Cricket: Kinross Cricket Club wins Club of the Year award

Nov 20 2009

LOCAL politician Liz Smith has heaped praise on Kinross Cricket Club after it received the prestigious Club of the Year award from historic magazine, The Wisden Cricketer.

Threatened with closure as recently as 2003, the club – now based at Kinross House on the edge of Loch Leven – has had a phoenix-like rise since the days when it has just eight members.

Rescued from oblivion by local man John Ross and his two sons, James and Peter – who had just started to play the game whilst at school and were keen to join a local team – the club’s ranks have swelled to such an extent they now boast 120 junior members, 80 seniors, 20 coaches and two women’s sides.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, who is a former internationalist and now coaches the sport’s next generation, said: “This is terrific news, not just for Kinross CC, but for Scottish Cricket in
general.

“The Wisden awards are much sought-after by cricket clubs across the UK, so this is a real accolade for all those who have worked so hard to turn the club around.

“At a time when cricket in Scotland is becoming increasingly popular and numbers playing are at their highest levels ever, this will act as encouragement to other clubs who are wanting to expand and develop the game.

“I am particularly pleased about the growth in the women's game and I think Kinross deserve great credit for what they have achieved in that respect.”

Playing on land donated by Sir David Montgomery and his son Jamie, who own Kinross House, Kinross CC’s first team won promotion into the top tier of the Strathmore and Perthshire Union League this year after remaining undefeated throughout the entire campaign.

They were also named the magazine’s Club of the Month in July and Cricket Scotland's Junior Club of the Year in 2008.

The club’s annual awards dinner which took place on Saturday, November 14, at the Green Hotel.

Award winners for the 2009 season:
1st XI Fielder of the Year – Michael Smith. 1st XI Bowler of the Year – Calum Watson. 1st XI Batsman of the Year – Peter Ross.

2nd XI Fielder of the Year – Chris James. 2nd XI Bowler of the Year – Paul Maddocks. 2nd XI Batsman of the Year – Stuart Brand.

Midweek League Bowler of the Year – Stephen Mitchell. Midweek League Batsman of the Year – James Ross.

Ladies Fielder of the Year – Lauren Megginson. Ladies Bowler of the Year – Christina Farrar. Ladies Batsman of the Year – Fiona Willis.

The Richard Oldham Memorial Quaich for the season’s highest individual innings Peter Ross.

Ladies highest individual batting innings – Heather Hale. Men’s best bowling performance in a match – Peter Ross. Ladies best bowling performance in a match – Claire Jackson.

Most Improved Player 2009 – Paul McDonald.

John Stewart Trophy for services to the club – Wendy Conway. 2009 Player of the Year – James Ross.