DONALD EARNSHAW was officially installed as the new Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League president at the annual general meeting, held at his home club, Almondbury.

League chairman Trevor Atkinson paid a fitting tribute to his predecessor Bob Platt, before asking the meeting to back the Executive’s choice of new president, which they did unanimously, leaving the retiring president to perform his final duty of passing over the chain of office.

In accepting the post Earnshaw said: “I’d like to thank Bob (Platt) for the sterling service and experience he has brought to the League over the last 20 years.

“I am absolutely delighted to be chosen as League president, although I know it will be a difficult act to follow in the footsteps of such legends as Bob, and before him Jim Dawson and Alec Lodge.”

In handing over the reins, Platt admitted: “I am going to miss it. It’s been a very short 20 years, but I’ve really enjoyed myself.

“I know when it comes round to April I’ll rue the day that I decided it was time to retire. But I would like to sincerely thank everyone for all their support I’ve had during my time as president.”

One piece of bad news for the League (and the incoming president) was the financial statement from the Finance secretary Bruce Heath, which revealed a loss of over £4,000 during the year.

Delivering his annual report, Heath explained a large part of the deficit was down to the collapse of sponsorship from Romida Sports (£1,000) along with £300 from Spectrum Interiors for the Paddock Shield, which the League subsequently had to fund themselves.

Another £200 plus was written off because of the decision to scrap the LEAF scorebooks, while the former Match secretary’s computer was also deemed irreparable.

Other substantial deficits occurred with reduced takings at the Cup semi-finals and finals due to the weather, while there was a substantial increase in the cost of trophies and prizes (almost £6,000 last year), something which League chairman Atkinson said he is determined to look into.

The chairman welcomed representatives from the four new clubs into the Drakes League for the 2013 season which will commence on Saturday, April 20 and end on Saturday, September 14.

The Hopkinson Trophy (for the best results over the last six matches) was presented to Elland, while the Schweppes Trophy (for Second Elevens) was jointly presented to Kirkburton and Slaithwaite.

The League’s annual dinner and prize presentation evening will be held at the Cedar Court Hotel, on Friday, January 18, when former New Zealand Test cricketer Jeremy Coney is the guest speaker.

Executive secretary Stephen Sykes asked clubs to submit their ticket requests before Christmas if at all possible.