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Secretary's Report for 1999
After a few years of being a respected mid-table team, Darwen's triumphal season was a refreshing challenge to those clubs who had been expecting to be involved in the championship race.
Inspired by their New Zealand pro, Richard Petrie, whose contribution was not only effective performances on the field but also the way he galvanised the rest of the team to plat to their full potential.
On more than one occasion they gained victories by dogged middle order batting when defeat was staring them in the face.
The Championship title was a fitting reward for a club who over the years have developed a strong junior section and were proud that they had 6 ex U/18 team captains in their 1st XI.
They were challenged all the way by St Annes another club with a reputation for developing young players and the championship was not finally decided until the last match of the season.
St Annes had some consolation in winning the Vaux Samson Cup and honours were further spread around with Morecambe winning the Vaux Bitter Cup.
Chorley were unlucky to be runners up in both Cup competions.
It is pleasing to note that efforts and hard work are being are being rewarded with Preston moving off the foot of the table.
Geoff Foley was the leading run maker with 1025 League runs which also included the seasons highest individual score of 154 not out against Chorley.
The St Annes professional David Callaghan with 74 took most wickets.
Mark Hadwin of Netherfield had the season's best match analysis of 9-44 against Lancaster.
Morecambe won the 2nd XI title with Lancaster runners up.
Kendal won the junior League beating St Annes in the final.
It was disappointing that the this season none of our clubs reached the later stages of the ECB or LCB Knock Out competitions and our League team suffered defeat in a rain affected Manchester Evening News Inter-League competition.
It is hoped that this is remedied in the coming season.
It is very pleasing to note that Chorley are ranked first and Blackpool fourth in the ECB's table "Nation Knock Out Club of the Nineties".
The future of cricket is now in the hands of the Junior Sections of clubs.A recent review showed extensive involvement of our clubs in Junior Cricket and once again a number of young players had their first experience of 1st XI cricket this season.
The League was particularly proud that three young players from the League followed Andrew Flintoff into first class cricket this year.
Duncan Catterall and Chris Liptrot of Leyland DAF played several games for Worcestershire 1st XI and Atul Sachdeva of Preston played his first class game for Leicestershire this season.
Chris and Atul both played for England U/19.
The League's appreciation and thanks go to all who have involved themselves in any way with Junior Cricket.
The League Executive will be encouraging clubs and individuals to further their improvement with Junior Cricket and will be arguing the case with higher authorities for further funding for this essential basis to the future of cricket.
Vaux no longer exist as a company and consequently the sponsoship ceased.
The League is grateful to them and to Nat West who sonsor the Junior section for their support.
Finding a new sponsor is proving difficult.
In common with other Leagues and sports, discipline on the field is an increasing problem.
The Executive has reviewed the rules on discipline and made some changes.
The Executive is determined to produce the conditions and give support to the umpires so that recreational cricket is fair and enjoyable for all involved.
Many make contributions enabling cricket to be played.Umpires, scorers, club officials, those who work on the grounds or provide teas etc, all deserve our thanks and recognition for their efforts.
John and Judith Richardson are to be thanked for the efficient way results are distributed to the media.
A great deal of time and effort has been spent over the last few years with the problems of introducing Premier Leagues.
The recognition by the ECB that an 120 over game was to long for recreational cricket removed the main objection of Northern League Clubs and we have now been accredited as a County Premier League.
This is a natural progression in the development of the League and should be taken as a starting point to build on the high standards developed in the past so that we can continue to compete with the best in the county.
My first year as secretary has proved busy and interesting.
My thanks to the Executive, the League Committee and all who have helped me find my feet.
John Cooper
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