PLAYERS on the Clackmannan County Cricket Club will be plying their trade in Scotland's second tier this season after securing a late promotion.

The club missed out on promotion to the ESCA Championship in the last game of the season in 2019.

However, the club were recently informed that Freuchie Cricket Club have withdrawn from the league to take part in a different regional, meaning Clackmannan were upped by default.

Ken Hutchison, president of the club, says the club will take the opportunity "with both hands".

He said: "The county cricket club are punching above their weight with promotion to the East of Scotland Championship, but we're excited to be playing in the second highest tier of Scottish cricket for the first time.

"With Keith Hefer at the helm, we'll certainly take the opportunity with both hands."

Ken continued: "We've also got to recognise our committee for all their work during the last year to keep us afloat and in particular Norman Robertson, our club groundsman, for giving us a square worthy of playing on at this level and Gordon Oliver, our clubhouse convener, for making the clubhouse look as good as it possibly can prior to the new season."

With the better weather approaching, Ken hopes cricket fans will come and support the club and enjoy the features of the clubhouse.

He said: "I'd encourage anyone with even a passing interest in cricket to come down, have a beer and lend their support to the teams this season.

"Who knows, we might even have something to celebrate come September."

The club is currently looking for sponsors. Anyone interested can contact club secretary Joe Smith at secretary.clackscricket@gmail.com for more information.