Dumfries Sports Club

APD Dumfries started their season on Saturday with a convincing win over Ferguslie at Benfield Park Nunholm in their traditional first friendly match.

APD Dumfries side win season opener

Beveridge hit 80

On a remarkably good wicket and fast outfield for the time of year, Dumfries hit the ground running with opener Scott Beveridge dominating the opening exchanges and launching the first two sixes of the season. He and Chris Bellwood had put on an opening partnership of over 140 when Beveridge was unlucky to be run out for 80 by a deflection off the bowler when backing up.

Bellwood top scored with 87

Bellwood then took on the scoring mantle to earn the Anderson Kilts Man of the Match award for what was a well paced top score of 87. He and returning Aussie Josh Geary both looked in fluent form in reaching the 250. Geary was retired for a first knock fifty and Drew Dawson pushed on in the final overs with 36 not out for a big innings total off the 50 overs of 327 for 6 which was nearing a club record total.

Skipper Byers batting

Ferguslie, who were not at full strength on the day, struggled to make an impression on that total as the Dumfries bowlers stuck to good line and length and wickets were shared between the bowlers used. Alan Davidson and Niall Alexander claimed both openers and it was ex-Nunholm player David Sturgeon who top scored in the reply. Leg-spinners Jerry Goodin and Tom McBride and then the Aussie newcomer, Joe Clarke, each took two wickets. A final sharp run out by Tom McBride kept Ferguslie below the hundred and they were all out for 95 in the 36th over.

This weekend at Nunholm, Dumfries play Weirs in the Scottish Cup on Saturday starting at midday and then Hillhead in a friendly on Sunday. New players for the season are very welcome and can contact Trefor Williams (01387 256455), or email dumfriescricketclub@gmail.com, or introduce yourself at training on a Tuesday or Friday.

Junior Coaching: the club’s Monday junior summer sessions for those aged 8 to 14 start at Nunholm this Monday the 23rd April, 6:15-8pm. These are open to non-members and new, and beginner, boys and girls, are very welcome to come along or can use the above contacts for more information.

Scorecard: Match sponsored by Anderson Kilts. Sat 14 Apr.
APD Dumfries beat Ferguslie by 232 runs. Friendly at Benfield Park Nunholm
APD Dumfries 327 for 6 (50 overs) S Beveridge 80, C Bellwood 88, J Geary 56 rtd, A Dawson 36 no.
Ferguslie 95 all out (35.5 overs) D Sturgeon 22, J Goodin 6 overs 2 for 20,
J Clarke 5 overs 2 for 7, T McBride 5 overs 2 for 9
Anderson Kilts Dumfries Man of the Match: C Bellwood.

Dumfries Cricket Club have resumed their evening training sessions with senior training taking place at Dumfries Sports Club, Nunholm from 6 to 8 on Tuesdays and on Fridays. New players are very welcome for the season ahead and can contact Trefor Williams on 01387 256455, or email dumfriescricketclub@gmail.com, or introduce yourself at a club training session.

That season is fast approaching with the first match a week on Saturday, the 14th April, with a friendly at Nunholm against Ferguslie. The following Saturday sees the first competitive fixture, on the 21st, with a Scottish Cup group match at home when the firsts, APD Dumfries, play Weirs. The seconds, CWE Nunholm, then start their Western Cup competition with a match at Hillhead the following Saturday. See www.dumfriescricketclub.co.uk for more details.

Meanwhile Dumfries’s Tom McBride has been playing and training in South Africa on a pre-season tour with Scotland U19s. After a shoulder injury sustained in the first game he returned for the penultimate two games and was able to contribute with a run a ball 34 and then 44 for the side to remain unbeaten with one match to play.

Senior Training is now taking place midweek in the evenings.

Main training night is on Tuesdays 6pm to 8 and a second on Fridays 6pm to 8

New players are very welcome and can come down to Nunholm and make themselves known or can contact Trefor Williams on 01387 256455 or email the club at dumfriescricketclub@gmail.com . See www.dumfriescricketclub.co.uk .