25th January 2010. A day I dare say I will remember. This was the day I accepted the post as Chairman of The Bolton Cricket League. I have to say that this was never something to which I aspired. It just arose from circumstance.
And that concludes the introductory paragraph.
This report will comprise two sections. Firstly — an update on the day to day
running of The League, where we are and where we intend to be. Secondly a resume
of the matches I have attended as a representative of The League.
The League
Let me state this from day one. I am very proud to be a ‘Boltoner’ (and I know
‘Boltonian’ is the word!) and lam similarly proud to be associated with this
cricket league. Our stock as players has risen and fallen in turn with other
leagues. However, I am sure that we now sit at the upper echelons and we should
seek to maintain this status. I am confident that we can compete with the best
amateur sport can offer and also confident that we can maintain the levels we
have achieved on a permanent basis. There is something unique about Bolton and
cricket. What area can support two leagues of such standing? What league has
produced so many county and international players over such a prolonged period?
Can we continue? You bet!
But where do we begin? At the first meeting I chaired I referred to the
circuitous nature of our relationship with this, the greatest of games. If we
looked after the game it would look after The League — if we looked after The
League if would look after the clubs. Wherever one started the on this wheel the
momentum kept things going. It is our duty to ensure its continued rotation.
Sport is integral to our communities. It provides for the community and it
defines our champions. It provides focus and identity. We must support it in all
its forms.
A second major point is that I did not see it as my role to ‘dictate’ change. I
was not voted on following political process and I came in with no mandate and
no pledges as such. I did declare that I would ensure that meetings were held
with decorum and due respect for both process and fellow members. I am pleased
to report that meetings have been conducted in the approved manner. As for
change — I’m all for it! I have brought ideas to the table but it is up to the
clubs to run with them If they see fit. I have reminded attendees that it is
‘their’ league, not ‘mine’ — guidance, yes — advice, yes — the rest is down to
committee.
I enjoyed an early meeting with our umpires association. The usual chestnuts
were discussed, principally discipline and behaviour. Let me make my stance very
clear here. We play our sport for fun. I don’t expect behaviour at the
Corinthian level, that would be too idealistic, but I think we should aspire to
producing the best standards on the field across all aspects of the game. As for
the umpires body I had already suggested that they should be ‘the 15th
club’ with a full set of voting rights. And why not? They are as integral a part
of the game as each club.
The next meeting was the captains and umpires meeting held in March. At that
meeting I focused on the word ‘respect’ Cricket is a game which is demanding of
the many so the few can participate. I urged the players to consider a huge list
of people not directly involved with playing. Scorers, tea (politically
correct!) people, grounds men, scorers, tally lads and everybody else. I hope
the message got home and take this opportunity to give this band of men the
first ‘thank you’ of this report. We are truly grateful for your support.
I also mentioned that respect should encompass the facilities we use. These are
not unilaterally ours. They are ours on a temporary basis and it is up to us to
ensure they are passed on to future generations in at least as good order as
they were given to us.
The final reminder was for respect to the umpires. I drew attention to the tact that Saturday is their day out, a day when they challenge their skills too. I asked for tolerance on the decision process and ‘the odd blemish’. The simple fact is that the umpires undertake their task to test their techniques and knowledge in exactly the same manner as players compete with bat and ball. We could all do to remember these simple points, It is, after all a ‘we’ situation as opposed to an ‘us and them’ one.
I met the umpires again at the end of the season and at the end of a few
assorted comments thanked them for their contribution. To Simon Rees and Karen
Knott as chairman and secretary of our umpiring association, on behalf of The
League, I commit our thanks to paper. Simon has undertaken his allotted period
and now steps down, handing the reins to Ian Yates for his period of tenure.
These positions are onerous and I offer my congratulations to Simon and best
wishes to Ian in equal measure.
The closing paragraph of the playing season must always be to pay respect to our
sponsors Anthony Axford (Timber Merchants( Ltd. To the Axford family, we are
extremely grateful for your contribution to not just local cricket but local
sport generally. To Martin specifically, it is great to work with you to secure
the future of The League.
The chairman’s role generally involves suits and presentations and I was very
pleased to speak to our juniors at their prize giving. The turnout was fantastic
and it was a great pleasure to see the Mum’s, Dad’s and coaches there aplenty. I
cannot commend what you put into your clubs and The League too highly. Let’s
chronicle the achievements. Heaton u15’s Lancashire champions. Heaton U13’s
Lancashire champions. Horwich U11’s Lancashire champions. Bolton Schools
Lancashire champions. Is the message clear enough? As I said on the night
‘junior cricket in alive and well and living in Bolton’ well done to you all.
