CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAWS The draws for the various cup competitions were made last night. To see them click this link 23 June 2009 BRITISH SUGAR FOLD
BRITISH SUGAR, one of the HPH York Vale Cricket League’s longest-established clubs has folded. Its existence had been in doubt since they were booted off their Millfield Lane ground shortly before the start of this season by the British Sugar company. Several players left because of the uncertain future and although Sugar entered into a ground-sharing arrangement with York RI at New Lane, they have struggled to put out a full side on a regular basis. They only managed to play three of their opening six league games – all defeats - and also conceded a cup match as they were unable to raise a side. Sugar secretary Dave Smith told the league management committee that there would be a club meeting to decide if the they would re-form and apply to join the league in a lower division next season. British Sugar started life as National Glassworks in the 1950s. When the Glassworks factory in Fishergate closed in 1983, the team, who were then playing at the Sugar ground in Millfield Lane, became British Sugar. The team’s 2009 record has been expunged and this has seen University of York Staff elevated to top spot in the revised league table. Click this link to go to the latest tables. A decision about division one promotion and relegation will be made at a later date. The draw for the semi-finals of the cup competitions will be made on Monday, June 22. The league’s dinner and awards night at the Royal York Hotel on Saturday, October 3, will feature a race night. 12 June 2009 CUP DRAWS THE draws for the second round of the HPH York Vale Cricket League premier cups and the first round of the plate competitions have been made. All matches are to be played on Saturday, June 20 unless stated. The draws can be found by pressing the 2009 Cup fixtures button or click on this link The draws for the various semi-finals will be made on Monday, June 22. 30 May 2009 SUGAR'S PLEA FOR HELP BELEAGURED British Sugar are appealing for players to help get them through the season.
The first division outfit, which was turfed off its Millfield Lane ground just before the start of the season by the British Sugar company, is in danger of folding.
Because of uncertainty about the club’s future, several of last season’s squad joined other clubs, leaving Sugar shorthanded.
Although Sugar managed to secure a ground-sharing agreement with
They had to concede their first game of the season against Drax and were unable to field a full side for their next two games and Sunday’s defeat at Clifton Alliance left them anchored at the foot of the division.
Now they may have to concede this Saturday’s HPH Cup first round home tie with Heworth because of a shortage of numbers.
Chairman Derek Quinn said: “We are appealing to anyone who think they can help us on the playing side. We have struggled to put out a side and desperately need to boost our numbers.”
Sugar have already fixed up a ground for next season at the new Manor School, but fear they may not get through the current campaign unless more players join them.
Anyone who think they can help can contact Quinn on 01904 795189 or club secretary Dave Smith on 01904 330534 or email britishsugar@yorkvale.co.uk
17 May 2009 CUP DRAWS LATEST Following the preliminary rounds of the cups, the following first round fixtures are now confirmed for Saturday, May 23.
Scothern Construction Cup: Malton & Old Malton v Thixendale
Premier Sports Cup: Burn II v Tadcaster Magnet (please swap venue to Tadcaster as Burn already at home in the HPH Cup), Copmanthorpe II v Thorpe Willoughby II
Malton & Old Malton II and Ben Johnson conceded their cup fixtures and will play no further part in cup competition this season. 15 May 2009
LEAGUE SECRETARY REQUIRED THE 2009 season has started without a league secretary. It is probably the first time in the 75-year history of the league that the post has not been occupied. Under the League management restructuring the post is less taxing than it has been in the past but to ensure the smoothe running of the league the position still needs to be filled. The management committee is appealing for someone to come forward and take on the position of league secretary, which carries a small honorarium. The main work of the league secretary is: If you think you can help then please contact league chairman Peter Northfield via email at chairman@yorkvale.co.uk or phone 01904 706425. 30 April 2009 FIXTURES ERROR THERE is an error in the handbook in relation to division four fixtures to be played on Saturday, August 8 (Week 16). The correct fixtures should be: Malton & Old Malton v Heworth II ThorpArch & Boston Spa v Pocklington Wheldrake II v Copmanthorpe II Woodhouse Grange v Bishopthorpe II The fixtures are correct on this website and can be found clicking on this link 28 April 2009
SUGAR'S NEW HOME BRITISH Sugar have won a race against time to find a home before the HPH York Vale Cricket League season on Saturday.
The club had hoped for a stay of execution to remain at their ground in Millfield Lane
for one more year but company bosses asked them to leave earlier this month.
However, ground-sharing talks with
Derek Quinn, Sugar’s chairman and groundsman said: “We are really pleased to be at RI. There have been some complications because RI have had to reverse one or two fixtures. It’s not been easy, but at least we are playing somewhere.”
Cricket has been played at the British Sugar ground for 55 years but the demolition of the factory will see York lose another sports ground, following the closure of the Civil Service ground on Boroughbridge Road a few years ago.
