Chairman's Report - 2005

Derek Kay (March 2006)

How to condense a whole year's activities, on and off the field, into a couple of pages - League matches, Cup competitions, Inter League fixtures, District cricket, outstanding players, leading clubs, coaches; the future - there's only one place to start.

It never ceases to amaze me, the commitment, dedication and sheer hard work of all those involved at each and every one of our member dubs who ensure that junior Cricket continues to flourish. As John Hutchinson remarked in last year's review - clubs continue to be faced with an ever increasing workload. Child Protection issues, Clubmark accreditation, CRB clearances - to mention just a few; in addition to all their 'on field' work in terms of coaching/ practising/ administering matches at ever-increasing age levels (with U19s now being encouraged at several clubs.

It is easy sometimes to criticise clubs for missing meetings, failing to forward scorecards, breaches of rule (and we will continue to do so as and when necessary!), but any criticisms are far outweighed by the overwhelming good work that each dub continues to produce.

May I therefore thank every single one of you - parents, players, coaches, managers, helpers and club officials for your unstinting efforts to improve junior Cricket at Club, League and County level.

On the playing front in 2005 our various Inter-League sides had mixed success with the U18s being knocked out of the MEN competition at the semi final stage, but our U15s won the LCB Michael Roche Trophy and the U13s won the Peak Sports Trophy. Well done to all the players and a special thanks to all our Inter-League managers and coaches. At District level I am delighted to also congratulate the Bolton U13s team who reached the final of their competition held at Old Trafford - and duly won. Thank you David Fairbrother and Mick Fletcher for running that team.

As far as our own League and Cup competitions were concerned, many congratulations to Farnworth Social Circle who achieved a double double what's that? It's winning the League and Cup at both U15 and U18 level, a magnificent achievement and perhaps no coincidence that success goes to a Clubmark accredited club that has embraced the ECB and LC13 doctrines, perhaps a lesson for other clubs to learn.

Well done to everyone involved at FSC and I hope you will allow me to single out one individual for special mention - John Hutchinson, whose contribution over many years at FSC has been immense, as is his valued work for the BCL at both Senior and junior levels. Thank you John and congratulations.

At U13 level Horwich CC won the League whilst Bradshaw CC won the Cup. Well done to both clubs. Whilst at U11 level Kearsley CC won the League with Heaton CC winning the the Walkden Festival and Bradshaw CC the Barlow Trophy. Again my congratulations.

On an individual front, to be selected by your County is a superb achievement and in 2005 the BCL were delighted that nine players received this reward and recognition. Four players from FSC Gosh Rushmore, Luke Perry, Chris Taylor and Scott Lees); two from Heaton (James Reynard and Richard Perry) and one each from Horwich, Farnworth and Greenmount (Phil Cavill, Jack Axford and Simon Woolford). Congratulations to you all and continued success in the future.

The Young Player of the Year is always a much sought-after and prestigious award. The winner in 2005 and richly deserved was James Reynard from Heaton CC. Congratulations James and we will all look forward to seeing you fulfil your potential.

Talking of the future brings me to an exciting development. A couple of years ago the League adopted an innovative initiative in appointing a Coaching Co-ordinator (Richard Dearden) with clubs agreeing to pool funds to provide the necessary resources to try and put in place League-wide coaching programmes. I am delighted to report that this role has now progressed to a full-blown Coaching Committee with Area Co-ordinators being appointed to liaise with clubs and agree achievable aims and objectives. Their goals are challenging and will require cooperation and commitment but, if successful over the coming years, it will assist and benefit all member clubs as well as the Bolton Cricket League.

I look forward, as I am sure you all do, to another highly demanding and competitive season in 2006. But before leaving 2005 1 must thank all those people who work so tirelessly on behalf of the League. It is impossible to name everyone individually but to all those Inter-League managers, Age-Level administrators, League representatives, Child Welfare Officers, especially our League Officials (particularly Bill Stevenson, who as Treasurer of both the Senior and Junior Leagues works quietly and tirelessly to control our finances). Thank you for all your hard work, with special thanks to Mrs Hobbis who helped us improve our coverage of Junior results in the BEN.

Finally, to Mike Hall, who has stood down as both Senior League Chairman after nine years and junior Chairman for two years. Your behind-the-scenes stewardship of the League will be sorely missed. Thank you for your contribution to the Bolton Cricket League.

Have a great 2006. Play hard, but above all, PLAY FAIR!