INVERCLYDE’S Gareth James was awarded the Division 3 Bowler of the Year award, taking 17 wickets in the rain-affected season. 

In a successful campaign, the best figures of five for 14 came against Strathclyde. 

Club captain Dave Cooke just missed out on the top batting award with a league average of 39.8, and an average in all games of a very impressive 49.4.

Pictured is Inverclyde’s president David Bruce, left, presenting the bowling award to Gareth James.

Meanwhile, Inverclyde Cricket Club have recently issued the second year review of their Growing Cricket In Inverclyde Initiative, which has seen more than 500 school children sample cricket for the first time.

With the club and community benefiting from the initiative, Inverclyde now plan to run an under-14 team in the WDCU junior league, and the senior team play in WDCU Division 3. 

Senior coaching covers 14 years and over and anyone interested in trying out this fast growing sport is encouraged to come along to these sessions with your local community club. 

Inverclyde’s committee and coaching staff, who now hold national coaching certificates, will make any newcomer to the sport welcome at their indoor pre-season sessions which take place from 10am to noon on Sundays at the special cricket training facility at St Columba’s High School, Gourock, commencing this Sunday.

Junior coaching sessions will continue to be held at St Columba’s from 10am to noon on Saturdays and from 5 to 6pm on Mondays, and these sessions are open to anyone up to the age of 14, including pupils who have already sampled cricket, plus any other keen youngsters.

All cricket equipment for juniors and seniors is provided by the club, plus training sessions and coaching are provided free of charge, and there is no up-front cost involved for anyone considering trying something new.

More information on Inverclyde CC can be found on their website at 
www.inverclydecricket.co.uk, where captain Dave Cooke’s and other committee members’ contact details are  listed.