Quinn said the club had hoped to play one final season at Millfield Lane
before relocating to the new
In a letter to the club, Andrew Beresford, British Sugar’s head of operations services, ruled out its use and asked them to vacate the ground. He wrote: “As the demolition of the site nears completion we have reviewed the risk assessment governing the area. The site is still industrial in its nature and there are hazards we have to control. With this in mind we will be stopping all access to the site.”
Quinn said that the club had its own personal liability insurance cover which should take care of any safety fears. The Sugar team could still get access to the Millfield Lane ground via the old school and he understood that
Now the new school is open, the old one will be used by Global, a church organisation, thus access to Millfield Lane, and site security, would not be an issue.
Quinn added that the cricket club only wanted to play at the ground up to September yet any further development of the factory site would not reach the planning application stage until 2001. Of the company’s decision, Quinn said: “As a cricket club, and anyone connected with sport, we are very disappointed. It is an excellent sports field stood doing nothing, something which
Last season British Sugar shared their home with Ben Johnsons, who have relocated to
24 April 2009 OLD WEBSITE
THE League's old Communigate website operated via The Press, York, was switched off on Tuesday, April 21. This will not affect any clubs who have their own websites set up with Communigate. They will still be able to access their own sites. Links to club websites are included in the Club Directory on this site and 2009 handbook. Any changes to web addresses or new club web sites can be sent to media@yorkvale.co.uk 22 April 2009 FIXTURE CHANGES THREE fixtures have been put back 24 hours to enable teams to watch York City's FA Trophy final with Stevenage at Wembley on Saturday, May 9. The division two game between Copmanthorpe I and Heworth I will now take place on the following day, Sunday, as will the division four games between Bishopthorpe II and Copmanthorpe II and Heworth II v Woodhouse Grange. The alterations have been done on this website, but came too late to be included in the 2009 handbook which was distributed to clubs at the pre-season meeting at Fulfordgate WMC on Tuesday, April 14. The British Sugar ground in Millfield Lane will not be in operation this season after the company asked the British Sugar and Ben Johnson clubs to vacate the ground. The demolition of the site by the company is nearing completion but they have declined to let the clubs stay at the ground until the end of the season. British Sugar are entering in to a ground-sharing arrangement with York RI at New Lane, while Ben Johnson will play their home games at Escrick Park. Both clubs expect to relocate to the new Manor School site in 2010. 15 April 2009 2009 LEAGUE FIXTURES THE fixtures for the 2009 season have been finalised and approved by a committee meeting on Tuesday, March 10. The full programme for the entire season can be accessed via the 2009 League fixtures button on the menu on the left-hand side of the website. Alternatively, click this link. 10 March 2009 PRE-SEASON MEETING THE pre-season secretaries meeting will be held at Fulfordgate WMC on Tuesday, April 14, starting at 7.30pm. The 2009 handbooks will be distributed at the meeting and any clubs who have any late changes to their club contacts should contact media officer Martin Jarred as soon as possible via email media@yorkvale.co.uk Clubs have been sending in updated details throughout the winter and these have been updated on the website and will be the ones to go into the new handbook. Please check your details by going to the Club Directory page by clicking this link and let Martin know if there need to be any changes. February 16, 2009
for one more year but company bosses asked them to leave earlier this month. before relocating to the new Manor School site. The pitch at the new school is laid but the wicket needs another year to bed in before it is up to Vale League standards.
CUP DRAWS AND 2009 FIXTURES
February 11, 2009
2009 AGM
THE 2009 annual general meeting will be held at Fulfordgate WMC on Monday, November 9, starting at 7.30pm.
January 29, 2009
CASH AVAILABLE TO HELP JUNIORS
MONEY is available to help your club's junior cricketers reach the top.
York and Scarborough Area Cricket Council runs a grant assistance scheme for the benefit of junior cricketers to help with coaching and travel expenses etc.
For example, the cash could be used to help any player who is taking part in the Pathways to Cricket Excellence Winter Coaching Scheme.
The money is funded by York Wanderers Cricket Club and administered by York and Scarborough Area Cricket Council.
The first receipient of a grant from the York Wanderers Fund was Adam Lyth, who reaped the rewards of a tremendous 2008 season with Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The 21-year-old Whitby-born left-hander played 14 LV County Championship matches last season, scoring 645 runs, including a maiden half century. He also represented Yorkshire Carnegie in 16 one-day matches in 2008 and won the Young Player of the Year Award.
For further details of the grant aid scheme contact Simon Hird, Byeways, Low Marishes, Malton YO17 6RJ. Tel: 01904 462567 (work), 01653 668669 (home) or email shird@csl.gov.uk
January 9, 2009
EMAIL ADDRESSES AND SECRETARY
THE restructuring of the league's management set-up has seen the creation of some new posts with appropriate email addresses.
These have now been updated on this website and can be found by clicking the League contacts and Club Directory button.
Clubs who have not forwarded updated Club Directory details for the website and the 2009 handbook should do so by contacting media officer Martin Jarred on media@yorkvale.co.uk
The position of league secretary is still vacant and anyone interested in taking up the post should contact Peter Northfield on chairman@yorkvale.co.uk
This important role in the league carries a significant honorarium.
