Get To Know Your Captains: John Strachan
As part of our “Get to Know Your Captains” series, we caught up with John Strachan ahead of his first season as 1st XI Vice-Captain at West of Scotland Cricket Club, where he will support new 1st XI captain Sam Page.
John returned to Hamilton Crescent last season, following a spell with Linlithgow Cricket Club, a return which coincided with a return to form for the 1XI. “It was really nice to be back at Hamilton Crescent with some of my good friends again. The guys had gone through a tricky patch, however, the enthusiasm and eagerness to return to the top division was there from the start and continued to gain momentum throughout the season. The results spoke for themselves really, everybody had a part to play.
He gave particular credit for the promotion season to outgoing 1s captain James Fennah. “It was a perfect swan song for the efforts Fennah has put in over the past number of years as skipper. The vibes post-match were fantastic across all the West teams which I hope will continue in the seasons to come.”
“The challenge last season was always going to be returning to the premier division at the first time of asking. Stirling were in a similar position to us and Renfrew are an experienced team, both were pushing for the top spots.”
John noted his particular highlight was the first game of the 2025 season away at Irvine. “It’s not the easiest place to play and it had the potential to be a cold trip to the coast, however the nature in how we executed that game set a message to the league that West weren’t messing around. The other stand out game in my mind was away to Greenock, being asked to field first on the hottest day of the year and subsequently chasing 220+ runs with plenty wickets in hand was just sublime.”
On his own form, however, he admits it was a “mixed bag”. “I’m without doubt my own biggest critic… growing up I was opening bat and a wicket keeper, yet ive turned into a middle order off spinner, which I'm still trying to master. I took a good couple of wickets and chipped in with a few runs but there was nothing stand out on my behalf.”
West supporters should look forward with excitement though, “’I’m hoping the variety in my game will place me in good stead helping Pagey with decision making in the season to come. The club has put out a very elaborate 5 year plan, which has the 1st XI to consolidate in the top division this season, however I know the guys will want to aim further to the top. What I would want for this season is for all members to enjoy their cricket and the social side, and with that, I believe the victories will take care of themselves.“
