THE cricket season might be over, but Kenny Paterson, Selkirk’s 1st XI vice-captain, is already putting plans in place to ensure the club doesn’t find itself on a sticky wicket in 2025.
This Friday, October 11, Kenny and four friends – accompanied by Kenny’s six-year-old Briard dog ‘Rebel’ – will set off on a sponsored walk along the West Highland Way, to help raise funds to buy a set of new pitch covers for Selkirk’s Philiphaugh ground.
“There’s little doubt our summers are becoming more unpredictable,” said the 55-year-old Selkirk veteran, “and having a set of covers for the wicket should help ensure our home matches get played.
“It will also mean the hard work put in by Ronnie Dumma preparing the square for home fixtures isn’t wasted, nor the cutting of the outfield by other members of the volunteer ground care team.”
Accompanying Kenny on the trek will be Selkirk team-mates Ian Gardiner and Blaine Gillie, along with friends Gordon Douglas and Iain Minto. They expect to complete the 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William in five days.
The aim is to raise £2,500, and to date the group has raised around £1,800 of this total – half being donated on its GoFundMe page, and half coming from donors signing individual sponsor sheets.
“We’re really grateful for all the fantastic support we’ve received,” said Kenny, who in 2022 walked the West Highland Way, along with friend Simon Younger, to raise funds to help Selkirk Cricket Club purchase a team minibus.
“All the boys are looking forward to the challenge, and the good thing about walking the route at this time of year is that there shouldn’t be any midges – always a bonus!”
To sponsor Kenny on GoFundMe, please follow this link – https://www.gofundme.com/f/covers-for-selkirk-cricket-club-and-selkirk-foodbank?qid=863cf3c816b768f582e7b5fe96f7dc9d
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