December 17, 2008
2009 LEAGUE STRUCTURE
TWO newly-elected HPH York Vale Cricket League teams will start life in division four next year.
Thorp Arch & Boston Spa and Welton & Brough have been deemed too strong for division five by the league who have had to readjust divisions because three of sides have dropped out.
Division five outfit Hirst Courtney II have folded, York, who were relegated from division one, and division three side Sheriff Hutton, have joined the York and District Senior League.
That left the Vale league with an imbalance of teams in some divisions.
All sides who gained promotion last season have gone up while the respective relegations of Askham Bryan I, Hirst Courtney II , Malton & Old Malton, Askham Bryan II and Ovington II were confirmed. Fulfordgate, who finished second to bottom in division two, and Thorpe Willoughby I, next to bottom of division three, have been spared the drop.
Burton Salmon, who finished third in division four, move up to division three to cover Sheriff Hutton's absence.
The spread of teams for 2009 is:
Division 1: Barmby Moor, Bishopthorpe I, British Sugar, Burn I, Clifton Alliance, Drax I, Hemingbrough I, North Duffield, University of York Staff, Wheldrake.
Division 2: Acomb, Askham Bryan I, Ben Johnson, Copmanthorpe I, Fulfordgate, Heworth I, Kelfield, North Cave, Ovington I, Westow.
Division 3: Burton Salmon, Drax II, Hemingbrough II, Hirst Courtney, Melbourne, Selby I, Stillingfleet, Stockton & Hopgrove, Thixendale, Thorpe Willoughby.
Division 4: Bishopthorpe II, Copmanthorpe II, Goole, Heworth II, Malton & Old Malton, Pocklington, Thorp Arch & Boston Spa, Welton & Brough, Wheldrake II, Woodhouse Grange.
Division 5: Askham Bryan II, Burn II, Carlton Towers, Huntington, Ovington II, Selby II, Stockton & Hopgrove II, Tadcaster Magnet, Thorpe Willoughby II, York RI.
The league management structure has also changed with Peter Northfield taking over from long-serving Frank Stones as chairman. His vice-chairman will be Shane Hargrave, who stepped down as league secretary at the end of last season after being in the post 26 years.
The role of secretary has yet to be filled and anyone interested in the position should contact development@yorkvale.co.uk
This important role in the league carries a significant honorarium.
The cup competitions will be organised by Dave Smith.
Mike Hamshere remains as treasurer and will form a sub-committee with Mike Wellock to deal with disciplinary and rules issues. Wellock will add the role of development officer to his existing post of child welfare officer.
Grounds officer Les Fearn will work in conjunction with Hemingbrough groundsman Kevin Jackson, who is the Vale League's grounds advisor. Fearn is the new dinner secretary and the 2009 awards night is expected to be held at the Park Inn, York, on a date to be announced.
Andy Copeland continues as results secretary and Martin Jarred as media officer.
The league has a new website on www.yorkvalecricket.btik.com or www.yorkvale.co.uk
Clubs or individuals can still buy copies of 75 Not Out, the 24-page full colour brochure celebrating the Vale League's formation in 1933, by contacting development@yorkvale.co.uk
It is priced £3 and all proceeds go to charity.
December 14, 2008
BOWLING RESTRICTIONS
BOWLERS will be restricted to a maximum 15 overs per innings in HPH York Vale Cricket League matches next season.
The decision to ration bowlers was taken at the league's annual meeting at Fulfordgate WMC.
The idea behind the new ruling is to encourage greater participation in the game, particularly young players.
A proposal to limit bowlers to 12 overs a game was just defeated by 15 votes to 14.
There will be 51 teams in action in 2009 with Thorp Arch & Boston Spa III and Welton & Brough III joining the league for the first time.
Clubmark club TABS, formerly of the Leeds and West Riding Cricket League, will ground share with Tadcaster Magnet while Welton & Brough, who have been in the East Yorkshire Alliance, aim to play their home games on Sundays.
Both York and Sheriff Hutton have left the Vale League for the York and District Senior League while Hirst Courtney II have folded.
A new management structure will be in place for the start of next season following the resignation of three long-serving officers - chairman Frank Stones, vice-chairman Mike Mead and secretary Shane Hargrave.
Stones, who has been involved in the league for over half a century, has been chairman since 1977, while Mead joined the committee in 1986.
Stones was elected an honorary life member of the league and was presented with a framed cricket picture and Mead received a book of cricket art.
Retiring secretary Hargrave, who has held that post for 26 years, said: "It is an amazing coincidence that after much deliberation I have also chosen to declare my innings.
"The York Vale League has come a long way since I jumped on board in 1975 and the fact that two more teams seek membership for 2009 is a glowing testament to the fact that those in charge of running things must be doing something right."
The management of the league is to be restructured before the start of the new season and anyone interested in joining the management committee, particularly as league secretary should contact development officer Peter Northfield by emailing development@yorkvale.co.uk
December 7, 2008