Andy Wyles reflects on a summer to remember in his review of the 2022 cricket season ………………………………………………………………

“Everyone’s played LOADS of cricket this summer,” says WCB Participation & Growth Manager, Andy Wyles, with a broad grin on his face. “It’s very unusual to have a summer where the weather has been good the whole time and everything is bang on track. Even with the doubtful forecast in early September, when many of the finals were due to be played, the weather still mostly held. Obviously, increasingly hot summers are presenting challenges for ground staff at cricket clubs, and for society as a whole, but we are in a position here in mid-September where all the fixtures have been completed.”

“There have been some notable national and regional successes in junior cricket again this year,” continues Andy. “Knowle & Dorridge CC U15 girls reached the national cup finals and finished third overall. Leamington CC U15 boys got through to the Midlands Finals of the ECB U15s Cup, where they lost in the semi-final to St Neots CC. To reach the Midlands Finals they had won the Warwickshire Cup and a further qualification round against the winners of the Staffordshire Cup. Adult cricket has been wonderful too with some fantastic cricket played across the Birmingham, Warwickshire, and West Midlands Women’s leagues.”

Summer 2022 will also be remembered for the Commonwealth Games being hosted in Birmingham and the inclusion of women’s cricket at Edgbaston. Andy is hugely enthusiastic about the impact of the Commonwealth Games. “The Games were great; so well received across the region. It was fantastic to see loads of families here at Edgbaston and a different crowd enjoying the atmosphere for the first time. Similarly, The Hundred brought in new people to cricket. I brought my four year old grandson to Edgbaston for a Birmingham Phoenix match – he and his friends loved the whole experience and couldn’t wait to come again!”

“I will be really interested to see how the enthusiasm generated this summer will translate into club cricket. From my own perspective, I really encourage anyone, whatever their age, to get involved if they have been inspired this summer. We have plenty of WCB camps, festivals and events taking place over the coming months. There are details on our website, where you can find out more or locate your local cricket club. The new second team ground at Dorridge CC is going to be an exciting development and will increase our provision for women and girls’ cricket in Warwickshire. It’s a great opportunity to build on the momentum of the Commonwealth Games.”

Congratulations to all the league winners and runners in the county this summer. Some of the leagues are still to be decided. Well done to all the participating teams. Keep working on your skills over the winter, whenever you are able, and we’ll see you for the 2023 cricket season.