Junior cricket league expands for new season (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Junior cricket league expands for new season

5:20pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Cricket By Bill Marshall, T&A Sports Reporter

The Upper Airedale Junior Cricket Association is set for another year of expansion. A total of 82 teams are expected – an increase of five from 2011.

One new club, Great Horton Church, were welcomed into the Association, while Eldwick & Gilstead and Sutton indicated likely returns after recent absences.

But 2011 first-time entrants Sandy Lane are unable to continue to support junior teams, while Haworth West End may see a further contraction.

In addition, internal growth is expected at Bolton Abbey, Bradley, Crossflatts, Cullingworth, Haworth and Steeton, meaning that 2012 is expected to see expansion in all age groups other than under-11s.

A new team for girls – Aire Valley Angels – was launched in 2011, managed by Charlotte Boulton, and they will enter the CartaSport League next season.

The under-11 league will be organised geographically, with conferences for North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. This will help to reduce travelling times for midweek evening matches for the youngsters.

A similar geographical arrangement will underpin the Sunday morning under-13 competition. Both these age groups will therefore have play-offs for their overall UAJCA championships.

The cup finals are to be held at Skipton Cricket Club (under-13s and under-17s) on Sunday, July 1 and at Haworth Cricket Club (under-11s and under-15s) on Sunday, July 15.

The Malsis Festival for under-nines, under-11s and under-13s will take place again on Sunday, June 17.

Meanwhile, the ten-week Roadshow, held in 2011 with Level Three coaches, provided via UAJCA sponsors JMS Sport UK, proved a hit with member clubs, who expressed a desire to hold a similar programme for newcomers to cricket in 2012.

UAJCA will again approach the Charitable Youth Trust for their support for what is a free introduction to the sport.