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Junior League Secrestary's Report Season 1999
I was hoping that the Northern Junior league would go out of the twentieth century with a bang but again, in the terms of Inter-League success at least, we left the nineteen hundreds with something that more resembled a "pop".
There is no doubt that the young members of our league more than compare with those of any other league you care to mention but in 1999 season was slightly disappointing.
The Inter-League season began on a dull day at Standish against a formidable Bolton Association in the "round robin" section of the North West Colts Trophy,
The Association won the toss and put us in on a wicket that did not look like getting any better.
Joe Davies (St Annes) proved that he is developing into an excellent all rounder by taking the attack to the opposition, scoring 85 not out in 95 balls received.He was ably supported by Captain Luke Phillips (Lancaster) with 20 and Jabbir Namajee (Blackpool) with 52.
The total of 202 for 4 proved far too many for Bolton who were bowled out for 97.
Steven Cooke (Chorley) and Zac Taylor (St Annes) had 2 for 36 and 4 for 7 respectively (not bad for two 15 year olds) and Matthew Madigan (Leyland) mopped up the tail with 3 for 44.
Match 2 saw us entertain the Lancashire County League at Preston's West Cliff ground and after the previous week's success we were quietly confident.
However, Lancashire County had other ideas and our bowlers were put to the sword in no uncertain manner as they set about us accumulating 212 for 5 in their 50 overs.
Although we only amassed 154 for 8, it wasn't all bad news as Steven Cooke (24) and Zac Taylor (29 not out) again proved our future is bright.
James Ingle (St Annes) also put in a useful all round performance conceding only 18 runs in his 10 overs and scoring 22 runs in the middle order.
The 18th July saw us at Weaverham Cricket Club taking on the Cheshire Cricket League in game three of the North West Colts Competition,
Batting first, Gareth Evans (St Annes) 66, Joe Davies 37 and John Cordingley (Darwen) 39, made it look easy and tight bowling by James Ingle 10 overs 6 maidens 16 runs 4 wickets supported by Joe Davies 3 for 37 and Danny Thomas (Fleetwood) 2 for 13 saw us comfortably home by some 42 runs.
Although we had lost a game in the competition, we once more qualified for the semi-finals but this time as the best runners up.
We were drawn to play at Sale Cricket Club against the eventual competition winners, Cheshire County League, in what turned out to be the best, most exciting game of the summer.
The County League batted first on an excellent track and we were made to chase leather as they accumulated the formidable total of 232 for 7,
Newcomer to the squad, Neil Eddleston and occasional bowler Neil Dasgupta (both of Leyland DAF) took 3 for 45 and 2 for 27 respectively and were our top performers with the ball on the day.
Our reply started in a disastrous fashion with numbers 2 and 3 back in the "hutch" for a meager 6 runs.
However, a further 68 runs were added before Neil Dasgupta (37) was out hit wicket when attempting to increase the pace.
A Captain's innings of 58 by Luke Phillips and excellent knocks of 24 and 35 by Joe Davies and Matthew Madigan respectively saw us to the brink of victory, only to see us fall 8 runs short when the last wicket fell.
Maybe the result would have been different if one of our major batsmen, John Cordingley had not dislocated a finger whilst fielding, causing him to bat at number 11.
As reported the Cheshire County League went on to secure the title in the Final against the Ribblesdale League.
After winning the Manchester Evening News Trophy in 1998, we again met our "old enemy" the Bolton League in round one of the 1999 competition. and after last years sterling effort this was very much of "after the Lord Mayor's Show".
In a shortened game due to rain, Bolton scored the commendable total of 187 for 6 in 40 overs.
With the exception of James Ingle (1 for 22 of 10 overs) our bowlers were less than economical and although Matthew Yardley (Chorley) with 43 and scores in the 20's from Jabbir Namajee, Ian Schmid (Kendal) and Adam Taylor (St Annes) gave us hope, the Northern Leagues reply petered out some 43 runs short of victory.
However, it is not all bad news, as out of the 25 players who represented the League during 1999,11 of these are still eligible for selection in 2000 and I'm sure the experience gained will stand them in good stead for the battles ahead.
On the domestic front, we were again fortunate to receive a generous Sponsoship from Nat West.
After a rather disappointing stop, start season, our four semi-finalists were, Chorley, Kendal, St Annes and Fleetwood with Kendal and St Annes competing in an excellent final at Shap Road.
Kendal, ably led by Phil Ellwood (94 not out) proved what talent there is in northern end of the league.Despite a fighting 60 by St Annes Captain Gareth Evans and a vailiant effort by the remainder of the young team, the mammoth total of 231 proved to many on the day and Kendal Cricket Club successfully defended their title in a match played in the right spirit by both sides.
With regard to the Under 15 representative side, unfortunately a team manager for 1999 was impossible to find, and I'm afraid the Northern League took a "bit of stick" by some in authority for failing to enter a team in the Michael Roache Trophy.
however, I'm delighted to report that David Reddy of Blackpool Crciket Club has taken up the reins and I wish him well in what I'm sure will be a successful season.
I will close by thanking all those who spend so much time and expertise, on behalf of the junior Cricket of the Northern League and congratulate them on producing so many high quality players, year in year out.
Thanks also go th Junior Section Chairman, Ken Wilton (again) and to Roger Harrison and Gerry Thomas for their outstanding efforts.
Under 18 Captain, Luke Phillips, the umpires, scorer, groundsmen and caterers, and of course ths clubs who hosted the League Final (Kendal) and the Inter-League matches, (Preston and Blackpool twice), all deserve our grateful thanks, I look forward to doing it all again in 2000 when perhaps we can place a trophy or two on the new Northern Premier Cricket League's sideboard.
Clive Henderson
Asst Secretary (Juniors)
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