely
pleased with how our cricket festival went and it was great to see
all the boys and girls enjoying playing cricket down at Kingholm
Park. It was really encouraging to see 15 non-club members attend
and we hope that they will look to continue to enjoy and play cricket
every Monday night at our junior sessions.”
The club would like to thank DMPS, John Pagan & Sons, and Brammer
UK Ltd for sponsoring the event.
01/07/10
Early Season Bulletin
After losing their first fixture, DMPS St Michael's have won their
succeeding three games with increasing
ease to enter the chase for promotion. A new feature on the averages
page lets you see how key players have performed to date.
Unfortunately John Pagan Kingholm have gone
in the opposite direction, pulling off an astounding first victory
before seeing their results gradually deteriorate from there. Survival
was always the aim for the Seconds, so hopefully they can find a
couple more wins before relegation starts to threaten.
24/05/10
Senior Practices Start
In case anyone doesn't know, senior practice sessions start again
this week, beginning Tuesday 6th April at 6.00
pm.
Practice nights are now Tuesdays and Thursdays
and will continue throughout the season.
05/04/10
Saints' Busy Pre-Season Continues
This pre-season has been an extremely busy but rewarding few months
for all at DMPS St. Michael’s Cricket Club. However, the most
important aspect of the Club’s ongoing plans was recently
put in place in the formation of the new Junior Committee
and and an appropriate devlopment programme for the 2010 season
and beyond.
The Club currently have 3 ECB qualified and Disclosure
Scotland vetted coaches who work with our junior players
on a weekly basis. The aim of the new Junior Committee is for 5
more members to work towards their ECB Coaching Assistant (UKCC1)
Certificate by the end of 2010 and have Disclosure Scotland clearance
in place for next season. Mark Smith (ACB Level 1 Certificate) will
also be taking a lead role in the development of our junior players
this year.
On the playing front we have put in place junior teams
at both Under 16 and Under 12 levels. We have arranged
6 fixtures for the Under 16 side against teams of a same age from
across South West Scotland, The Borders, and Cumbria. It is anticipated
that at least another 2 fixtures will be in place for skipper Ben
Johnstone’s side by the time the season starts. The remainder
of our Sunday fixtures will also
have a heavy emphasis on junior player participation
to again provide playing opportunities for young players.
 David
Fallas (Head Youth Coach) said “The U16 squad have been working
hard over the winter months with the Club's coaches to develop their
game and are keen to put their skills to the test against the other
age group teams the Club has set up games with. We are also proposing
setting up a similar series of games and cricket festivals for the
U12 age group to participate in, so it looks like an exciting and
busy year ahead for all our junior players.”
With the backing of the D&G Cricket Development Group, the Club
has also confirmed that it will be introducing the sport
of cricket to hundreds of boys and girls across a wide
number of primary and secondary schools in and around the Dumfries
area. Schools that will benefit from regular cricket coaching during
regular visits include St. Josephs College, Dumfries Academy, and
Calside, Georgetown and St Andrews Primary Schools.
Jason Ward, D&G Council Active Schools Coordinator
commented on our commitment to junior cricket development “With
this kind of quality input from DMPS St. Michael’s Cricket
Club we can hopefully encourage more young people to take up the
sport and play with the Club on a regular basis.”
27/03/10
Junior Sessions Start
Outdoor junior cricket training starts
at Kingholm Park on Monday 12th April 6.15-8.00pm and a large turnout
would be extremely welcome. The Club are always on the lookout
for boys and girls who are interested in taking up cricket, or who
want to play in junior games this year.
Please contact Club Secretary, Mike Lumb
on 01387 810478 or Junior Head Coach, Davey
Fallas on 07739261305 for details.
27/03/10
Another Fun Day at the Kingholm?
The latest on this is that things are going well but we still
need two more Saturdays (27th and Easter Sat) to finish
the job.
The more the merrier!
21/03/10
New ECB Directives for Junior Fast Bowlers
The ECB Directives for 2010 have been amended as follows:
|
Age |
Maximum overs per
spell |
Maximum Overs per
day |
|
Under 19 |
7 |
18 |
|
Under 15 |
6 |
12 |
|
Under 13 |
5 |
10 |
Age refers to age as of 1st September 2009. It
is also recommended that young fast bowlers bowl no more than four
days a week and not more than two days in succession.
