The Twelfth Man 2011

29 • Q: Is there an equality issue in view of no women at Yorkshire’s cricket academy. A: At present the physical aspect prevents this and there are no plans to change things. • Q: Girls are now encouraged to attend the WCLS nets with coaching facilities. A: We are aware of that and, if necessary, any South Yorkshire girls who came to us will be referred accordingly. • Q: What is the present situation in relation to a home ground. A: We are looking at Harrogate, which as you know has a long history as an out ground and this is presently being seriously considered as a home ground. • Q: Most notable differences in the boys and girls game. A: The most notable difference is the reluctance to appeal for decisions with the new players being young and shy, but they soon adapt. Whilst they may not be quite as competitive as the boys, perhaps that is as well due to the sometimes over competitiveness the boys. • Q: Present state of schools cricket in relation to boys and girls. A: The situation is improving gradually, but for historical reasons (summer holidays etc) it is always difficult and the present school priorities don’t always help The questioning continued to conclude a very interesting evening. January – Young Yorkshire Evening Ian Dewes the Yorkshire Academy Coach came along with three young future cricket stars (hopefully): Alex Lilley an all rounder who joined the Academy four years ago; Ashley Robinson an U18 player and potential Second team bowler this season and Alex Lees who has already played one First team game against India after three years with the Academy (bowler). Ian gave us a background as to the present state of play with the Academy. Ian also outlined the situation with the Country Club who had just been subject to an audit by the ECB. Things are very difficult funding-wise after a disappointing 2010 for financial reasons well publicised. However things are very promising from an academy point of view with lots of promising cricketers coming through, and this is thanks to local nets feeding through to the Academy. Ian completed a comprehensive outline of many of the young stars before we went on to question and answers. Question and Answers: • Q: The young cricketers were asked their aims for the forthcoming season. A: All the boys had the obvious aims of continuing their progress with plenty of runs and wickets and consolidation in the teams on their way to hopefully securing regular first team spots. • Q: Ian was asked about the Academy teams’ progress in the Yorkshire League. A: The intention is to blood players and consolidate their place before the successful ones move up to the Second team spots. A top four position at the end of the season is satisfactory with success in the League Cup can give the season an extra boost. • Q: The boys were asked about their favourite players and grounds and this proved an interesting talking point for some time. • Q: The boys were asked what sort of interaction they had with the First team players. A: The boys felt that they had to reach First team status to get the close interaction they desired, but relationships between all players at the club were excellent. • Q: A question was asked about the various cricket tours e.g. the Jersey and Abu Dhabi. A: All the boys had enjoyed the tours, but Abu Dhabi was a clear favourite with the team being champions without loosing a match. The possibility of no pre-season tour this season would be a great disappointment. • Q: Ian was asked about nurturing young fast bowlers. A: The modern thinking is to give youngsters no more than seven over stints, as they need to be protected from injury, especially with the fielding being so athletic these days. • Q: The boys were asked about their early development. A: All three had started their careers with their respective local cricket clubs The panel then discussed Yorkshire prospects, England’s recent successes and many other aspects of the game to conclude a fascinating evening. February – Anthony Gibson Antony was introduced by our Chairman as the son of the famous cricket commentator and writer Alan Gibson. However Antony is a top-class author and journalist and commentator in his own right as clearly indicated by his award of Book of the Year 2010 namely Didcat and the Demons . Antony was born in Devon, after efforts by his father to get him born in Yorkshire for obvious reasons failed. His father’s parents originated from the Durham area, but Alan did manage get himself born in Yorkshire. After school years, Antony started out doing some scoring for his father and met all the great commentators. Antony had many memories of those days, including some which might explain his father’s later well-publicised difficulties with alcohol. He recalled the great John Arlott sending for his version of a take-away lunch and a very impressive one indeed when it arrived; a turkey pie and four bottles of claret. Antony went on to give the audience a history of his fathers very colourful life, and included many extracts Wombwell coaching coordinator John Ambler (right) pictured with guests at the Young Yorkshire evening in late January.