Chairman's Report - 2002

John Hutchinson (March 2003)

2002 was, in many ways, a watershed in the history of the Bolton League junior Section. On the positive side, the year saw the first. stages of the implementation of the 'Vision' strategy, including the organisation of team managers and Child Protection courses, and the development of the Bolton Academy.

It also saw the first Inter-League matches played 'overseas', our Under15 XI competing successfully on tour in the Isle of Man at the end of July. More worryingly, however, we saw a series of trends that do not bode well for the future of junior cricket in the Bolton area.

Firstly, there were a number of instances of teams falling to fulfill their fixtures throughout the season, particularly at U18 and U-13 levels. Whilst this is clearly contrary to League Rules, it is very difficult to see what the immediate solution is. Do we introduce a 'player-loan' system? Change the age groups? Change the clubs in the League, even? There is no easy answer, but I am reassured by the determination of the League's Executive Committee to ensure that these matters are addressed properly over the coming months.

Secondly, there has been an alarming increase in the number of junior players transferring from one member club to another during the season. I cannot see how this can be helpful. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred all it does is to ensure that the stronger teams become stronger and the weaker ones weaker. Furthermore, it does nothing to encourage the old-fashioned values of determination and loyalty. I would like to see a system introduced whereby junior players can only transfer from one club to another in exceptional circumstances and with the express authority of the League's registration Committee.

Finally, as I go around the League and compare how it is now to, say, ten years ago, I become more and more convinced that we have become victim of the drinking culture prevalent in this country. Ten years ago, on a Friday evening, you would have seen a club's older junior players practising in the nets in anticipation of senior matches over the coming weekend * Nowadays, for some inexplicable reason, this sort of behaviour is regarded as peculiar, and you are far more likely to find those players dancing the night away in some well-known Bolton nightclub! This is one area, I feel, where our system of education has failed us disastrously. Needless to say, it also does absolutely nothing to improve the standard of cricket in our League. The sad thing is, of course, that we, as club and league officials, are powerless in trying to anything about it.

2002 was a disappointing year at inter-league level, with the Under-18 and Under15 teams losing their respective cup-matches on the toss of a coin (due to bad weather), and the Under-13 team losing the Teddy Gerrard Trophy to the Bolton Association.

On a positive note, I am pleased to report that the Under-13's have had a number of formal training sessions this winter under the watchful eyes of Mike Fletcher, David Fairbrother, and William Halton, and this should help ensure a successful season for them in 2003. As always, may 1 take this opportunity to thank all the League umpires and scorers who officiated in junior matches in 2002. Their continued support is very much appreciated.

On the domestic front, the 2002 season was largely dominated by three

clubs - Heaton, Horwich and Bradshaw. This is no accident. These clubs are
prepared to invest resources in their junior sections and they get the results
they deserve. I look forward to the time when exactly the same can be said
for all 14 clubs in the League. Many congratulations to all our cup and
championship winners from 2002, namely:
Under-18s
Jake Tatlock Trophy - Heaton CC
League Championship - Heaton CC
Reuben Mather Cup - Heaton CC
Under-15s
Mervyn Porter Trophy - Horwich CC
League Championship - Horwich CC
Under-13s
Harrison Cup - Farnworth SC CC
League Championship - Horwich and Bradshaw (shared)
Under-11s
Presentations Cup - Bradshaw CC
Frank Hinks Snr Trophy - Bradshaw CC.

A slightly wider spread of winning clubs compared with 2001 led to a large attendance at our Annual Presentation Evening held at Horwich. A thoroughly enjoyable (but loud!) evening was had by all, and, as always, 1 would like to congratulate all those players talented enough to have won individual performance awards during the season.

In particular, well done to Egerton's Chris Tye, whose excellent first team bowling performances earned him the Young Player-of-the-Year award for 2002, and to the former Astley Bridge juniors Sajid Mahmood and Tim Rees, both of whom secured contracts with Lancashire C.C.C. during the season. Their achievements reflect well on the Astley Bridge club and, indeed, on the League as a whole.

Let me close by saying that my ambition for 2003 is that wehen I come to write this report for the 2004 Handbook, I'll be able to say that a full compliment of teams competed at each age group during the season. Let's try to make it happen.