GREENOCK Cricket Club's new captain has spoken of his disappointment after the coronavirus pandemic wrecked their season.

The outbreak issue has had a massive impact on cricket across Scotland, with all matches played between mid-April and the end of August called off by the sport's governing body, effectively meaning no competitive cricket in 2020.

New first 11 captain Greg McDougall, pictured, told the Tele exciting plans the Glenpark men had in place have been crushed by the sporting lockdown.

He said: “I was looking forward to the 2020 season and leading the team for the first time.

"The club had its plans for the season in place.

"A top, young professional from Sri Lanka was set to join us in April in time for the start of the season and there was a real enthusiasm building during our pre-season indoor training, which began in the early part of the year.”

McDougall joked that at least there was one positive from the season's cancellation, saying: "At least I will be able to say that I did not lose a single competitive match in my first year as team captain.”

Greenock plays in the Premier Division of the Western District Cricket Union (WDCU) and has other senior and junior age group teams at the club participating in competitive cricket at various levels.

Cricket Scotland, the national governing body, has said there will be no cricket before August, meaning only four or five weeks of the season will be available, if at all. The likelihood is that Greenock, in common with other clubs, will look to organise some limited overs ‘friendly’ matches with teams from the Glasgow and west of Scotland area at weekends.

Junior age group teams play in the evenings, and, if at all possible, the club say it will give youngsters the opportunity to get some match practice.

The Glenpark club, which is normally open all year round and hosts squash as well as cricket, has been able to furlough its two full time employees and remains confident it will be able to ‘weather the storm’ thanks to a small business government grant and support from its members.

The club has suffered the financial blow of its clubhouse being closed, meaning there is no regular income. Its major fundraiser, which normally takes place in early September, the annual Gig on the Green (GOTG), is also cancelled due to the Scottish Government's restrictions on crowds and large gatherings.

A spokesperson said: "This is a major financial blow for the club and will be a huge disappointment to the growing number of fans of the event who have enjoyed and supported it for more than 15 years."

The club say they plan to hold a GOTG in 2021.