NORTH SOMERSET YOUTH CRICKET LEAGUE

The aim of the League shall be to promote, encourage and develop youth cricket.

http://nsycl.play-cricket.com

REPORT 2012

This was the League’s 48^th consecutive year of operation for clubs located in the North West part of Somerset and indeed further afield. At the end of the worst summer for rain during all that period, 2 events stood out: First Brian Rose, this League’s longstanding president, stood down as the SCB’s Director of Cricket, having overseen the most successful playing period for Somerset CCC in its history. Second, Peter Trego, the most successful product of the NSYCL’s youth structure, was named county cricket’s Most Valuable Player for the 2012 season.  Congratulations to both on their achievements!

Meanwhile, the League plugged on through unrelenting rain, 45% of the 359 fixtures being cancelled or abandoned.  Summer rain is, unfortunately, our constant fellow-traveller, but this year it had more than its money’s worth. 

The size of our League is such that, though U11s are limited to the 12 successive weeks from end April to end July (before family holidays intervene) and U17 fixtures are fitted in as best they can be through the summer, at the most popular levels (U15 and U13) games have to be played every week from mid-April through to mid-August.  It was not just many of the early fixtures that needed to be decided on the toss of a coin.  As the long-awaited dry weather never came, coin-tossing became an alternative competitive sport. 

Since league games were moved some years ago to a “points on the day” format, with no scope for postponing and rearranging fixtures, cancellations (though disappointing) enabled all League competitions to keep moving forward to completion, without paralysis.  Fortunately, in Cup and Plate fixtures, where postponement for weather and rearrangement is still allowed, all rounds dodged the weather and all competitions got to a cup final with a winner. 

In the U17s League, Nailsea claimed top spot from last year’s champions Cheddar.  There was a bunch in mid-table including Winscombe, Cleeve and WSM, with Temple Cloud & Barrow Gurney bringing up the rear.  The U17s Cup was won by Cheddar over Uphill and in the Plate Cleeve shot out WSM for 68 (C Hance 4-8 and R Hunter 4-12) to win that popular competition. 

At U15s level, the 16 teams were (as has been the approach in recent years) split first into 2 geographical sections.  In the Trescothick (North) Section, Bristol led with Nailsea 2 points adrift, but in the following 10-team play-off Section Nailsea managed to reverse positions to finish champions.  Winscombe and WSM Wizards had topped their South Section but in the play-offs had to be content with 3^rd & 4^th spots. Cheddar won the U15s Cup in damp (naturally) conditions at Claverham, while Bristol (Abrams 63, Probert 51) beat Blagdon to the U15s Plate. 

At U13 level last year’s winners Bristol tied with Cleeve at the top of the Caddick (North) geographical Section, while Wrington led the Parsons (South) Section from Clevedon with Uphill Castle a close 3^rd.  The top 4 from each Section carried their points forward to the play-offs, where Bristol emerged champions ahead of Cleeve. Bristol then did the double, winning the Cup against Cleeve in a repeat of the 2011 final, shooting out Cleeve for 32 with James Dunn 4-3 taking a hat-trick.  Banwell & Churchill beat Claverham in another low-scoring game to win the Plate. 

18 teams competed at U11 level, including new entrants Blagdon, Backwell, Flax Bourton and WSM “C” (U10s).  Enthusiasm is unbounded at this age, amongst both players and managers.  Only 3 points separated the top 7 teams, with Winford eventually claiming their first NSYCL League title from runners-up WSM Wizards by a single point, ahead of Clevedon 3^rd.  There is no Cup competition at U11 level so the programme is constituted by League fixtures over 12 straight weeks. 

Across all levels, centurions in 2012 were J Luff (WSM), J Butcher, R Riddicks (Nailsea), H Thomson (Bristol) and T Rowland (Bristol), with C Scott (Bristol) (twice), B Hussey (Blagdon) and J Luff (WSM) taking 5 or more wickets in a game for single figures.  Highest team total was Bristol’s 198-2 v Whitchurch at U15s. 

The NSYCL continued to seek, and where possible play, representative fixtures against other local Leagues, this year setting up matches both home and away with the Bristol & District Youth Cricket League though our new Representative Teams Officer, the enthusiastic Jo Pinkney (Nailsea).  Only 2 of the games, though, could be played owing to weather, with NSYCL U11s winning their match held at Congresbury, and NSYCL U13s losing a tight game in the closing stages at Twyford House. 

Thanks are due to member Clubs who made their grounds available to host Cup and Plate finals, as well as Representative matches, particularly with this year alternative dates having had to be requested because of postponements. 

John Waters’ (Nailsea) work for Youth Cricket through the NSYCL, taking responsibility for time-consuming matters such as cup finals, trophies and representative games, was critical, as was Mark Walker’s (Failand & Portbury) operation of the online results website, now so familiar as to be part of the scenery.  Our Chairman Stuart Dewer, (Congresbury) continued his guiding involvement, including representing the League in presentation of trophies at finals. 