There is no change to the directives on close
fielding or protective equipment for young players.
13/03/10
Ground Works Ahead!
The Club are happy to announce that with the aid of much welcome
and appreciated grant from The
Holywood Trust, some extensive work will be
completed at Kingholm Park in time for the 2010 season.
Work on a new full length artificial wicket, a
new artificial batting section, and a new groundsman’s equipment
storage facility, not to mention repairs to existing bowling sections
of practice wickets, will start in the last week of March, which
will not only benefit the Club but the numerous visitors
of all ages to Kingholm Park who  regularly
use these facilities.
Kenny Bowie, Club Treasurer and Project Manager
for the Kingholm Park regeneration programme stated: “Following
a harsh winter in which the artificial wicket was rendered unplayable
DMPS St. Michael’s Cricket Club have had to carry out significant
upgrading works this year.
"St. Michael’s have raised a considerable amount
for the works and the help of funding from The Holywood Trust has
meant that all the finances are in place so improvements will be
completed ahead of the new season. We will be undertaking the works
through use of local contractors and help from Club members.”
11/03/10
Active Schools Programme
Having played a progressive part in the Dumfries
& Galloway Cricket Development Group this offseason, the
Club are currently in negotiations with a number of local schools
and coordinators from the D&G Council Active Schools
Programme. It is hoped that DMPS St. Michael’s will
provide support in coaching and developing cricket
for boys and girls in primary and secondary schools
across the region throughout 2010.
11/03/10
Saints Achieve TOPClub Accreditation
DMPS St. Michael’s Cricket Club is extremely proud to announce
that they have recently completed the Cricket Scotland TOPClub development
and accreditation scheme for cricket club junior sections
straight to Bronze Award level.
TOPClub is for all clubs which are committed to junior development
and has been specifically designed to meet the needs of all Scotland’s
cricket clubs. Club Chairman Sandy McNay said “For St. Michael's
Cricket Club to achieve TOPClub accreditation at Bronze Award level is
a fantastic achievement due to the hard work and forward thinking
of our newly formed Junior Committee. This will allow youngsters to
be integrated into a progressive and structured cricket programme
for all age groups headed by a squad of qualified coaches”.
This view was supported by Iain Stewart, Cricket Scotland’s
West Community Development Manager ‘’It’s great
to see DMPS St. Michael’s attain the Bronze Award on our TOPClub
programme so rapidly after signing up. The club has a real clear
vision of how they will progress the junior set up and the club
as a whole. In partnership with Chris Stewart the D&G Cricket
Scotland Community Coach I am sure the club can attain the Silver
Award before too long”.
26/02/10
DMPS Sponsorship Confirmed
The Club are also delighted to announce that 1st X1 team sponsor
DMPS have committed to continue their support as our main
sponsor for the 2010 season.
Raymond Marshall of DMPS said of the ongoing partnership “DMPS
are once again proud to be the main sponsor of St. Michael’s
Cricket Club especially when you see how much work the club has
done in relation to promoting Junior Cricket in and around Dumfries.
"We wish the 1st X1 which will continue to play under the
name DMPS St. Michael’s, all the very best for the coming
season in their ultimate goal of automatic promotion to Division
1 of the Western District Cricket Union.”
26/02/10
Saints to Host Inter District Fixture
Kingholm Park will be the venue for a match between
budding young cricketers from both sides of the Border
this summer.
On Tuesday 10th August Scotland West District Under 11s will take
on Cumbria Under 10's in a 30 over fixture starting
at 12 noon.
26/02/10
Urgent Message for League Players!
All players must have their WDCU registration
forms completed and handed back into the league by 19th
March at the very latest.
Please make sure you make it along to one of the
first two net sessions - either 7th or 14th March,
so Dunc can get your form filled out and photograph taken.
21/02/10
Saints Achieve Sports Club Accreditation
St. Michael’s Cricket is proud to announce that they have
recently completed the Dumfries & Galloway Sports Club
Accreditation.