Oh, and thanks to Mike Buckley for making sure the trophies mere there (see
later).
At committee level we decided that we really ought to be holding OUR
presentation night at one of OUR clubs. Lithe Lever stepped forward, took on the
task and duly delivered a fine evening. Around 150 gathered at Victory Road on
the night and we were pleased to have support from our friends at The Bolt on
News and from The Bolton Association. The high point of the evening was
undoubtedly the Hubert Pendlebury award for service to The League. This was
given to Eagley’s Bill Stevenson. Bill’s declining health had meant that Ray
Taylor, Peter Stafford and me had actually visited him in October to hand over
the award. Sadly Bill succumbed to his illness only a few days before the actual
night. He was very proud (indeed overwhelmed) to receive the award and would
have been similarly thrilled at the standing ovation given in his memory. It was
a pleasure to leave May Barlow centre stage as she handed over a league life
membership memento to David Morris. The format of this event will be reviewed
for 2011.
The AOM came and went in early December. Here is our opportunity to take the
game forward and amidst all the deserved backslapping of a report like this, the
word ‘disappointed’ sprung to mind. Life is change and our desire for this
fundamental was found wanting. I have always enjoyed The League handbook and the
pace of technological change found us wanting for the 2010 tome. This will be
corrected for 2011, with more direct contribution from the dubs. Again, I am
grateful to the support given here by Mike Buckley, Ray Taylor and Simon
Ainsworth.
The Playing Season
One of the ‘profile tasks of chairman is to represent The League in an official
capacity at many of our matches and, award the cups and prizes. There is no
doubt that this is time consuming but it does otter the opportunity to witness
the final stages of competitions and congratulate and applaud our champions.
In the writing of this report tam only going to comment on those matches I attended cannot produce the eloquent writing of Peter Stafford in his annual summary, or the manic hilarity of Derek Key’s approach.
Bolton School provided the venue for our indoor competition. The final was a
gripping affair between Eagley and Walkden. Phi Ingram’s three over spell would
have undermined virtually any batting line up In the country. (And you can
include counties in that - it was that good!) But Walkden stripper Mike Bennison
was up to the task and finished the innings off with a display of calculated
batting. Not for trim the ‘bomb alley’ approach. Delicate placing and light feet
at the end of the innings twisted the game and the result. After that the
Walkden bowlers overpowered the Eagley batting. Eagley didn’t underperform it
was just that Waikden’s attack was that good. The first trophy of the year duly
went off to Harriet Street.
In the dim and distant past Ian Senior had the notion that an inter league
second team! over 35’s match should be played. This was a good idea at the time
and confirmed as such when the annual match against The Central League was
staged by Clifton Cricket Club. The day was blessed with good weather and
supported by a goodly crowd too. Early rampaging from the CLL’s top order was
quelled by Messrs. Holt and Richards In the middle and a final score was in the
280’s was always going to be a challenge. Nigel Duxbury batted with calm
elegance and gave The League a steady start but when he went we seemed to lose
wickets just as the ship was being righted. Nick Chesterton fought valiantly and
deserved his half century. In the event we lost the match by about sixty nine.
The game finished on a glorious (it slightly humorous note) with a spate of
defiant blows from Astley Bridge’s Holty. A rare delight. The match was played
in the greatest of spirits (as befits ‘gentlemen players) and I wish to record
our thanks to The CLL. and Clifton.
The next presentation saw me on home turf. Heaton’s U15’s conquered all during
the season. The Crumblehulme Cop final appeared to be an afternoon saunter.
Westhoughton were put down and held down when they batted. All the Heaton
bowlers performed to pedigree and no respite was given. In reply the
Westhoughton attack fought back spiritedly - quickly removing Heaton’s early big
guns. 50 or so seamed along way any at 20 for 3 with the geam on Josh McGreavy
is made of ‘different stuff’ and (sorry Josh!) clobbered Westhoughton out of the
game. A good crowd went away proud of the performances of both sides and rightly
so.
As an intermission I returned to Farrrworth v Bamford Fieldhouse. This was
always going to be a struggle between two leviathans. A score of 260, despite a
fast outfield, was demanding for Farnworth - especially when Adil Nisar produced
a rare duck. The consensus between the collective brains of Milne, Axford and
Noakes (i.e. not much!) was that Jason Swift had to make around 140 to see
Farnworth through. He felt short (how harsh is that?) in the 120’s with as good
an innings cc you could wish to see. I played in the same side as Swilty in the
late 1990’s and, in my very humble opinion, he batted better that day than when
supposedly in his pomp’ (At this point I must pay copyright fees to ‘Harold H’)
This was an innings of mastery and savagery at the same time. Unfortunately
Farnworth fell a dozen or so short, but whet a game!
