Westquarter and Redding CC are marking their very own 100 not out in 2008 – and plan to continue ticking over on the scoreboard for some time yet.

Colin Fox (28), vice-captain of WRCC, told Heraldsport: "For a game that's not the most popular in the country, it's a great achievement to have lasted for 100 years.

"Hopefully we will still be playing here for another century."
Formed in April 1908, the club's first home was on the grounds of the former Blair Lodge School, which is currently the site of the Polmont
YOI.

Back then a notice in The Falkirk Herald read: "A cricket club has been formed in this district under the patronage of the leading gentlemen in the district, with the playing-ground of the once famous Blairlodge School Club.

"The practice games started this week and there is every likelihood of a large membership, with such a good ground to play on."

In season 1945-46 WRCC moved to a new playing field on Redding Road and built a timber clubhouse, after it was purchased from a Doctor Erskine.

That remained in place until 1995 when they sold the ground to home developers Wimpey and purchased a new site at Haugh Farm, in Brightons.

Two years later that was fit for the purpose and Westquarter duly moved into their current home, which they named Bailliefields.

A large factor in the club's continued presence though, is its roots in the local community.

Since the early days many players were drawn from surrounding villages, with several family members turning out for the team.

Over the years there have also been numerous brothers who have played for WRCC.

They include Jim and Chris Hunter, Tom and Charlie Baillie, Andrew and William Thomson, William and Bob Small, John and Jim Sharp as well as Robert and Stephen Sutton.

Colin himself is part of a sibling double-team, along with brother Stuart, while father and son partnerships have included Alan and Barry Sutherland, and Jim and Craig Sharp.

"An important part of any sporting club is getting the community involved," said Colin. "The reason we have lasted this long is due to the hard work of all the members over the years.

"We are always looking for more people to take part, particularly at a younger age, and this year – being our centenary – is a great chance for the club to get more publicity."

To mark the 2008 celebrations, Westquarter have lined up a series of exciting events.

A centenary dinner has been arranged for all players, past and present, on August 27 at The Three Kings in Shieldhill.

On the pitch, meanwhile, a match is being planned against an East of Scotland select, while a Cricket Scotland President's XI (including international stars) will take on Westquarter on September 6.

"The game will be just after the Scotland-England game, so we are hoping quite a few internationals will be playing," said Colin.

"It will just be fantastic for the guys to test themselves against the best in the country and see what level they are at, and a great opportunity for people to come down and become interested in the sport."

Along the way the club have also collected quite a few prizes to display in their trophy cabinet. Some of the more notable honours include winning The Falkirk Herald League in 1978, the DB Marshall
League in 1978 and '79, and the Central Scotland League in 1964.

In fact, the last few years have proved a very fruitful period for Westquarter, with successive promotions, leaving them playing in the East of Scotland League Division Two this season.

So, as the club prepares to celebrate its first 100 years, what does the future hold for Westquarter?

"Although it will be difficult, in the short-term we want to try and make it three promotions in a row," said Colin.

"We also have plans to build a new clubhouse and develop the ground. But the most important thing is to get more younger people involved.

"As part of that, we are hoping to re-introduce a second XI and start up some junior age group teams."

For the latest news on the club's celebrations, and all the upcoming fixtures, visit www.wrcc.org.uk