The Twelfth Man 2015

2 Indies. However, some of you might have read of my anger on learning that four of those Yorkshire players were excluded from the Test team and apparently just taken along for the ride. Surely they would have been far better employed playing for Yorkshire and able to be called up if required at short notice, as was Moeen Ali. I have to pay the very strongest tribute to the way in which Yorkshire, shorn of those six, have started the season and I have every confidence, once the team has settled, we shall see another challenge for honours. I pledge myself in my second year as Yorkshire President to continue my support. Of course, in my role as President of Wombwell, I promise to look out for members as I wander around grounds, far and wide and once the dark nights return, you will see me sitting quietly at the meetings so ably organised, particularly by James and Mick. The committee of the Society works so hard in the background, preserving our record as one of the oldest cricket societies in the world. During the early part of the season I was saddened to attend the funeral of Bob Appleyard – such a brave and loyal man. While two days later came another sad farewell, that of dear Ted Lester, who served the County Club as a first-class batsman, Second team captain and then Club scorer for many years. Going to the Scarborough ground will never seem the same without Ted. A Message From The President In addressing you my dear friends as members of this great Society of ours, while acknowledging that we must look forward, I know everyone will forgive me if I beg leave to reflect on the past season, my first as President of Yorkshire. The County season of 2014 saw The White Rose County Club comfortably win the Championship and, from a personal point of view, I have been proud to follow the team all over the country. Not just the wonderful First Xl though, but the Second team and the Academy side, (who did the double in the Yorkshire League competitions). Wherever any of the County teams have appeared I have been with them offering encouragement to the whole squad and I must pay a personal tribute to Martyn and Jason. Their dedication has been inspirational. That was last season and I think it came as no surprise to find six of that great Yorkshire team selected for the short tour to the West WCLS President and YCCC President, Dickie Bird OBE, with the County Championship Trophy, September 2014. (Photo: Yorkshire CCC) Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society is now on Twitter: @wcls1951