by Kenny Paterson

Meigle Park News: 25 August

Weather scuppered any action taking place at Meigle Park last weekend.
After heavy rain at the end of last week, the club’s friendly against St Boswells was cancelled on Saturday, and with Hawick struggling for numbers and the pitch still wet, Sunday’s game against the Teries was also abandoned before a ball was bowled.
Gala are due to go to Kelso this Saturday, with Gala 2nds to play Peebles at home on Sunday. 

Then on Saturday 5 September the firsts will play against Selkirk and on Saturday 12 September against Peebles and on Sunday 13th September against Melrose. 

CHARIS TURNS OUT FOR SCOTLAND

Well done Charis Scott who featured for Scotland Women A team who travelled to Alnmouth and returned with two 2020 wins against the Warriors on Sunday.

JUNIORS

The under 16s played their first game for almost a year when they travelled to Kelso last Wednesday and lost by four wickets. Gala scored 87 for five with Jamie Bell (23), Liam Skeldon (23 not out) the leading scorers. In reply Kelso made 88 for six, with Liam Skeldon claiming three wickets, and Robbie Paterson and Jamie Bell one apiece.The under 16s were due to play Edinburgh South on Monday and East Lothian today (Wednesday).Weather scuppered an under 12s game versus Peebles last Sunday but there are games this week against Penicuik on Friday and Peebles this Sunday. 

SUPPORTERS

The Club are delighted with the backing that our supporters, members and sponsors have shown by sticking with us during what has been a very difficult time,The 1st XI sponsors are Sinclair Duncan, Keith Irvine Plastering and Channel House Salon; while the juniors’ efforts are assisted by support from the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust, MKM Building Supplies, Caravan Fix and Cademuir Engineering.
All supporters/sponsors are listed on our website – www.galacricketclub.co.uk. 

TRAINING

All senior and junior players are reminded that can only train in allotted time slots from the club. This is to ensure we comply with CricketScotland and Scottish Government guidance by having a COVID monitor in place to keep all players safe.

You can find out what time slots are available each week by checking the senior and junior players Facebook groups.

CONTACT US

You can contact the club and keep it touch with the goings on at Meigle Park on Facebook www.facebook.com/gala1853, Twitter www.twitter.com/Gala_Cricket or at website www.intheteam.com/galacricket or sign up to our newsletter (contact [email protected]).

by Kenny Paterson

Gala secure Kelso friendly win

Gala defeated Kelso by 92 runs in their first game of the season.

Gala posted 188 for 7 from their 40 overs with Sid Siddhu (55) and Dinesh Tharanga (54 not out) leading the way.

In reply, Kelso were all out for 96, with birthday boy Jamie Crooks taking three wickets, and Dean Moir and Robbie Irvine claiming two each.

Thank you to Kelso for making the trip over for the game.

Gala host St Boswells this Saturday and Hawick this Sunday.

by Kenny Paterson

£900 raised for NHS charity

Gala Cricket Club have handed over £900 to NHS Borders’ official charity The Difference after smashing their 4k in May fundraising target.

With the cricket season postponed by the Coronavirus pandemic, players, members and supporters of the Meigle Park club decided to stay active by walking, cycling or jogging 4,000 kilometres during the month of May to raise money for charity.

The club hoped to raise £500 for The Difference but in the end almost doubled that total and also travelled more than 6,300km.

One of the Gala CC organisers, Ross Patterson, said: “We are delighted with the final total of kilometres travelled and money raised for The Difference and thank everyone who supported 4K in May in any way.

“This has been a difficult time for everyone but the club is pleased to be able to give something back to the NHS for the unbelievable service they have provided during this most challenging of times.”

Gala Cricket Club are now back training under strict guidelines, and are expected to play a number of games against Borders clubs next month, subject to Scottish Government and CricketScotland approval.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the club should visit www.galacricketclub.co.uk or go to its social media channels.

by Jack Halls

Return to Cricket: Update

Dear Members, It had been hoped that, as from Monday 6th July, Gala CC would provide members the opportunity to use the net facilities in line with the guidance laid down by Cricket Scotland, Sport Scotland and the Scottish Government. However, a few problems remain to be solved before everything is in place and training can commence. The nets will probably be erected on Saturday 4th July but the matting surfaces have to be repaired. The latter job is weather dependent, so there may be a delay until the current unsettled spell passes and we can make progress. It is hugely exciting to be able to get back to cricket and the Committee wish to thank everyone for their patience during what has been a very trying time. We now have to make sure that everyone using Meigle Park is safe and so the club has laid down a range of rules which must be followed at all times to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Initially, the clubhouse will remain closed and the grounds will only be accessible to grounds staff and those that have booked a ‘slot’ to practice. Practice will be limited to one-hour session initially and each participant can only take part in one session per day. Senior Training (Over 16s) Sessions will be limited to three households at one time, up to a maximum of eight people. These can be booked during any of the free slots that will be posted on the Cricket Club Facebook. It is hoped that training will be available every evening from Monday to Thursday. Each session will require the presence of a Covid Monitor (details to follow) who could be a participant at the session. Junior Training (11-16 years old) The club will provide structured sessions during the day under the supervision of a qualified coach. These will be limited to participants from two households. The times available for this will be published online and can be booked through Stuart Skeldon. Coaches will act as Covid Monitors for junior sessions. No spectators will be allowed during sessions unless this is necessary for the supervision of the juniors. Family sessions Outwith the times above, the club will be available to be booked for families to be able to practice in the nets or on the outfield in line under the strict guidelines that will follow soon. We will issue further messages as soon as we can. Thanks for your patience, Mike Halls CHAIRMAN

