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Junior League Secrestary's Report Season 1995
As in1994, 1995 was again a "nearly" season as far as our representative teams were concerned.
Although the Northern League is still a league to be avoided by other leagues, it is now some time since we actually won anything.
Both the North West Colts and the Manchester Evening News Competitions srarted well with convincing victories over the Lancashire County League, one at Prestwich C C and the other at Roe Green.
A further victory in the Colts Trophy against the Cheshire County League at Stanley Park had us dreaming of a place in the semi-final but hopes were dashed when a young, inexperienced side was heavily beaten at Sefton C C by a Liverpool Competition team firing on all cylinders.
This game took place on the 9th July which conflicted with the Manchester Evening News Semi-Final at Morecambe C C so yet again two representative teams were turned out on the same day.
Unlike last year, unfortunately, instead of two wins, two defeats were suffered, the Manchester Evening News Semi being against a rather fortunate Central Lancashire team.
A resounding win over the Glossop and District League at Preston's West Cliff ground kept alive the hopes of progressing further as "Best Runners-Up".
But it wasn't to be and we were left dreaming of what might have been.
Ater the success of "94", the Under 15 League Team reached the Semi-Final via a bye in round one and victory over the South Manchester Junior League at Fleetwood in the Quarter- Finals.
Unfortunately, losing the toss and having the worst of the weather on a dodgy Adlington pitch saw the Bolton Association Team through to the final of the Micael Roche Trophy.
At this point I must report that Tom Scott, who has done a grand job in looking after the Under 15 squad over the last two seasons, has decided to hand the reins to Barry Evans.
I would like, on behalf of the Junior League and the Under 15 players, to express my sincere thanks for all the good work he has put in during the last two years, and wish Barry every success in the coming seasons.
Two further matches, both annual events, were played during the season, one more at Under 18 and one at Under 25 level.
The Under 18 XI contained several under 16 players who hoped to catch the Lancashire coaches eyes during the game at St Annes C C against the Lancashire Under 16's.
This year we managed to overcome the county side in a well contested match.
Thus reversing last year's result.
The extemely strong Under 25 team again were the victors over the Bolton Association at Atherton C C on a sunny and hot August Bank Holiday.
I am pleased to report that we will be returning their superb hospitality at Leyland C C next August Bank Holiday and an additional attraction in "96" will be an Under 25 game against the "League Cricket Conference" Touring side.
The date and the venue have yet to be decided.
On the domestic front The National Westminster Northern Junior League was competed for in two zones, North and South.
Again Leyland and Kendal did not compete in what tuned out to be a well contested competition.
The Northern zone was lead by Fleetwood after their return to the League, with Lancaster runners-up, St Annes won the Southern zone with Leyland DAF close behind, and those four clubs played off for the privilege of competing in the final.
St Annes entertained Fleetwood at St Annes on a rather dull day in early September.With St Snnes coming out on top in a very high scoring game.
This is the fourth consecutive success in the final for St Annes C C which speaks volumes for the youth system at Vernon Road.
I would like to close this short report by thanking all those who helped during the very busy 1995 season.
Blackpool, Fleetwood, Morecambe, Preston and St Annes must be sincerely thanked for their hospitality whilst hosting the Inter-League games.
Special thanks to Roger Harrison for his help and aasistence.
On the administrative side and I cannot sign off without thanking all the umpires, scorers, caterers, groundsmen and of course, parents and supporters for their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the summer.
Last, but not least, I thank all the players for their efforts and support and hope that 1996 will see the young plaers of the Northern League put some silverware on the sideboard.
They deserve it
Clive Henderson
Assistant Secretary (Juniors)
National Westminster Bank
Northern Junior League
Group 1
| Club |
P |
W |
L |
N/R |
Pts |
| Fleetwood |
8 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
13 |
| Lancaster |
8 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
| Netherfield |
8 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
9 |
| Morecambe |
8 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
| Preston |
8 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
2 |
Group 2
| St Annes |
8 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
| Leyland DAF |
8 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
| Darwen |
8 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
7 |
| Chorley |
8 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
7 |
| Blackpool |
8 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
Championship Play - Offs
Semi - Finals
| Fleetwood |
117/7 |
beat |
Leyland DAF |
107/9 |
| St Annes |
167/3 |
beat |
Lancaster |
166/4 |
Final
| St Annes |
229/7 |
beat |
Fleetwood |
187 |
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