Posted: September 29, 2006

Michael Hope

Michael Hope's outstanding contribution to the Bradford Junior League had been honoured.

Hope, who has been chairman for 25 years, was presented with an inscribed silver salver by the SDS Bradford League President Keith Moss at the annual junior league supper.

Mr Moss said: "The Bradford Junior League has been fortunate to have such outstanding leadership.

"The competition is held in high regard everywhere and has produced many fine players, Test players like Gareth Batty, Anthony McGrath, Mike Smith, Steve Rhodes, Richard Illingworth and of course Matthew Hoggard."All started out in the Bradford Junior League where their talent was identified and developed.

"The Bradford Junior League representative sides have a record that is second to none and that success has been well deserved.

"Over the past 25 years Michael Hope has made an outstanding contribution and I hope he will continue to do so for many years to come."

Earlier in the evening Mr Hope had spoken of his frustration with the way Yorkshire were continually turning their backs on the conveyor belt of talent coming up from the leagues and opting instead to bring in overseas players and players from other counties.

"I find it remarkable that Yorkshire should do this. Take this season for example, they brought in a wicketkeeper from Northamptonshire, Gerard Brophy, yet just down the road at Derbyshire they have two very good Yorkshire through the Bradford Junior and played senior cricket in the Bradford League.

"Yorkshire County Cricket Club have more coaches and community workers than ever before, but you never see any of them watching our representative matches or checking the young talent that is coming through.

"Adil Rashid and Mark Lawson are the latest examples of Bradford League players who have made their mark with the county. I urge the county to take a look closer to home for the talent they need."