AGM : Report from Womens Section

Early in the season Rush 2 withdrew from Division 2 and Terenure withdrew from Division 3. In addition Merrion 2 withdrew from the Junior Cup.

The committee had asked all clubs to fix all division 1 matches on Thursdays, Division 2 matches on Tuesdays and Division 3 matches on Wednesdays. The clubs did try as far as possible to do this. However the season was in general ruined by the weather with all the clubs struggling to fulfil their fixtures. Over all there were fewer matches played than in previous years.

The results were submitted for the first time on line this year. Most of the clubs managed to do this without any problems but there were a few who had to be chased right up to the awards dinner for results. It is hoped that we will have 100% submission on time next year.

One disappointing thing during the year was that a player was reported to the disciplinary committee for the first time.

The following were the trophy winners for the 2012 season.

Womens’ League Winners

Pilkington Plate                                               Merrion

Division 1                                             Merrion

Division 2                                             Malahide

Division 3                                             The Hill 2

Womens’ Individual Awards

Womens Division 1 Batting                  Laura Delany (Leinster)

Womens Division 2 Batting                  Mary Waldron (Malahide)

Womens Division 3 Batting                  Aisling Carthy (Pembroke)       

Womens Division 1 Bowling                 Kim Garth (Pembroke)

Womens Division 2 Bowling                 Anna Kerrison (Leinster)

Womens Division 3 Bowling                 Clara Pryor (Malahide)

Womens Division 1 Wicket Keeping     Valmai Gee (Leinster)

Womens Division 2 Wicket Keeping     Jenny Ingram (Railway Union)

Womens Division 3 Wicket Keeping     Not awarded

Howard Cup (All Rounder)                   Kim Garth (Pembroke)

Special Awards

Most Improved Player (Women)                      Blathnaid Breslin (Merrion)

Clarissa Pilkington Fair Play Award (Women)   Ann Harford (Rush)

The main points of the Women's Branch Annual Meeting 2012 are the following:

1.  The League and Cup structures may need revising on the basis of the number of teams clubs will enter in 2013; Cup competitions will be in a T20 format
   
   - The Committee has asked the clubs to communicate how many teams they envisage entering by 17th November. A proposal will be distributed as soon as possible.
   Suggestions include creating a Social League, U21 League, 1st round losers in Cup to join a second level Cup competition. Other suggestions remain welcome.
2. The Pilkington Plate League will be changed to mirror the Pro40 format in order to form a bridge between the formats played Internationally and in Leinster
   
   - The Committee has asked the clubs to communicate whether they will enter a team by 17th November. Especially Division 1 clubs are encouraged to either enter a team themselves or find a combination with other clubs to enter a team
   
   - In order to facilitate more matches, the LCU fully backs the initiative of the WCC to determine fixtures centrally before clubs receive the fixtures list for 2013. This should not only help do the fixtures, we believe it will also encourage participation and increase exposure of women's cricket in Leinster.
3. In all formats of the women's game in Leinster we will use the pink ball after a successful trial. There are numerous advantages of the pink ball over the red and white balls, most importantly visibility while there is no need for black/dark sight screens.
4. The starring system was evaluated and comments and suggestions will be taken into account in the discussion and proposals on the structures of the competitions in 2013.
5. It was decided to start using coloured clothing in all competitions. In cooperation with the LCU, the WCC will approach suppliers for coloured cricket tops and report back to the clubs for their consideration.
6. Clubs are invited to consider hosting women's Cup Finals and Pilkington Plate League Final. Any suggestions can be sent to the WCC.
7. A new Communications Plan has been put into effect through which we trust clubs and individuals will feel better informed with and involved in women's cricket in Leinster.
8. Last but not least, the new Women's Competitions Committee members: