Northern Counties
FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG
Northern
Counties
CRICKET CLUB
N
orthern Counties Cricket
Club was formed in 1864.
The first match, against
Nairn County, was played in 1865, and
Northern Counties are now celebrating
the 150th season at the Northern
Meeting Park in Inverness
Many touring sides have visited the
ground, including a United South of
England side including Dr.W.G.Grace.
An Indian XI (containing three
Maharajas), Learie Constantine’s XI,
and a touring International Australian
side in 1909 all graced the ground,
and in 1934 Northern Counties bowler
John R.Braid achieved one of the clubs
celebrated moments when, playing for a
North of Scotland XI against the touring
Australians, he dismissed the legendary
Don Bradman.
The clubs most successful batsman is
W. J. Dishington, who won the NOSCA
Batting Averages eight times between
1977 and 1989. His 1989 average of
113.75 was an Association record.
Northern Counties were founder
members of the North of Scotland
Cricket Association in 1893, and won
the league for the first three years, going
on to win twenty times, a feat only
surpassed by Huntly C.C.
Like many clubs, Northern Counties
has had some difficult periods. Recently,
falling numbers left the club struggling
to field two sides whilst damage to the
square caused major problems. We are
grateful to Highland Cricket Club who
enabled us to complete our programme
at their home, Fraser Park. We were
forced to concede a number of fixtures
culminating in a reduction to one side
for the 2014 season. Efforts were made
to increase the exposure of the club,
and every interest was pursued. There
has been a marked increase in the flow
of information to members, and a new
confidence is evident.
The improvement enabled the club
to apply successfully to NOSCA for
participation in both Leagues in 2015,
and membership has continued to
rise. With the aid of Cricket Scotland,
efforts are being made to strengthen the
development of youth cricket. Nairn
County Cricket Club has set the standard
here, but more local competition is
essential.
Club member Patrick Cronin has
introduced after school cricket coaching
at Fortrose Academy, and a number of
Northern Counties Club Info - http://www.invernesscricket.co.uk/ - Twitter : @NorthernCricket - Found 1840
38 Issue 42