WPCA Acting President's Annual Report

In introducing a brief review of the past season, your administration experienced a mixture of highs and lows in what proved to be a difficult and ardeous summer.

Advocate Percy Sonn was elected unapposed as President and during his term of office has displayed qualities of an outstanding administrator with astute judgement and a clear vision of the future of our Association. It was with reluctance that your Executive was forced to accept his resignation on his elevation to the post of acting President of the United Cricket Board earlier this year. His committment and dedication has been an example to us all and we thank him for his contribution to WP cricket. On a personal note, I must express my appreciation to Percy for his invaluable advice and guidence during my term as his deputy.

The signing of the document of intent to purchase Newlands was certainly the "high point" of the season and our professional team,the WPCC,the City Council and all those involved are to be congratulated on reaching a successful conclusion after three years of intense negotiations. There is still hard work ahead after which our Clubs will be asked to ratify the final deed of sale.

The new season introduced our changed Constitution with respect to the Company and the Cricket Committee. As expected, both structures needed time to find their feet and modus operandi.On reflection, it is evident that our Clubs had made the correct decision and, as imrovements are implemented, the enhanced focus on our professional and club cricket must ensure success to meet the challanges for which both structures have been established.

I wish to express my appreciation to the Executive for their wonderful support and co-operation on being asked to assume the role of acting President. It is never easy to "change gears" during a season and one requires a strong "body" to meet the challange.We can be pleased to have been served by an Executive who maintained a high standard of debate and decision making during a difficult season compounded by the need for self fiscal discipline to ensure the Association remained within budget paramaters while simultaniously meeting the needs and requirements of the season.We thank all our sponsors and advertisers who play an important role in the running and developement of cricket within our bounderies. A special and particular vote of appreciation to our outstanding sponsor - MTN- on behalf of all who participate by playing, administrating and supporting Western Province cricket.

Our Board could not have anticipated the volume of work awaiting them as the season progressed. Their many tasks were successfully concluded with no greater challange than the investigation into the poor season experiencedby our "A" team.More than forty hours of interviews with all role players took place during a concentrated period of time. It required huge input and committment of everyone concerned and resulted in solutions to the problems in a positive and constructive atmosphere whereby we may anticipate the dawn of a new season with confidence. We have learned much and should continue this process on a regular basis. A report will be made to Clubs at the next Council Meeting.

The Cricket Committee has found its mandate to focus on all facets of Club cricket both motivating and stimulating. It is imperative that our Club cricket should be strong and highly competative played in an atmosphere of enjoyment and satisfaction. A number of Club meetings were held during the season resulting in a document containing recommendations for the improvement of our domestic game. Content has been provided to the relevant sub-committees for input and it is hoped to have a presentation available within a short period of time.In returning Club Cricket to Newlands, an historic day/night 1A final took place amid great enthusiasm and creativity.I have made mention at our recent Council meeting of the fantastic crowd support at all our oneday finals and at the last exciting league fixtures of the season. This lends credence that Club Cricket is not "dead" but requires stimulation and upgrading to reach its rightful place in WP cricket.Congratulations is extended to all Clubs on winning their various competitions - well done !

I thank our provincial selection panel for their many hours of hard work and dedicated service and to those who served on our various sub committees with committment and diligence.

Western Province Youth Cricket concluded another succesful season and has continued to lead other Provinces by example. We are proud of their achievements and congratulate their administrators,coaches,teachers and parents who work like trojans - their only return being the growth, progress and success of our youth who form such a vital component of our future. Our Superjuice Acadamy completed a full season of fixtures against local and overseas opponents with success and gained much experience.WP Women's cricket continues to grow with great enthusiasm and are the inter provincial champions this year - an outstanding feat.

The Western Province Umpires Association are to be thanked for their unselfish devotion during the past season. We all know theirs is a thankless vocation, nevertheless, we all need to play our role in improving the standard of the "playing" and the "standing" of the game we love with such great passion.

We congratulate our Provincial players on attaining their National colours during the past season and to our "B" Team on their fantastic performance on winning the 3-day Bowl Competition. We congratulate our Provincial Youth players on selection to the SA U 19 World Cup Team and to our WP U 15 and 13 teams on their successful tournaments.

Our appreciation is extended to the Press and News Media for our Provincial and Club coverage. We understand that our sport journalists do not have control over the space allowed in their media but we are grateful for the improvement in Club results and news during the past season.

I cannot conclude this report without a huge vote of thanks to our CEO, GM and full-time staff for their wonderful support and motivation throughout many hours of hard work in serving WP cricket.

In conclusion, I wish to thank our Hon.Life Members and Club Administrators for your participation throughout the season and I am confident that collectively we can as a "family" face the new season with confidence. My best wishes to all for a successful year 2000/01