Last year I started with a remark about the wet start – this year it’s about how dry it’s been! 

 

Once again I repeat my thanks all our clubs and umpires for the work you do every week to facilitate the games of cricket we enjoy each weekend. It’s always a pleasure to see this in action first hand at various league and cup games. Those clubs hosting cup finals have all done an amazing job once again. Thank you - what you all do is amazing! 

 

We have had the benefit of all our officials carrying out their duties and providing ongoing support and liaison with clubs, umpires, other leagues, and the ECB. We are fortunate that have the benefit of such a diverse Board who are fully committed to all our clubs. Their hard work and support is much appreciated and on behalf of the league I would like to thank all of them. 

 

The Scarborough Beckett League and York Vale League joining went really well with no major issues. We owe a great deal of thanks to Tom Hendry and Tony Scotter respectively. 

 

We also began 2025 with the new Premier League 2, which again went really well with an exciting finish going to the final day of the season (congratulations to Stamford Bridge CC) as did the Premier League (congratulations to Castleford CC) 

 

Discipline issues reduced compared to last year, many of which were resolved quickly at club level. 

 

I make my annual plea for everyone to play within the Spirit of Cricket and thought it was worth spelling it out: 

• Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket - Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires. 

• Play hard and play fair. - Accept the umpire's decision. 

• Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct and encourage others to do likewise. 

 

Returning to the positive, as always I congratulate all this year’s winners and will no doubt have seen them celebrating them at this year’s Award Ceremony. This year we tried a new format focussing on the awards and excluding a dinner, following feedback from clubs. This was held at the National Stem Centre who did a great job for us. Thanks also goes to Jonathan Corcoran and Becky Easton in getting this up and running. I am especially pleased that we were able to hold this free to clubs. We’ll seek feedback and look to what we can do even better for 2026. 

 

I like to thank our new League Sponsors: 

• Attis our new main sponsors. 

• ECB T20 Blast sponsors, Acklams. 

• Hethertons Solicitors sponsored the Premier League 2 T20. 

 

Many thanks for their generous support. 

 

I said last year that as each year progresses I never cease to be impressed by the friendship and camaraderie throughout our league. It’s something we should be very proud of and I hope all our new clubs will experience this. 

 

Winter well and good luck for next season. 

Graham Hursthouse