by Kenny Paterson

4K in May NHS fundraiser

Over the month of May, members of Gala Cricket Club will be raising money for NHS Borders’ official charity The Difference to help with its efforts against COVID-19.

Despite the new cricket season being on hold until 1 June at least, 4K in May will see the club’s players and members aim to travel 4,000 kilometres collectively using any form of exercise such as walking, cycling and jogging.

How do I support?

Taking part and keeping a record of your steps throughout the month

Donate at http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gcc4kmay

Or both

One of the organisers, Ross Patterson, said: “The club felt it was right for us to give something back to the NHS for the work they are doing, while at same time encourage our players and members to get some exercise.

“This can take place in the home or as part of the one form of outdoor exercise allowed each day.

“It would be fantastic if others in community wanted to take part, donate a small amount or both.”

by Kenny Paterson

COVID-19 update

Gala Cricket Club faces an uncertain summer as the Coronavirus outbreak continues to impact on sports across the Borders.

It follows a CricketScotland ruling that no training or games in the country can be played until 1 June at earliest as a result of the government guidance to control the outbreak of the virus.

Gala had been busy training indoors for their return to the East of Scotland Championship after winning Division One in 2019.

The Meigle Park side, under new captain Duncan Millar, were due to take on Carlton 2nds on 2 May for their first game, with likes of Kelso, Freuchie and Edinburgh Accies amongst the sides Gala are due to take on in 2020.

The club had also lined up an exciting professional player/coach, and are due to launch a 2nds Saturday team for the first time in well over 20 years.

The juniors section were also training ahead of a busy schedule of fixtures across a variety of age groups. Four female cricketers – Caitlin Ormiston, Charis Scott, Maisie Maciera and Ashley Robertson – are due to represent Gala on the regional and international stage, and Robbie Paterson has been training over the winter with the Scotland Under 15s squad.

However, all plans are currently on hold due to the emergency lockdown.

Mike Halls, Gala CC chairman said: “This is a really difficult time for everyone, with the health of all the most important consideration at the moment.

“It is frustrating to have the new season put on hold but we fully support the decision by CricketScotland. It is unclear if or when the 2020 season will get underway but we will continue to keep in touch with our members and supporters via our social media pages and website throughout.

“We are aiming to get in touch with all members in the coming weeks regarding membership and hope they can continue to support the club this summer.

“We are extremely lucky to have some great local sponsors and we would ask the local community to support these firms in whatever way they can in the coming weeks and months.”

More information on the club is available at www.galacricketclub.co.uk.

by Jack Halls

Club Statement: COVID-19

Following guidance from Cricket Scotland, Gala CC has made the decision to cancel all senior and junior training until further notice.

Our ongoing fundraisers – Last Man Standing and Six Nations Forecasts – will be completed when both competitions are concluded.

We would like to thank our members and sponsors for their ongoing support, and will be in contact again in the coming weeks regarding the 2020 season.

Stay safe everyone!

Link to Cricket Scotland update: http://www.cricketscotland.com/cricket-scotland-statement-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR2BHdMrLYhJcQnRUzZ5rQ3g9BsookOBina93MYS9pr_LEpcKCSY2LebIjs

by Jack Halls

All Stars and Dynamos Cricket 2020

This years All Stars and Dynamos Cricket sign ups are now live on the ClubSpark website. All Stars Cricket continues into its 4th year at the club for 5-8 year olds, while brand new Dynamos Cricket for 8-11 year olds will run its first year!

Dynamos Cricket will commence on Thursday the 21st of May for 8 weeks from 5-6pm! Here is the sign up link: https://ecb.clubspark.uk/Dynamos/Course/01d581e9-5482-4637-b10e-c34648de9ee3

All Stars Cricket will commence on Friday the 22nd of May for 8 weeks from 5-6pm! Here is the sign up link: https://ecb.clubspark.uk/AllStars/Course/6e0e73e5-147f-43b9-b119-c7dfabe04ed8

We are looking forward to more cricket available than ever over the summer!