Sunday saw the Scottish Saltires suffer their most crushing defeat in the Friends Provident Trophy when on their opening match of the season they lost by eight wickets to a Lancashire Lightnings county team that included English ace Andrew Flintoff.

Whilst the Saltires capitulated to the visitors in only four hours, across the M8 in Glasgow, the Scotland U-19 squad were experiencing their own baptism of fire against Poloc in the Premier Division of the Scottish National Cricket League. 
 

Coming into that match buoyed by a run of 7 consecutive wins on a recent tour of South Africa, the youngsters were thrashed by nine wickets, a painful reminder that they can expect no easy matches in the top flight of the Scottish game.

The squad will now refocus for their next match against Ferguslie this Sunday, mindful that Craig Wright, the Scotland U-19 coach, has always said their participation in the SNCL is part of a steep learning curve.

However, a forthcoming coaching session is also a reminder that the forthcoming season isn't just about men's cricket.

For on 4th May, Scotland captain Kari Anderson will lead a Cricket Scotland Girl's Development Day at Stirling County Cricket Club.

As the title suggests, the 12 noon – 4pm session, overseen by coaching staff at Cricket Scotland, is aimed at attracting more of the fairer sex into the sport. The afternoon will include a game.

Participants who wish to be involved are asked to contact Kari Anderson on 01786 432323 or Mobile : 07717545474 by no later than 1st May.