West schools draw in Scottish Schools Cup

The West section of the second Scottish Schools Cup has been drawn. Open to state and independent schools across the country, it is a T20 knockout competition for teams selected from S1/2/3.

This year sees 16 teams enter the West draw, all clamouring to take High School of Glasgow's trophy away from them that they won after beating Belmont Academy of Ayr in the West final last June. HSOG won there semi-final at the Scottish finals day at Stirling County, though they ended up runners-up to a very well drilled Edinburgh Academy side.

There is a 'Shield' competition for those schools elimnated in round 1. Last years winner of this was Airdrie Academy. The competition has 10 state schools and six independent schools. It is helping schools forge links with clubs and vice versa.

The 16 schools are not alone in playing cricket this summer. Hill Park High School, Woodfarm High School and Bellahouston Academy are three more state schools with some cricket activity but are not yet feeling up to entering the cup yet. Hamilton College has restarted a school team after a couple of years without one and Wellington School in Ayrshire have a busy fixture card of games versus other independent schools and have chosen not to enter this year.

Drumpellier, Poloc, Hillhead, Helensburgh, Clydesdale and Ayr are clubs who are admirably giving up there facilities for free to there local schools so they can play matches in this competition. The winners of the West final will again go on to Stirling in June for a shot at the Scottish title.

Round 1 (Wednesday 22 April)
Greenwood Academy, Irvine v Doon Academy
Belmont Academy, Ayr v St Ninians RC High School, Giffnock
Dumfries High School v Langholm Academy
Airdrie Academy v Lomond School, Helensburgh
Belmont House School (Newton Mearns) v Glasgow Academy
Hillhead High School v Eastwood High School
Shawlands Academy v High School of Glasgow
Kelvinside Academy v Hutchesons' Grammar School

Round 2 (and round 1 of Shield) games to be played by 5 May, reserve date 12 May

Semi Finals to be played by 19 May, reserve date no later than 26 May

West Final Wednesday 2 June

Scottish Final at Stirling County CC, Thursday 17 June