The Hamer Cup final pitted Walkden against Greenmnount. Phil Heaton has
controlled many a batting lineup for a number of years now. Walkden clearly
recognised the danger in letting him drop into rhythm and sat about trim at the
start. Usman Tariq deposited the second ball of the match over the brook and
comfortably into the field beyond. 70 for 0 off 10 was more than a signal of
intent. Following the departure of the Walkden pro things returned to normal
with Heaton returning to the attack and then wheeling away in a metronomic
manner. Once again Mike Bennison played beautifully for 50 odd, waiting on the
back foot as opposed to the perilous forward and across push. However, when he
departed the remaining batsmen were constrained and a total of 197 had to
suffice. Despite the early assault Phil Heaton stilt came home with a 6 wicket
haul. (Or should that be another 6 wicket haul?)
A good start was required by Greenmount. However Andy Kerr was soon dismissed and although the remainder of the early batsmen dug In they were unable to cut loose against the usual tight Walkdan attack. David Smith came on just after halfway through proceedings and essentially out-thought the Greenmount middle and late order as they looked to push on, 4 for 36 was his reward, enough to awing the match in Walkden’s favour and enough to deservedly claim the Man of the match award.
Bradshaw, led by Chairmen Steve Dickinson did a fabulous job preparing the
ground during one of the less dry parts of the summer and are to be commended
for their efforts. The crowd was disappointing - those who didn’t attend missed
what can only be described as the beat of amateur cricket.
My next point of call was to the Birtwislte Final at Walkden. To say that the
early sway was held by John Smith’s bowlers is best described as understatement,
45 for 7 suggested early tea and early going homes, but Matt Gregory and Jordy
Mason had dearly not read the sculpt Initial defiance was followed by gradual
acceleration and finally a rush in the last 7 overs or so. Matt bated superbly
for a 70 odd not out Jordy played his apprentice role but was sadly dismissed
for 48 when I think all present would have given him the brace for a deserved
50. 5th, the track had eased and Walkden’s batsmen were capable of delivering
the target However the momentum was with Bradshaw and they wore not to be
denied. More accurately Matt Gregory certainly was not. He helped himself to 3
wickets to complete a deserved Man of the match award. Walkden’s 67 alt out
suggested poor batting - better to commend the bowlers’ performances. They were
very good.
On a lighter note the curator of trophies had clearly foreseen the result and
left the Birtwistle cup at Bradshaw. John Smith came to the rescue with a gem
from the Walkden Trophy cabinet. As such I presented Nigel Duxbury with ‘The
Wheeltappers and Shunters Woodbine Smoking Trophy’ instead. Thank you Buckers!
Once again it is appropriate to commend the hosts for there hospitality. This game was played to the highest of ethics with handshakes, congratulations and commiseration in abundance at the end of the game. Fantastic!
The annual match against our friends from The Bolton Association was held at Westhoughton’s magnificent new ground. The League batted first and stumbled to 115 In the face of some quality Association bowling - notably from ‘old boy’ David Parkinson who was, frankly exceptional. Presented with a bigger playing area I would suggest that some of our batsman made the wrong shot choices, After tea our bowlers strove valiantly to repair the damage. 60 for Sand we were well in the hunt. There was just the smell matter of Mr Parkinson again. As a fellow member of the left handers union I must say that he batted with exemplary control and added value to a mature 20 odd from Liam Watkinson The spoils and local bragging rights went to The Association, We look forward to the battle next year!
And so to mid September and the final matches of the season, For me the week was overshadowed when Heaton and The League lost a stalwart with the passing of Rod Sandiford. To say Rod was a great friend of the focal community. the league and the game is one of the greater understatements I can provide My first port of call was to Lower Pools to say a few words in memory of my friend and ensure en appropriate silence was observed in his memory. Next I went in pursuit of the league trophies end visits to Tonge, Bradshaw and Astley Bridge finally saw me in possession of the various grails.
