Ferguslie Cricket Club will begin the defence of their national title this weekend as a new season swings into view.
The Paisley team enjoyed a sensational 2022 – lifting the Rowan Cup before bagging the Western Premier League title.
They then broke new ground, beating Heriot’s Cricket Club to be crowned Scottish national champions for the first time in their history.
Having sealed a brilliant treble last time out, now Ferguslie are setting out to replicate that success this season.
After practicing in indoor nets and competing in four warm-up friendly matches, the Western District League starts up again this Saturday, April 29. Ferguslie open their defence away at West of Scotland, with their first home game at Meikleriggs a week later on May 6 against Prestwick.
The Paisley club will begin competitive life this weekend without captain and star player Riyaad Henry, who left at the end of last season to play in the East League for Stewart’s Melville – with the switch helping to fit in with his work at Fettes College.
As such, Haroon Tahir takes over as the new first-team captain, with promising youngster Qasim Khan as his vice-captain,
In a bid to soften the blow of Henry’s departure, Ferguslie have brought in a new overseas professional in Muhammed Mayet.
The 25-year-old plays pro cricket in Johannesburg, South Africa, and joins with a lot of promise and excellent statistics on the pitch with both bat and ball.
He opened his Ferguslie tab with a superb 100 against Carlton in the club’s first pre-season friendly, following that with an aggressive 50 last weekend against Henry’s new team Stewart’s Melville.
The majority of the championship-winning squad also remains in place – Omer Hussain is also missing this year after taking a well-earned retirement.
Adil Ghaffar will lead the bowling attack again after his winter call-up to the Scotland squad for their tour of Antigua, while star batsman Taimour Ahmad and younger brother Uzair have both hit good form in the pre-season friendlies. Taimour has scored 117 and 86 so far, while Uzair also hit 86 last weekend.
Long-standing first-team players David Stafford and Gregor Preston-Jones also remain key members of the squad.
As well as new face Mayet, the team is also strengthened by new arrivals Qadeer Ahmad, who joins from Renfrew, and Bahadar Esakhiel and Asad Khan, who link up from Langside.
Varnan Naress is also playing for Ferguslie this year whilst he is over travelling from Canada.
The Ferguslie second team this year will be captained by Anup Vejandla and should be stronger than the previous few years. James Mills will captain the third team.
Ferguslie Cricket Club’s Preston-Jones said: “To keep up with all the fixtures and social events at Meikleriggs, please follow Ferguslie Cricket Club on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
“Non-playing membership is available by contacting the club and there are multiple opportunities to advertise and sponsor the club or a match ball.”
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