In 2015 Banchory Cricket Club’s 1st XI were relegated from North-East Scotland Cricket Grade 1. The 2nd XI had folded the previous season and the junior section was non-existent.

9 years on, weeks away from the start of the 2024 season, the situation is remarkably different. The revitalised junior section contains around 30 boys and girls who are preparing to compete in both softball and hardball fixtures, alongside weekly summer training sessions led by International Cricket Council qualified coaches. The 1st XI will return to Grade 1 for the first time since 2015, the re-established 2nd XI are preparing to compete in Grade 3, and the club boasts a healthy membership of around 40 seniors. With these exciting developments what can we expect in the 173rd year of the clubs’ history?

Junior Section

Following the Covid-19 pandemic junior training sessions were re-started, initially by ex-captain Mark Herbert, and latterly by Sam Rotheram and Ben Wiles. This has been a great success with junior membership rising to 30+ in 2023.

Last season the juniors competed in a number of softball competitions - including going undefeated at an u12s tournament in Methlick. Due to the rising popularity of junior cricket across the North-East Banchory’s juniors will be able to take part in a number of hardball and softball matches this season.

Training takes place on Thursdays, from 17:30 to 18:30, and on Saturdays, from 9:30 to 11:00. New players are always welcome and interested parents can contact juniors@banchorycricketclub.co.uk for more information.

1st XI

The 1st XI were guided to a second placed finish, and promotion from Grade 2, in 2023 under the captaincy of Luke Hendriksen. Winning 5 out of their last 6 games, a nervy final day victory over Methlick, saw the club finish on a 77.22 point percentage compared to Fraserburgh’s 77.06%. Appearing in Grade 1 for the first time in 9 years the aim is simple - survival.

Strong performances In the batting department will be key to achieving this. Luckily for Banchory batting has been a strong point in recent years.

Sam Rotheram is somewhat of a household name amongst cricketers in the North-East. Rotheram amassed 669 runs, including a sensational 125 not out, at an average of 66.9 in 2023. This came close to breaking the club's single season record.

Other batters to watch include Banchory’s other centurion last year - Ben Wiles. Wiles will be looking to continue his fine form with the bat during his second season with the club. Will George, averaged 69, including an unbeaten 92, while Mausam Thapa and Josh Crawley both hit half-centuries. As a team the squad posted totals over 200 on seven separate occasions, including 302 against 2nd Knightriders. Building on these high calibre batting performances will be key to survival chances in Grade 1.

With the ball Tayyab Khalid was the joint-highest wicket taker in Grade 2 last year, taking 25 wickets at an average of 11.08, with a best of 5-21. Thapa and Rotheram showcased their all-rounder abilities taking 19 and 17 wickets respectively. Rotheram’s 17 came at an average of 9.12 with a best of 5-13. Clive Matthews and Wiles were the other two bowlers to reach double-figure wicket hauls over the course of the season.

Youngster Tommy Burnett took an impressive 5-wicket haul against Ellon, and is certainly one to watch for the future. Another talented young swing bowler, Daniel Brown, will return to the club after a spell playing for Mannofield in Grade 1. In the field Matthews will do well to beat his 12 catches - the most taken by a single player across the Grades last year!

Grade 1 will be a new challenge, with tougher opposition runs and wickets will be harder to come by - but the club are excited for the challenge and will take their trademark positivity into each and every fixture. The countdown is set for the opening fixture against Aberdeen Grammar on the 4th of May.

2nd XI

It has been 10 long years since Banchory Cricket Club 2nd XI took to the field in the Grades. In the past the 2nds were an important place to develop junior cricketers who were learning to play hardball. The team hopes to rekindle that spirit as a place where juniors can compete in a friendly, competitive, and developmental atmosphere alongside seniors. It is a testament to the hard work put in to develop the junior section that the club’s committee decided to re-establish the 2nd XI following the 2023 season.

The side will be led by Will Redpath, who himself learnt to play senior cricket in the old 2nd XI as a junior, and vice-captained by spin bowler Gordon Brown. Legendary veteran Tim Wilkinson will return to action following a finger injury which kept him out in 2023. You will be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated and experienced cricketer in the North-East.
Pre-season action kicks off on April 20th with a friendly against Crathie.

Senior training takes place on Thursdays from 18:30 and new players are always welcome to attend. If you would like any more information please contact the clubs secretary via www.banchorycricketclub.co.uk