[All smiles from the participating teams in Scotland’s first walking cricket festival]
A giant leap for walking cricket
On Tuesday, August 25th it was one small step (or up to three for bowling) for the players, but one giant leap for cricket as Doune & Dunblane Cricket Club hosted the first walking cricket festival of its kind in Scotland.
In true Scottish fashion, following a rescheduling due to inclement weather, there were not to be any dampened spirits this time around as the club welcomed 3 teams from Forth Valley and beyond to their home ground (The Grazings) to play in a series of ‘friendly’ but tightly contested matches.
[Westquarter & Redding Cricket Club team]
A game with a rich history
The Grazings is the site of an ancient roman fort, on the banks of the River Teith, and just beyond the edge of the Doune Castle estate. It can therefore be assumed that many a march or walk with purpose has taken place over the centuries at this place. However, it is hard to envision that any of these would have been over 16 yards; include over and underarm bowls; been pulled, driven, swept or swatted by a bat; and instil so much joy and camaraderie as those who are enjoying this adapted version of the classic sport.
Growing the game across Scotland
Because while walking cricket has been played in various formats for some time, it has only recently established itself (alongside all of its health and social benefits) in Scotland. The Doune & Dunblane Team, for example, were only formed last year and already have a committed group of over 20 players now taking to the wicket every Friday.
Strathmore Cricket Club (who joined forces with Stenhousemuir to form ‘Strathstenny’ at the festival) were the first club to provide walking cricket activities in the country.
Not forgetting Westquarter & Redding Cricket Club, who rounded off the participating clubs with a team who are a product of one of the most progressive clubs in making the sport accessible for all (for example, they even play virtual reality cricket there!).
[The best view in the house]
A festival full of cricket and camaraderie
Back to the festival, which comprised of a round robin format to allow the teams to play each other in a 12 over per innings game (with each team batting and bowling/fielding once). There was no shortage of excellent cricket, alongside moments to forget, and the teams worked hard in building their scores, or trying to reduce the batting sides to a makeable run (sorry walk) chase.
Some traditions of the game were upheld, namely a wonderful lunch provided by volunteers Fiona & Sue. Each team was awarded a star player (Strathstenny – Richard; Westquarter & Redding – Alan; Doune & Dunblane – Euan). And in perhaps the greatest cricket tradition of them all…. the festival ended in a draw.
[The combined ‘Strathstenny’ team who joined forces on the day.]
Walking Cricket was definitely the winner of the day though and in doing so forming its own traditions in what will surely be the first of many festivals to be played into the future.
It was great to see so many cricketers of varying ages (from 17 to over 80) and ability enjoying the cricket, making new friends with a hint of sporting competition.
[The hosts, Doune & Dunblane Cricket Club]
Find out more about Walking Cricket
Doune & Dunblane play at The Grazings, Doune on Fridays at 11am in the summer and at The Dunblane Centre, Dunblane on Fridays at 12 noon in the winter.
Contact Dave Simpson on 07779650708 or dave.simpson@dounedunblanecc.com
[Dave Simpson (quoted above), a formidable sight for any bowler.]
[A view from behind the stumps]