The continued sponsorship of the League’s handbook by Westcountry Ground Care of Axbridge (Rod Cooper), and the voluntary attendance of umpires supplied by the Bristol & Weston Counties Umpires Association were also critical to operations, as well, once again, as the scorers, parents, groundspeople and others making it all happen. 

To try again with what I said this time last year: “Let’s look forward to a blazing summer next time!”

Robert Humphreys

League Secretary

North Somerset Youth Cricket League (NSYCL)                                         1^st November 2012

NORTH SOMERSET YOUTH CRICKET LEAGUE

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD ON 20^th FEBRUARY 2012 AT NAILSEA CC

Present:
Stewart Dewer (Chairman)
Robert Humphreys (Secretary)
John Waters (U11/U13 Secretary, Cup Finals, Trophies, Representative Games)
Mark Walker (Results Officer)
Backwell/Flax Bourton CC	Long Ashton CC
Banwell & Churchill CC	Nailsea CC
Barrow Gurney CC	Temple Cloud CC
Blagdon CC	Uphill Castle CC
Bristol CC	Weston-super-Mare CC
Cheddar CC	Whitchurch CC
Claverham CC	Winford CC
Cleeve CC	Winscombe CC
Clevedon CC	Wrington CC
Congresbury CC
Apologies:
Failand & Portbury CC

1.             The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm after pre-meeting business had been concluded.  Attendances were taken. 

2.             The minutes of the previous meeting of 24^th February 2011 were read and approved.

3.             The holding of the AGM on 20^th February 2012 (6 days later than the date specified in Rule 3 of 14^th February) was approved.

4.             In relation to matters arising from the last AGM minutes, the League Secretary reported that, despite the best efforts of himself and Jo Pinkney (Nailsea) it had not been possible to get cap badges designed.  After discussion, it was determined that (provided that NSYCL cap badges could be sourced) for the 2012 season every player who represented the NSYCL at any age level (if he only played one game) would be eligible for a League Cap and that (as per the decision minuted at the previous AGM) the League would supply funding towards the cost of caps purchased. 

5.             Jo Pinkney accepted office as Representation Teams Officer, for which she was thanked by the Chairman. 

6.             The League Secretary/Treasurer delivered a report (copy attached).

7.             The U13/U11 Secretary (for trophies, cup finals and some representative games) delivered a report (copy attached).

8.             The Treasurer delivered an income and expenditure statement as at 20^th February 2012 (copy attached) which was explained, discussed and approved. The recommendation of the Treasurer that subscription and fine levels be unchanged for the 2012 season was discussed and accepted.

9.             The Results Officer delivered a report (copy attached).  He reminded members that it was their responsibility under Rule 12 to report their results and input details into the results website, not for him to have to chase for missing results. 

10.         John Waters delivered a report in relation to representative matches (copy attached).  John Hance (Cleeve)  delivered a report (copy attached) in relation to U15 representative games and Tony George (Blagdon) gave a report in relation to U11 representative games. 

11.         It was resolved (11 for and 4 against) that Rule 3 (date of the AGM) be amended to provide for the calling of the AGM to be by 30^th November (instead of by 14^th February). 

12.         WSM’s proposal for batsman at U13 and U15 ages to be compulsorily retired at 50 runs was not carried (for 2, many against). 

13.         A proposal by WSM that the provision for determination of qualification places in the geographical sections at U13 and U15 levels (i.e. where clubs were tied on points) be changed from the existing (decided on aggregate runs scored in section games) to decided on net run rate as displayed on and generated by the Play-Cricket Website was carried (for 17, few against), the Results Officer having explained that in his experience the “net run rate” statistics generated by the Play-Cricket Website would produce in some cases surprising and abnormal-looking results. 

14.         It was determined that the U13s and U15s divisions continue to be divided each into 2 x sections, broadly constituted geographically, with a play-off final stage so as to add fixtures to an otherwise short season, as in previous years. 

15.         It was determined that the fixtures for U11s should continue to be 12 straight games irrespective of the number of entrants in that division. 

16.         It was confirmed that at AGMs “any other business” discussed be limited to only any such other business as shall have been pre-notified in writing to the League Secretary.

17.         Election of Officers took place and the following were appointed for the coming year:

President:	Brian Rose
Chairman:	Stewart Dewer
Secretary/Treasurer	Robert Humphreys
U13/U11 Secretary (+ Cup Finals, Trophies)	John Waters
Results Officer	Mark Walker
Representative Teams Officer	Jo Pinkney

18.         Volunteers were called for to arrange League representatives games and after canvassing of those present the following volunteered and were appointed:

U11:	Tony George (Blagdon)
U13:	John Waters (Nailsea)
U15:	Chris Harper (WSM)
U17:	John Hance (Cleeve)

19.         An application was considered by Whitchurch CC to join the League and, after discussion, this was accepted.  It was noted that Temple Cloud (an existing member club) were intending to re-enter a team in 2012. 

