The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
SOS to save the village cricket club that shocked the world
FREUCHIE: Fears that former national champions could be forced to shut their doors unless more members join up
Concerns have been raised that one of the country’s most famous cricket clubs could fold unless it can attract more players.
Freuchie Cricket Club earned its place in sporting folklore in 1985 when it became the only Scottish team to win the National Village Championship against a Surrey 11 – and all at Lord’s, the home of cricket, into the bargain.
But more than three decades on, villagers believe there is now a real danger that dwindling numbers could threaten the existence of the historic little club that celebrated its centenary eight years ago.
Freuchie currently operates a first XI and a second XI, but the lack of available players – which has seen the club struggle to put a second team on the field – has left some fearing the beginning of the end.
“That’s our biggest fear, that the club shuts,” current club captain Jock Wallace explained.
“We’re one of the most famous clubs around and if it had to close it would leave a massive empty void in the community.
“Sadly we’ve lost quite a few players over the winter – most of the players went to play more locally and that’s fair enough – but we’re now at the stage where we’re looking at possibly having to go down to one team unless we can get more guys in.
“That would be a big hit for us, especially for a club of our size.
“I think we’ve got around 14 to 15 players so we’ve got enough for a team, but around 25-26 would be a good number as that would give you guys floating for every eventuality.
“We’ve got youngsters coming through and the oldest guy we’ve got playing is in his 60s but he can’t commit to it as much as he’d like.
“It’s a shame because it’s a great club – the clubhouse is fantastic, it’s easily accessible, there’s free parking, a licensed bar.
“It’s got great facilities and we’re a welcoming bunch of guys.”
Fellow player Alan Wallace, who has been involved with the club for more than 20 years, said the current situation was not a “disaster”, but warned the club would certainly struggle if it could not attract some new blood soon.
He added: “It’s been a very successful club over the years and it’s fair to say we’ve been punching above our weight.
“It’s a really famous club and that’s the legacy – the people involved have made it what it is today and it’s one of the best in Scotland.
“Everybody has worked so hard to get it to where it is, and we all just want to see that continue.”
Anyone who thinks they can help bolster Freuchie’s numbers can visit Freuchie Cricket Club’s Facebook page or email secretary@freuchiecricketclub.com.
That’s our biggest fear, that the club shuts. JOCK WALLACE