Expansion in the Upper Airedale Junior Cricket League looks set to continue this year.

League secretary Derek Hurren reported to the league's annual meeting at Cononley Cricket Club that the number of clubs had increased to 25, the number of teams to 60 and the number of fixtures completed to 350 - all league records.

He also applauded the efforts of all the team managers in their continuing efforts in the six-year expansion.

And provisional declarations for team entry in 2007 indicate continued development, with the number of teams possibly reaching a new record of 65.

Newcomers Bingley Congs are due to play at under-17 level, and an additional team or teams have also come from Gargrave, Cononley, Steeton, Haworth and Haworth West End. However, Airedale and Long Lee have both withdrawn.

Confirmation of final entries is due at the next committee meeting on February 22.

A full complement of clubs turned out for the annual meeting, and the league had again gained sponsorship for each of its five divisions, it was reported.

Treasurer Nicola Yates presented a financial statement showing a very healthy position, with many innovations supported during the year, in addition to substantial support for the Craven and District Junior Cricket Association.

The Upper Airedale Junior League's registration scheme showed 136 new children had played cricket in the area, rising from 555 in 2005 to 691 in 2006.

Competitions secretary Terry Thompson said that the UAJCL was proud to have provided these additional opportunities and would continue to seek new ways to bring more youngsters into the game.

Congratulations were offered to all the championship winners: Silsden (under-nines), Oakworth (under-11s), Skipton (under-13), Upper Wharfedale (under-15s) and Oxenhope (under-17s), three of whom completed a league and cup double.

Issues under scrutiny include member clubs' ability to organise replays for matches lost to the weather, batting retirement thresholds and mismatch incidence.

There was praise for member clubs who had significantly improved the reporting of fielding points from 2005 and they were asked to work towards improving meeting attendance during 2007.

All executive officers were re-elected with the exception of Nicola Yates, who has stood down after two successful years.

President Mr Richard Smith thanked her for her invaluable services in a period of increasing workload arising from the league's expansion.