After the disappointment of having to cancel the event earlier in the summer due to the terrible weather Galloway cricket club members and friends were excited to start the 24 hour cricket at 6pm down at Gatehouse onFriday night. Many of the volunteers were preparing for a mammoth feat of endurance hoping to play cricket for 24hrs nonstop to raise funds for the club. Players came from all over, from as far as Eastriggs to Stranraer and ranging in age from 6 – 80!!
Slots were split into 3hr sessions with players being split into two teams with 20 overs played by each side. Teams were re-drawn after each slot. Several individuals played the whole 24 hours without any sleep or breaks. We had lots of visitors to support us and make donations. Numbers did dwindle over the wee small hours but a hardy band of players kept things going throughout the night.
The ground was kept floodlit throughout the night. However it proved quite difficult to see the ball through the night despite the bright lights. Natalie came up with the brilliant idea of spraying the stumps and the ball with fluorescent paint!! Some incredible fielding and catching was on show despite the poor visibility.
With many opting to camp out overnight, sustenance was provided throughout with donations of rolls (from Irving’s Bakery Castle Douglas) and cakes.
Teas, coffee and juice were on offer donated by Spar and Keystore in Gatehouse.
Bacon rolls were cooked up for the morning…with money donated by Tesco Castle Douglas.
After a beautiful full moon coming up overnight the sun was appearing by 6am on the Sat morning. As the temperature had dipped to 5c the 
temperature was very chilly for the start of the day. However the weather could not have been better for the play throughout Saturday with everyone in good spirits throughout the day! There was some great cricket being played despite the weary legs on the field.. Finally the countdown to 6pm began….the end of the 24hrs was met with huge applause, laughter, hugging and everyone was ecstatic having completed the challenge. This event really did bring everyone together, an incredible team effort…so many players, friends, mums, dads and kids came along to help out and play some cricket and have a great time in the process, Galloway being such a friendly and inclusive club.
Special thanks must go to all friends, members and the many businesses that supported this event. For the floodlights we would like to thank…… HSS Hire CAMEngineering 3bConstruction,
Speedy Tool Hire, Jewsons, and the Nicol Family.
We have raised so far £925 which is an incredible effort.
Our next event is our End of Season Ceilidh this Saturday 12th September at the Cocoa Bean Twynholm. Please contact any committee member or Natalie on 07872909010 if you require tickets.
