CRICKET


The Wee County


Clackmannan County Cricket Club Clackmannanshire is the smallest county in the UK and is often


referred to as ‘The Wee County’. Clackmannan County Cricket Club was established in 1868, making it one of the oldest cricket clubs in Scotland. During their long history, the club has played at a variety of venues, but the side now call The Arns, on the outskirts of the county town Alloa, home


Gordon Oliver (left) and George Hutchinson


T 72


he Arns is where Lee Williams met up with three of the club’s volunteers; Norman Robertson, who is the Ground Convenor, and helping him keep the ground in tip-top condition are George Hutchinson and Gordon Oliver. They are all long-serving members of the club.


George tells me there has not been a paid full-time groundsman since the 1950s. “Back then, we had two groundsmen. One of them would be a player or coach and would prepare the wicket for a Saturday’s match. The other fellow would cut the outfi eld and work in the bar when required. We are now all amateurs who work together to keep the place tidy and provide the club with the best surface possible.” Norman fi rst got involved with the club as a player in the 1970s and, one day, just


decided to help out, and he enjoyed doing it. “My fi rst spell here was for about eight years, but then I stopped as it clashed with work. After I left, the legendary David Henderson took over the maintenance of the ground. David, like George, was County Captain and vice president for many years. He was very passionate about the ground and, if you ever wanted to fi nd him, more often than not he would be down here.” Gordon adds; “He was a history teacher at the local school, so everybody knew him. He was a well-known face in the town. He was a very nice guy.”


Norman had retired and had heard on the grapevine that David was not keeping very well and had throat cancer. “I thought I would go back to the club to fi nd out if that was the case. I spoke to George, and he confi rmed what I had heard. This meant


that David was not able to carry out his work, so I thought I would go back to help out as it would fi ll up my time, put something back into the club and, just as important, keep me fi t.”


Whilst Norman was working on the pitch, David would be sat by the outfi eld, keeping an eye on proceedings. “I would always come across to him and say, what do you think? Could you cast your experienced eye over certain things, to help keep him motivated.”


Whilst speaking with the guys, I could see they had a lot of respect for David and appreciated everything he did for the club. Unfortunately, three years ago, he lost his fi ght with cancer aged seventy years old. In David’s memory, and for those past members and players who have also passed away, the club have built a memorial


PC October/November 2020


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