Edinburgh South Cricket Club have appointed Bill Polson and Gerry Dodson Honorary Vice Presidents.
Both stalwarts of the club’s formative era as Mitre CC, their loyalty and dedication helped shape the club of today whose 1st X1 play in the Eastern Premiership.
Bill’s connection with the club goes back to 1957 and by the time he hung up his spikes he had taken more than 500 wickets and scored nearly 2,500 runs for the club.
He has batted throughout the order, captained the re-launched second XI, supported the creation of new teams, scored matches and helped with administration across all levels.]
Bill remains a central figure at the club and Scottish cricket as a whole, heavily involved with scoring and administration across ESCA.
Speaking in 2021, club president Jim Brims said: “I would say unequivocally that without Bill there would not be a club today. Going back over the years, anyone [that has been] involved think of him as ‘Mr Mitre’.”
Bill’s service has also extended well beyond the club. He gave 45 years attachment to the East of Scotland Cricket Association committee, including time as secretary, youth convenor and president. Earlier this year, he was recognised by ESCA for that outstanding contribution to cricket in the region.
Gerry Dodson’s appointment recognises another long-serving figure from the club’s Mitre era, and a player whose loyalty and love of the game have been shown season after season.
While the club’s online playing records only go back to 2004, they still show the scale of Gerry’s impact on the field. Since then, Gerry has played 189 recorded matches, taken 265 wickets and held 31 catches. His best recorded bowling figures were 8 for 26 for the 1st XI against St Modan’s CC in 2005, the same year he was named Senior Top Wicket Taker.
But Gerry’s contribution goes well beyond the scorebook. In accepting the appointment, he reflected on the many hours he spent over the years in his back garden, bowling tennis balls at an old tree branch leaning against the house.
Gerry also recalled one batting record he is happy to claim. Alongside the late Julian Russell, he frequently batted in tenth-wicket partnerships, with the pair continuing to “improve” the combined age of the players at the crease. The last figure Gerry is aware of was 161 years!