20.         Trophies and cups were brought to the meeting and shown to John Waters (responsible for trophies).

21.         Entries for the 2012 season had been handed to the League Secretary prior to the meeting.

22.         Payment for fines in relation to the reporting of results, previously notified by the Results Officer to applicable clubs, took place.

23.         There being no further business, the meeting closed at about 9.10pm. 

………………………                                                                        …………………

Chairman                                                                                             Date 2012

NORTH SOMERSET YOUTH CRICKET LEAGUE

The aim of the League shall be to promote, encourage and develop youth cricket.

http://nsycl.play-cricket.com

REPORT 2011

This was the League’s 47^th consecutive year of operation for clubs located in the North West part of Somerset and indeed further afield. This year a total of 61 teams entered (1 up  on 2010) with at U17 level (Temple Cloud and Midsomer Norton not entering a team), 20 at U15s (same as last year) 18 at U13 (4 down on 2010) and 15 at U11s (1 up on 2010). A newly formed club Banwell & Churchill CC joined the League with a young side.   John Waters had pointed out that for the last 2 years the number of U15 teams exceeded the U13s but for the 11 previous years there were more U13 entrants.  

The weather in 2011 was marginally better than last year, but rain affected many matches. At U11 level, 20 matches were cancelled. The play-offs in the U13 Plate finals and the U17 League play-offs were badly affected though all were played.

In the cup competitions, at U17 level Cheddar and WSM tied and the result was decided by runs scored off the bat, with WSM having conceded 2 fewer extras winning the cup. At U15 level under dank conditions in a reduced overs match, Bristol won a crucial toss to dismiss a demoralised Nailsea team who conceded 2 unnecessary run outs, for just 48, with a 9 wicket victory ensuing. Bristol then went on to overcome Bath to qualify for the County Finals where they defeated Glastonbury comfortably to become County Champions. In the National Competition, they won 2 further matches before being knocked out in the Regional Finals, a great achievement with the number of entrants nationally exceeding 1600 clubs. At U13s Cleeve conceded 46 extras to allow Bristol to get to a 120 for 7 and then collapsed to 55 all out.

In the Plate competitions, Uphill Castle defeated Claverham at U17 level and at U15 level also defeated Long Ashton to win both trophies. At U13s, WSM beat Cheddar.

In the League, at U17 level 4 teams tied for 1^st place. Play-offs ensued. Cheddar and WSM fought a final play-off at which Cheddar defeated WSM in a close game to win the League.

At U15 level, in very closely contested North and South sections, 3 clubs from each section went through to compete in the final play-offs. Although Cleeve had accumulated a 1 point advantage from the final section placings, this was overturned by Bristol who took the title from runners up Cleeve.  Luckless WSM Wizards lost all their matches to prop up the table and were joined by young Uphill Chargers team of just 1 win.

At U13 level, in the Parsons (South) section Cheddar finished top with Claverham runners up, and in the Caddick (North) section unbeaten Bristol took a 3 point lead over Cleeve and Nailsea into the play-offs. Blagdon and Winford challenged strongly to finish just behind. In the play-offs, Bristol came out top to achieve a League and Cup double.

At U11 level, 15 teams competed in a single League with all matches being played under Barrington pairs format. A talented WSM squad lost only 1 match all season, and they were closely followed by Long Ashton and Cleeve, with Wrington and Claverham tied in 4^th place.

At representative level, games of each of the 3 x U11, U13 and U15 age levels took place against the Bristol Youth League. All were exciting with close finishes. The NSYCL won 2 and lost 1. The Representative Matches Officer’s report is submitted by John Waters separately and John Hance (U15 League Representative Team Manager) has submitted a separate U15s report in addition.

Administratively, the year was relatively uneventful. Fortunately, the numbers of representations coming in from clubs with their different versions of events as to what had  happened of particular matches was kept to a minimum.  I have to say that the numbers of these correspondences sent to me as League Secretary have reduced sharply since certain of the divisions went to split sections, thereby reducing the number of matches played during the year, and since the change was made to “play on the day or lose the points”.

My thanks (as all members’ thanks should) go to John Waters for his work during the year not only as U11/U13 Secretary but also with responsibility for time-consuming matters such as cup finals, trophies and representative games. As my own personal involvement with the League (other than on the administrative side) has been minimal (as it has been for some years) the summary of events during the season given above is drawn entirely from his material supplied to me (I apologise if it thereby duplicates parts of his own report). Thanks must also go to Mark Walker for operating the now-indispensible on-line results website (which replaced the hard copy “result cards sent in the post” system) and to Stuart Dewer, our Chairman, always on hand to supply urbane input often as to the best interests of cricket.

As always, the League very much appreciated the sponsorship of Westcountry Ground Care of Axbridge (Rod Cooper) and the voluntary attendance of umpires supplied by the Bristol & Western Counties Association.  Thanks are also due to those clubs who staged finals and to the legions of scorers, parents, groundsmen and others instrumental in making it all happen.

Let’s look forward to a blazing 2012 summer! 

Robert Humphreys

Secretary

North Somerset Youth Cricket League                                               19^th February 2012