It was all change at the Upper Wharfedale Cricket Club AGM at the Foresters Arms.

Andrew Smith was elected chairman and Jon Slater took over as secretary from his father Tom, who retired after 31 years in the post.

Tom Slater said: “Until players realise that they have to do more for the club than turn up on a Saturday to play the sooner the club will become financially sound and be the envy of all clubs in the league.”

David Eggleton was elected captain with Chris Baines vice-captain, Dan Stockdale second XI captain with Chris Butt vice-captain and Richard Foster third XI captain with Stuart Whyte as vice-captain.

In his 31st and final secretary’s report Mr Slater, who will also be retiring as groundsman at the end of season 2010, said that 2009 was a mixed season. The first XI finished sixth in Airedale and Wharfedale League Division Two, the second XI second from bottom and relegated to Division Three while the third XI finished bottom.

The first X1 batting prize was won by Justin Graham with 691 runs at an average of 43.19, followed by Andrew Foulds with 533 runs at 33.31 and James Freebury 439 runs at 23.11.

The first XI bowling was topped by Steve Pearson with 37 wickets at an average of 18.62. Graham was second with 28 at 21.75 and D Daggett third with 22 at 17.00. Pearson won the fielding prize. The second XI batting prize went to A Smith with 317 runs at 35.22 with K Gill second with 347 at 26.69. John Slater won the bowling with 31 wickets at 14.42 with S McElhinney second with 21 at 15.29 and J Yeadon third with 18 at 35.06.

The fielding prize went to J Schindler who also won the third XI batting prize with, bowling to S McElhinney and fielding to H Bullough.

There was a record fourth wicket stand of 275 in the league achieved by Justin Graham (141) and David Eggleton (123 ).

Mr Slater thanked Bob Richardson, John Carlisle and Sebastian Richardson for their help on the ground and Ian Austin for his tireless work with the juniors and his work in achieving Club Mark status for the club.

He thanked the retiring chairman, and Rita and Phil at the Foresters for organising the Golf Day. for which Frank House once again obtained 30 sponsors.

The ladies were thanked for their splendid support and making a profit of £2,818.