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Secretary's Report for 1990
As the Matthew Brown Northern Cricket League approaches its fortieth season in 1991 we can look back on a very successful season both at League and Club level.
At League Senior XI level, we reached the Final of the Manchester Evening News Inter-League Competition when we lost to the Central Lancashire League in the penultimate over at Blackpool C C.
This followed wins over the Bolton League in the First Round and the Ribblesdale League in the Semi-Final at Leyland C C.
At League Junior XI level the young cricketers again did the League proud despite having to field two teams on the same date; one team won the Manchester Evening News Inter-League Competition Final by beating the Bolton Association, whilst the other team narrowly lost in the Semi-Final of the British Coal North West Colts Competition.
The future of Northern League Cricket looks to be assured with the emergence of such talented young cricketers.
It is also reassuring to know that our cricket clubs are doing their utmost to supplement deteriorating facilities in our schools.
Our new Minister for Sport Robert Atkins is doing his utmost to reverse this downward trend.
At Club level, as in 1989, Blackpool C C were the most successful, winning the Division 1 Championship again, the Bass Lancashire Knockout Competition, and, most significantly, the Cockspur National Cup.
In retrospect, how glad we all were that Keith Moore, a tireless worker on behalf of Blackpool Cricket Club, was able to share those proud days before his sad death.
Darwen C C dominated the League table for most of the season with professional Scott Hookey again scoring more than 1000 league runs.
They were finally beaten into third place by Lancaster C C despite losing the services of Willie Watson to the New Zealand National Squad on several occaisions.
Morecambe C C contested both of the senior Cup Knockout competitions, winning the Slalom Lager Trophy against Leyland Motors at Sandy Lane.
Kendal C C defeated Morecambe C C in an exciting match at Woodhill Road to win the Matthew Brown Cup Final.
Kendal C C broke the First Division batting record in scoring 296-7 and Lancaster C C 2nd XI made a record 316-6 at Chorley.
Grant Bradburn of Fleetwood C C topped the Division 1 Batting Averages, scoring 882 runs at an average of 58.20 before gaining a place in the New Zealand Touring Party to Pakistan.
Craig Atkins of Morecambe C C won the Division 1 Bowling Averages and in taking 63 wickets at 12.87 runs per wicket took most wickets.
Lancaster C C dominated the second team competition winning the Division II Championship and along with Leyland Motors C C, now renamed Leyland DAF C C contested both Cup Finals, winning the Blackledge Final at Sandy Lane, and losing to Leyland DAF C C at Lune Road in the Latus Trophy Final.
After having had the opportunity to visit personally all the grounds in the League last season, it is pleasing to see at first hand how much progress has been made in their development.
In particular, the developments at St Annes C C promise to be very exciting in 1991, and congratulations to all concerned are in order.
Once more Matthew Brown Plc. have agreed to sponsor the League and the Executive wish to thank them for their continued support and look forward to working with the new team in 1991.
We wish them every success and look forward to another fantastic Presentation Dinner at the Crofters on Friday 8th November when the speaker will be Bill Beaumont.
Finally, thanks to all Club Players and Officials, our Umpires, and the League Executive for continued co-operation and assistance in 1990.
We all wish to thank our retiring Treasurer Lyndon Davies for his professional services over many years and wish to welcome to the Executive the new Treasurer, Brian Airey from Lancaster C C.
Have a very enjoyable season in 1991
David Smalley
Honary League Secretary
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