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New faces have boosted Ross County Cricket Club – but Nosca Senior League close to breaking point after teams pull out


By Andrew Henderson

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Ross County Cricket Club’s Chris Blake says an influx of players over the last month has given the club a boost.

Training resumed at Castle Leod after restrictions changed to allow outdoor non-contact sport for all ages in groups of up to 15, with cricket one of the easier sports to socially distance in.

Blake says County have enjoyed being able to return, and new players joining the club from the likes of Highland has added an extra dimension to practices.

“Training has been great, we’ve picked up a couple of new players recently and they have given the whole club a real boost,” he explained.

Nosca vice president Chris Blake has seen an influx of players at his club, Ross County, but knows the association cannot afford for any more teams to pull out of the Senior League. Picture: Gary Anthony
Nosca vice president Chris Blake has seen an influx of players at his club, Ross County, but knows the association cannot afford for any more teams to pull out of the Senior League. Picture: Gary Anthony

“The training has been really competitive, so it has been good fun.

“It’s safe to say we’re all very rusty – myself included – so there are a few stiff bodies but we’re all enjoying it.

“We’ve been keeping safe and socially distanced, so it has been really good to feel bat on ball again.”

County face a shortened league season in 2021, with just five sides taking part in the Senior League.

It is hoped competitive matches will be able to start on the first weekend of June, but the decline in numbers is a concern for all involved.

Blake is also Nosca’s vice president, as well as sitting on the Cricket Scotland board as the north’s representative, and he says any and all support is being given to clubs who are struggling right now.

“It’s not great, and it’s nearing crisis point,” Blake admitted.

“We’re not there yet, but we need to address this and we need to see what can be done to help these clubs.

“It has kind of been a perfect storm with Covid and everything, it hasn’t helped matters at all. Covid has complicated everything, and maybe clubs losing two or three players has just tipped them over the edge.

“Nosca is looking to work with clubs that have withdrawn, and we’ve offered them any support we can to get back fighting fit.”


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