Review of 2009 Season
Where does the summer go? It seems no time at all since taking up the reins as Chairman of Junior Cricket in April of this year and now I am reporting on the season past, what a busy time it’s been. Many thanks to my predecessor, Paul Hughes, and also to Fleur for all their work in seasons past, as well as for the support that I have received in my first season.
Friday coaching evenings have been well attended and enjoyed by all, thankfully the weather has been kinder to us this year with only three evenings being cancelled due to the weather. Coaches report new skills being successfully practiced by the younger age groups as well as advice on technique and net practice available to the more advanced players.
We intend to use the off season profitably and to introduce a more formalised approach to coaching at all levels in the coming season. In addition we have five coaches attending ECB coaching qualifications over the coming winter.
My thanks go to all the coaches and volunteers for their time and effort this season, there is no greater pleasure than seeing our young players develop and implement the skills that they have learnt in the competitive games that they play.
We are one of the very few clubs in the Wetherby Cricket League to enter all five year group leagues as well as cup competitions. This in itself brings many challenges but most importantly gives our young cricketers the maximum exposure and opportunity to play competitive cricket.
Congratulations this year to our U17 side for a hard fought fourth place in their league. There was some extremely competitive cricket played in this league and had at least two matches very narrowly lost been won then we would have finished very near the top. The U11 side also had a creditable season finishing sixth out of the thirteen teams in their league. Once again there was some very competitive cricket and narrow losses that would have otherwise meant a significantly higher position than was ultimately achieved. Elsewhere results were somewhat mixed but nevertheless there were some fine individual and team performances. On behalf of Junior Members many thanks to all the Team Managers this year, win or lose we are always very proud to see that Spofforth play both competitive cricket and uphold the spirit of the game.
Finally to all those of you who have helped our Junior Section in whatever way throughout the 2009 season my most sincere thanks. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our club without whom none of the above would be possible. I hope that you’ve had as much fun as I have seeing our Juniors enjoy and develop in their cricket and that you’ll join us next year to continue the progress of both our club and Juniors.