The scheme is about helping local clubs to be safe, effective
and child friendly and to promote this fact. The Sports Club Accreditation
Scheme is administered by the local authority Leisure and Sport
section and has been endorsed by the Education and Community Services
Committee of Dumfries and Galloway Council. It is an effective way
to demonstrate to parents, schools and the wider community
that St. Michael’s Cricket Club has achieved nationally recognised
Minimum Operating Requirements in child protection
and other key areas.
Club Secretary Mike Lumb said: “The club
is proud to receive this award which indicates that we have demonstrated
that we are fully equipped in every sense to look after youngsters
and promote cricket to the young people of our local community”.
This view was supported by Andy McLean, Leisure
and Sport Development Officer. “We are delighted to be able
to officially acknowledge St. Michael’s Cricket Club as an
accredited Sports Club through the Dumfries and Galloway’s
Sports Club Accreditation Scheme.
"The club has been working hard over the close season to
improve and enhance the standard of service they offer
to membership and the wider community and this should demonstrate
to parents, coaches, athletes and grant awarding agencies that they
have met the operating criteria for Child Protection in Sport in
key areas such as Club Management, Welfare, Club Development and
Administration.”
11/02/10
 Exciting
Season Ahead?
DMPS St Michaels look forward to their league campaign in April
in what already is shaping up to be an exciting and ambitious
year for the whole Club.
Overseas player for the 2010 season Mark Smith
will arrive for the beginning of the season and will no doubt be
looking to have the same impact as his brother Glenn who plied his
trade at Kingholm Park back in 2003.
Mark is a quick bowler who represented
New South Wales U16s in 2000/01 and is currently
Captain of Narara-Wyoming CC.
11/02/10
Pagan's Sponsorship Continues!
 John
Pagan & Son have committed to continue their support
as St. Michael’s CC 2nd X1 main sponsor. Kenny Hope of John
Pagan & Son said of the ongoing partnership “I am pleased
to be associated with and continue to sponsor St. Michael’s
Cricket Club. I would also like to congratulate them on
their promotion and wish them every success in the coming
season.”
Last season’s promotion was a sterling performance from the
side, but the team are not prepared to rest on their laurels.
The team has a new Captain for the 2010 season in the shape of Mark
Pagan, a popular player known and respected by many cricketers
in Dumfries and Galloway.
When asked about his ambition for the new season Mark said “We
are delighted to gain promotion to Division 3 and I am proud to
captain the side and look forward to many exciting matches with
a good solid group of senior and junior players to work with. I
feel the club overall is in a healthy position to move forward
and keep this momentum going.”
03/02/10
Juniors in Second XI
The Club Committee have decided that two Under 16 players
will be selected for all Western Union Division III fixtures this
season. For full story, see the Juniors' Page
07/02/10
Practice Makes Perfect!
 St
Michael's players have the opportunity to hone their skills right
up until Easter this year.
The Moffat bowling machine sessions for top-order
batsmen start again from this Sunday 17th January right through
until 28th February. Contact one of the club
officials if interested.
Winter net sessions will then start from Sunday 7th March
until 28th March (6.00 to 8.00 pm) at Dumfries Academy Sports
Hall. New players are welcome to turn up on the 7th. As
usual there will be a small charge to help cover costs.
17/01/10
 Super
Shab is Bowler of Year!
Little-publicised news from the tail end of last season is that
pace bowler Derek "Shabba" Rankine received
the Bowler of the Year Award for Western Union
Division II.
Paramedic Shab, who is a well known for his consistent length and
direction and unflappable temperament, took 19 opposition wickets
over the season at an average of 9.96, finishing
with magnificent figures of 5 -14 in the last game of the season
against Bothwell.
11/01/10
Thanks for Your Generosity
A quick tally reveals that the recent small change collection
made around the time of the AGM (see below) raised over £200.
The fund is still open for any last minute contributions.
Remember that £ $ and € are equally acceptable.
08/11/09
AGM Minutes
The mintes of last week's AGM are now available on the Club's
Facebook group page (restricted access).
31/10/09
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