Get To Know Your Captains: Sam Page

As part of a series of articles ahead of the 2026 season, we hear directly from our captains about pre-season and their ambitions for the summer. Starting with the newly appointed West of Scotland XI captain, Sam Page.

After a successful campaign that saw West of Scotland CC 1XI crowned Western Premiership Two champions and promoted back to the Premier Division, new captain Sam Page reflects on last season’s highs, lessons learned, and ambitions for the year ahead.

Reflecting on last season, Sam noted that it was a great success. “We played as a really cohesive unit, and everyone contributed to what we achieved. The team spirit and togetherness were the best I’ve seen in years, and that made a huge difference over the course of the campaign. Winning the league and securing promotion back to Premier Division One was always the goal, and to achieve it as convincingly as we did was really pleasing.”

A few matches really stood out for Sam. “Chasing down a big score against against a strong bowling attack on a tricky wicket in Greenock showcased our maturity and decision-making. The game against Helensburgh was another key moment and we were under real pressure but still managed to get over the line. That win proved crucial and showed how we’re starting to come out on the right side of tight games, something we struggled with the season before.”

There were plenty of standout performers across the season with new signing Joe Carrasco impressing with the bat, Youngster Avaneesh Yilapavanam scored his first fifty for the 1st XI, John Oliver taking seven wickets in a match, and outgoing captain James Fennah finishing the season with a really impressive bowling average. Sam paid tribute to the all round effort from the whole first team squad, however. “I think our biggest strength was that contributions came from everywhere. When it mattered, someone always stepped up, and that collective effort is what really defined our season.”

Despite these successes Sam noted a number of areas the first XI want to improve upon next seasn. “With the bat, we need to do better at converting starts into big scores, and with the ball we want more consistency in our line and lengths, particularly cutting down on extras. Personally, I got a lot of starts but didn’t turn enough of them into big scores, so that’s a key area I’m looking to improve next season. It’s something I’m keen to work hard on.”

“Going back into Premier Division One with a strong squad, we want to compete hard and finish in a good position. Developing the squad is a big focus, and we’re aiming for greater consistency and putting in solid performances week after week rather than experiencing the ups and downs we’ve had in the past.”