As the short days of winter draw darker it is time to look back on the high days of summer and how the Kippen Cricket Club fared on those long warm days and evenings.
The 2016 season for Kippen had not the same level of success that we achieved in 2015 but there were several highlights. In the West Stirlingshire league there was a new club batting record set in our first match against Doune when we scored 154 in our 20 overs. Just a pity Doune chased that down (it was a good batting strip!). However, we had revenge by beating Doune for the first time in the club’s history in the second match played.
There were also home and away games against Stirling County, Old Tarbolton (from Milngavie) and Gargunnock. The league match against Gargunnock also doubled up as the annual Quaich contest between the two villages. This trophy has taken place every year for over 25 years. Kippen were unsuccessful in 2016 and we had to return the trophy to our rivals and friends in Gargunnock following our win in 2015.
Kippen again competed in the Vale of Leven sixes tournament in Alexandria at the end of the season and for the second year running came away with the top prize. We certainty have the tactics sussed for that short form of the game.
For 2017 we will be working even closer with our near neighbours in Gargunnock. We will be sharing the Gargunnock Cricket pitch at Meiklewood and helping to support Gargunnock team efforts for their full set of Sunday fixtures with players and ground support staff (grass cutting, pitch preparation etc.) Kippen will again be playing a full set of Wednesday evening fixtures in the West Stirlingshire league and the annual Kippen-Gargunnock Quaich match will be held on Sunday the 18th June at Meiklewood in a 30 over a side game. This is planned to be a fun get together for both clubs with their families and friends. A barbeque and other refreshments will also be available.
For anyone interested in joining us and representing Kippen (or Gargunnock) out in the middle either batting, bowling fielding, scoring etc. all are welcome. We really want to have players of all ages, sexes and experience in our club. So if you are a novice or someone who has not played for many years please get in touch and we can give guidance during our pre-season training. The oldest player with Kippen turned 71 this year and the youngest player we have had has been 10 years old.
Please e-mail me Sean Kelly on kellykippen@btinternet.com and I can invite you on to our Teamer list.
The Wee Vine 