Cricket: Greenock aim to bounce back

William Dick • Published 25 Jun 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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GREENOCK will attempt to bounce back from three of the worst results in the club's history when they entertain Uddingston at Glenpark tomorrow

A difficult season appeared to have taken a turn for the better three weeks ago when Kevin McLaren's side carved out their first win against West of Scotland.

But the following day they were unceremoniously dumped out of the Scottish Cup by first division Stirling.

Since then, the Glenpark side have been bowled out for totals of 47 and 53 by last season's promoted pair, Forfarshire and Dunfermline, to remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.

Only league reconstruction, meaning there is no relegation this term, offers consolation.

Yet coach Tony Judd, pictured, who is contemplating coming out of retirement at the age of 46 to bolster the side against Uddingston, remains defiantly optimistic the future remains bright.

Due to his commitments as Scotland's assistant coach and video analyst, Judd has been spared the pain of witnessing these recent reverses. And, while he will not condone sub-standard performances, he also backs the current crop of players to come good.

The Australian said: "The boys are better players than our last two batting performances suggest so they are going to have to cop whatever criticism comes their way in the short term.

"But I firmly believe they will have the last laugh and people who are dishing out the flak could find it comes back to bite them. We are not the worst side around and we have the nucleus of a decent team.

"Player availability has been a big problem this season but, with all our best players and a professional added in, we would be a pretty formidable unit."

In some ways, Greenock are the victims of their own success in producing players of the quality of Richie Berrington, who has been a frequent absentee due to Scotland commitments.

Berrington showed what Greenock are missing with an imperious century and three wickets in Scotland's marvellous win over India A on Wednesday.

National coaching staff were due to make a decision on Berrington's availability for the Uddingston match after yesterday's return clash with the Indians.

Meanwhile talented teenager Alex Baum, another product of Greenocks youth system, will be on trial with Durham Academy.

With Dougie Wylie unavailable and Sailesh Prabhu injured, resources are again stretched though National Academy player Willie Rowan should return from injury.

Judd added: "I don't know if I will play or not but it is something that is under consideration.

"Whatever our line-up, we will be looking to bat with more resolve."

Uddingston, who boast former Saltires star Paul Hoffmann and Sri Lankan all-rounder Rasika Priyadarshana, are bidding to return to winning ways after last week's defeat to Carlton.

Greenock Cricket Club acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors - Match ball: Brian Roberts. Match: BPI plc. Presidential Suite: David Campbell.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 25 Jun 10

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