Players set sights on running up their first 100

Members of YCCC Players' Association hope to chalk up their first century before long! Membership of the association, formed in 2006, stands at 67 in 2007, and chairman Bryan Stott says it would be fantastic to reach the 100 soon.

The association's second annual meeting will be held in the Long Room at Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground on Sunday, April 15, 2007, with tea and coffee served at 10.15am before the meeting starts at 11am. Lunch, costing £5, follows at 1pm.

"The association has gone from strength to strength since its formation," Bryan said, "but we would love even more people to join. Membership is open to anyone who has played either for Yorkshire or Yorkshire Seconds.

"Members' subscriptions, which are now due, remain at £10, and association ties are available at the same price. Any new members coming along to the meeting will be made most welcome, and they are guaranteed to enjoy the company of their former team-mates and friends.

"The past year has been one of improvement and consolidation for the association, with a steady increase in interest as well as bigger attendances at functions - culminating in a brilliant gathering for our first winter reunion luncheon at Fulford Golf Club in January.

"On that day over 60 members, wives, partners and guests enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and excellent food, accompanied by buzzing companionship with a number of new faces among the regulars. It was a wonderful occasion and particularly pleasing to see **Vic Wilson** back in the fold, accompanied by his daughter, Angela."

The association will present a past-president's jewel to retiring president Jimmy Binks, and former Yorkshire and England captain Brian Close will be installed as president for 2007-08 with Don Wilson nominated as president-elect.

An active social year for the members starts with the Gibson Cup golf competition on Wednesday, March 21, at Bradford Golf Club. The cost of the day, including dinner, is £20, and final replies and cheques should be sent to treasurer David Ryder at Headingley Carnegie by March 16.

The summer reunion lunch for members, wives, partners and guest widows will be held in the Taverners' Suite at Headingley Carnegie on Sunday, June 3, the day Yorkshire play Durham in the Friends Provident Trophy. The cost is £5 per person, and the lunch is being sponsored by Oval Insurance. Final replies by May 10.

The Tony Nicholson Memorial Trophy golf day will be on Wednesday, September 26, at Ripon Golf Club, and the Phil Carrick Memorial Trophy will be played at Pannal Golf Club on Wednesday, October 3. Each event costs £20 and the closing dates for entries will be announced later.

BRIAN CLOSE: To be installed as Players' President.