Then it was off to Greenmount who were hosting second team champions Westhoughton (Nice fixture planning Ray!) to present the trophy to Pete Hilton. Westhoughton won the championship by a comfortable margin (elbeit that they burgled two points in a rain affected match against a certain teem captained by the writer!( and showed a good mix of youth and maturity. A pint with Andy Bowker capped an enjoyable visit before it was time to go to Eagley to see if Egerton could pinch the title at the death. They duly completed a comfortable victory over their closest neighbour but were unable to snatch the important bonus point The match was finished promptly by a brief end savage display of pyrotechnics from Jonny Kerrigan but Farnworth had their nose in front courtesy of the 1 point margin brought In from the previous week. Off to Bridgeman Park then.
Horwich had fought valiantly to keep the championship open and posted a thoroughly respectable 201 but would that be enough to topple Farnworth? Suffice it to say that Messrs Near and Swifi are disinclined to be bullied and the early exchanges between Liam Bones and Swift went to the letter by some considerable margln. Having removed the kingpin from the Horwich attack common sense prevailed and the two picked off runs without breaking sweat. Even though Nisar departed after a quality 50, a contribution from skipper David Morri and then the final coup da grace (in the form of a vigorous pull into the pavilion) from Simon Booth concluded proceedings. The championship was deservedly won by the best team In the competition. The quality produced during the season was exceptional. It is also fair to remember that after 24 matches there were 6 bone fide contenders for the title. This was no walkover, Well done to Famworth, you ware worthy champions.
And so to the Lancashire Knockout final where our champions were to do baste
with Denton St Lawrence. The day was meticulously planned by ’The Doc’ and me. A
bit of bribery in the shape of lunch out for my children Rory and Georgia, than
payback time with a few hours at Lytham’s fine ground. We strolled on to find
Farnworth cruising to victory at 30 for 2 chasing 70. Ada Nisar had demolished
the Denton line up with a cheap ‘5-fer’ the game was essentially over at Use
premature tea interval, Mutterings of bad track’ wars hugely inappropriate. It’s
good when the bowlers are not offered to the gods of sacrifice for a change and
Farnworth’s attack had seized the moment. The target was achieved easily with
Swift at the crease again. David Moms was soon holding the coveted trophy which
was then passed to Tony and Martin Axford for the celebratory photographs. Who
can say that these two didn’t deserve this glorious moment?
There is no doubt that our junior cricket is the best in the county, maybe the
land! Our seniors had stamped their authority in Lancashire too. There’s plenty
more where that came from too! Local cricket is dependent on the contributions
of the many ECB qualified coaches in the area. They keep the game going where
the education system used to, I wholeheartedly commend the contribution made
these people, at all clubs.
And that put paid to watching / playing for another calendar year. The Lyddon
Trophy was victim to the weather and meant that the next outing would be to
Sutton School In January.
Before I comment on the final I must say how good It was to see so many of our ‘up and coming’ youngsters participating in this competition. Finals day saw Heaton and Westhoughton up against each other. Heaton’s bowlers, supported by an outstanding fielding display, held Weathcughton to a below par 68. If was then just a question of holding nerve. Two 15 year olds, Ollie Sutcliffe and Alex Jones showed commendable maturity and saw Heaton home, with an over and a half to spare, Jones’s efforts rightly ensuing that he went home with the Man of the match award.
2010 saw some pretty decent players decide to hang up their boots. Graham Firth
left Eagley for Egerton some 20 years or so ego to bring the youngsters through
and at whatever age he a, finally decided to retire. Ian Taylor stepped down
from first team cricket with the small matter of over 1000 wickets to his name,
Mike Benrison has decided to take his undoubted talent to the golf course and
was still good enough to achieve a century in his final year. Frankly, 19000
plus runs seems a strange place to stop end maybe he’ll return to do the
honourable thing and make if a round 20000! There are very few ‘one club, men’
around (Messrs Axford, Pilldngton, Parker, Smith and the writer are the only
ones who spring to mind( and as such it would be remiss to not to mention the
very special contributions made by two other members of this small elite, John
Smith of Walkden, who has decided that he has done his share of running up the
slope, and Steve Parker of Westhoughton who has finally finished peppering the
backward point boundary! To you all, I know we will see you around the league in
the future and thank you for your fantastic contributions
And finally there are the farewells. Each club will undoubtedly have borne its
losses during the last year. At League level I have already mentioned the loss
of Bill Stevenson and to that I must add the name of Rod Sandiford. These two
gave massive service to their clubs, The League and the wider communityty. We
are truly grateful for their endeavours,
I think that covers everything. To all those who give their time so freely I can
only express the utmost gratitude. I wish everybody associated with this great
game a thoroughly enjoyable 2011 season. Good Luck!
Warwick S Milne