The sudden rise in the temperature has served to remind me that the 2026 cricket season is fast approaching, though after 78 years of watching the game, I am not fooled, sensing that ”cruel” April has not yet done with us.
Be that as it may, I eagerly await the new season, as I first did in 1948 when I thrilled at the very idea that the top team in the world would be visiting these shores, including a two day match at Mannofield where a Scotland team battled manfully, but unsuccessfully to hold off the challenge of the Aussies.
Since then I have been lucky enough to see all the major Test sides play, including games in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. I just hope the latter venue has not seen its last big occasion, involving the top teams. This magnificent facility deserves better, although I suspect the public appetite for such games is no longer there. Sadly, we seem to have settled for the demise of international cricket in the area. Perhaps I am wrong.
But while my love of the game at the top still remains, not least being visits to most of the lovely, memory filled days at County grounds around England, I still have the local game to cling to in my dotage.
I shall be keeping a watchful eye on Huntly and Stoneywood Dyce in the SPCU, and Aberdeenshire, the other aspiring team in the region.
Promotion may not come this season for any of the trio, but for the sake of the development of North East cricket, all three must have this target in their minds.
I will of course be hopping around the Grades circuit, and have already pencilled in the date of the Aberdeenshire Cup Final at the end of the season.
In the meantime to all of you playing this wonderful game, keep the spirit of the game alive as has been the case since 1884.
Be the best you can but most of all enjoy.