Cricketers demolish Prestwick

Stirling County shocked the cricket pundits on Saturday with an emphatic openingday Western Union Premier Division win over last season’s champions Prestwick.

The New Williamfield men put in a fine all-round performance to defeat the Ayrshire side by 44 runs in a rainaffected match on the west coast.

County won the toss and chose to bat first and made steady, if not spectacular progress.

Graeme Taylor scored 43 but it was a partnership by youngsters Tom Bradburn and new amateur Brandon McMullen from South Africa which laid the foundations for the win.

Bradburn scored 63 and McMullen 64 which helped Stirling to a score of 252 for eight after 50 overs. Rainfall meant Prestwick were given a revised target of 234 in 42 overs.

Chaudhary (60) and Jawad (41) gave them some hope but Gavin Anderson’s three for 41 and wickets for McMullen, Tom Jones, Rukman Hewage and Ali Mubarak saw the home side all out for 190.

On Saturday, County play their first home league fixture of the season when Clydesdale visit New Williamfield.

Stirling 2nds (Williamfield) travel to 2nd Weirs (Albert Park) for their first Western Union Second Division match of the season. Their scheduled game on opening day against Glasgow Accies 2nds (Anniesland) was cancelled with their opponents failing to raise a team.

Saturday’s matchball sponsor was Roger Fuller.

All Stars Cricket for youngsters aged five to eight kicks off at Stirling County on Friday, May 11 at 6pm.

The programme is aimed at introducing the children to the sport through a fun first experience of the game.

The eight-week programme will see participating boys and girls develop their skills and make new friends in a safe and inclusive environment.

Registration has now opened, with each child receiving a pack of cricket goodies including a cricket bat, ball, backpack, activity book, cap and personalised shirt to keep so that they can continue their love of cricket when they go home. The cost of All Stars Cricket is £40 per child.