Chairmans Report

The game of cricket is dependent on so many different things and human beings but in the main, weather is the most vital ingredient.  What a year!  Rain and more rain.  It is amazing to look at statistics and see how many games were played.  Our thanks must go to all the people who made the games possible.  Groundsmen, what a superb job they did!  Atrocious weather and they managed to prepare wickets and out fields so that cricket could be played.  Alongside these persons our thanks to umpires who seldom failed to arrive and stood in all winds and weathers. 

The Cricket Board of Wales and Welsh Cricketers in general felt complete outcasts when money from the Cricket Foundation Trust was not forthcoming in 2007 to carry out the Chance to Shine programme.  As I write this report there is a light at the end of the tunnel, in fact a beacon is now shining and it is certain that Wales will benefit from the Chance to Shine in 2008.  We are indebted to the efforts made by GBW (Geoff Holmes) and the Sports Council of Wales, in line with the Cricket Foundation Trust. 

After many interruptions with the weather, the final of the Gwalia Housing Welsh Cricket Association knock out competition between Usk CC and Sully Centurions was held at Abergavenny on Sunday August 12^th.  Fortunately a change in the weather occurred and the match was played on a fine sunny afternoon and evening.  An excellent encounter took place and Usk CC were the winners.  The Welsh Cricket Association is indebted to the Abergavenny Cricket Club for their hospitality and the facilities afforded before and during the day.  As a result of the poor weather conditions, which prevailed during the competition, I would like to thank the majority of clubs for their patience and forbearing and to Brian Crockett for all his endeavours.  Our gratitude to the Gwalia Housing for the sponsorship and organisation, which made it an event to be proud of. 

There appears to be an impetus on behalf of the Glamorgan County Cricket Club to amalgamate the cricketing bodies in East and West Wales.  It must be recorded that this was attempted some years ago before the South East Wales Premier League was formed.  At that time many drawbacks were foreseen by the South Wales Cricket Association, which would not benefit an old and well-established organisation.  I trust that whatever the outcome of the current discussions it will benefit all concerned and bring to the fore the young potential cricketers.   

This year the Welsh Cricket team played the MCC at Lords in a one day match and were successful.  Unfortunately circumstances prevented me from being present but a very enjoyable day was had by all and more so as Wales were victorious for the second year running. 

Child Welfare/Protection is a permanent factor and a very important subject.  Every club and league must be fully aware of all the implications, participants in cricket, and indeed every sport, must abide by the rules and regulations governing the interaction of young and old.  Young persons have to be protected from the possible paedophiles present in society.  One way this can be achieved is that all who are connected with the young must be CRB checked (valid for 3 years).  Brian Crockett is very active in this arena and is arranging or has arranged courses throughout Wales.  Each club and league must have a Child Welfare Officer and it is imperative that these people attend the relative courses. 

I mentioned in my report last year of problems that existed between the ACU&s and the ECB ACO (Association of Cricket Officials).  The former a well-established organisation, beset with a few problems, which I believe have been solved and all is in order.  The issue at stake is whether ACU&s should amalgamate with the ECB ACO.  Discussions took place and an AGM held and a vote taken, which favoured the amalgamation.  It is hoped that now all will progress amicably, umpires and scorers are important facets of the game and without their involvement the recreational game would be severely restricted. 

The WCA Council accepted the proposal that the WACD (Welsh Association of Cricketers with Disabilities) and WWCA (Welsh Women’s Cricket Association) should be represented on the WCA Council.  Certain matters have arisen regarding the WACD and meetings have been held in an attempt to resolve whatever issues are causing problems. 

I must mention the tremendous achievements of our young cricketers.  The U13’s, U14’s and U16’s won their respective UK Championships and the U15’s were beaten in the final of the event.  The future of cricket augurs well; these results could not have been obtained without the efforts of the coaches, managers and administrators who have given endless time and energy in producing young cricketers of excellent ability.  Well done.   

Finally let 2008 bring forth better weather, enabling cricket to be played in normal conditions for the enjoyment of all.  May I thank all, especially the volunteers who attend meetings and participate in whatever way for the good of the game.

 Graham Crimp

(Chairman)

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