The U17s had a magnificent season comprehensively outplaying the opposition and we were worthy winners of the championship – the first time we have won this for ten years. Under the astute management of Mick Richards his strong squad performed to their potential and it is not surprising to note that several are making a contribution in our top senior sides. It is perhaps not coincidental that these players were pioneers of kwik cricket and have consequently enjoyed the benefit of playing cricket from the earliest of ages.

The U15s squad, during the indoor season at the JB Sports Centre, showed their undoubted capabilities when our two sides finished as champions and runners-up in the league. They took this form into the outdoor season where they finished second in a strong league of fourteen teams. They remained in contention for the title throughout the season and were the only team to outperform the champions, gaining a winning draw, in a close encounter against Risley. This was a marked improvement on the previous season from which the players can take much satisfaction as well as the manager Stefan Majer and coach Ian McClean.

All our U13s teams played maturely and brilliantly – here is the outcome of the coaches’ policy of introducing players to hard ball cricket at an early age and playing virtually all year round. Justin Burton and Sue Burton enjoyed an awesome season winning the 8-a-side and 11-a-side competitions without a defeat although the 11-a-side play off final against Ockbrook & Borrowash caused some anxiety. This success means we qualify for the national U13 club championship in 2004. Meanwhile Greig Wright and Paul Brown saw their dedicated hard work with our other U13 teams culminate with two excellent wins against Nutbrook and Risley in the 11-a-side competition. The policy of entering extra teams in this age group competition was a success and ought to continue subject to sufficient volunteers being available. Once again the season climaxed with an appearance in the EYCL six-a-side competition – we overwhelmed Ilkeston Rutland in the final.

Sue Burton’s U12s team once again entered the county wide Collard Dawn 8-a-side tournament. In an exciting semi-final they just failed to emulate last year’s team and secure a final place at the County Ground Derbyshire. All this after beating one of the favourites for the trophy Belper Meadows the champions of Amber Valley.

The club’s policy of introducing players to hard ball cricket as soon as possible is once again seen in the standard of play our U11s produce consistently. With a mixed campaign in the indoor competition perhaps underestimating their capabilities, Michael Hopkins’ team triumphed in the cup final against West Hallam and finished runners-up in the league to a strong Ockbrook & Borrowash side.

The eight week soft ball season saw the club fielding three sides most Friday evenings to ensure our growing membership could experience playing matches and utilise the skills so conscientious practised. Such was the progress made by so many players that the club had two 8-a-side teams in the mini softball to hard ball league organised by the Erewash Young Cricketers’ League in July and August. It must be remembered that our soft ball players are often young in comparison with other club teams who do not have a team in the Erewash Young Cricketers’ U11 Hardball League – consequently our two mini league wins over Risley was especially rewarding.

A definite highlight of the season were the hard ball matches for our predominantly U9s team. A magnificent away win over Radcliffe-on –Trent saw us outplay them in every department of the game. The club’s future is secure in the hands of these young players.

The success of our age group players saw a pleasing number play county and district cricket. This year nine members represented either Nottinghamshire [5] or Derbyshire [4]. A further twelve club members played district representative cricket for Erewash at U15 [5] and U13 [7] age groups.

And finally. A significant impact of the number of competent juniors the club’s youth policy is producing was the decision to enter a 4th XI in the Derbyshire County League to further help prepare junior members for senior cricket. Under the stewardship of Justin Burton and David Cutts they enjoyed a successful first season – in many matches eight juniors were supported by just three senior players. The success of this venture can be measured in the number of players who would have liked to have been selected for more matches. The long term success of this ‘development’ team will, of course, be measured by the number of juniors who eventually play regular 1st and 2nd XI senior cricket.

Every junior playing member can be rightly proud of their achievements in this outstanding season.