Ray Mullaney’s U12 team won everything before them. Undefeated in the league en route to the title, cup final winners and supreme Champion of Champions in a quite outstanding year.

Mark Burton’s U13s were not far behind as they too were winners of their league, and in a memorable final at Morton they defeated Baslow to carry off the cup winners trophy.

For the first time, Matlock entered the Peak District U14 league where, under Mullaney’s astute management, they enjoyed a successful season to lift the league trophy, adding it to the five collected in the Border League.

Three individual performances stood out in the key games.

Drew Mullaney was man-of-the-match in the U12 cup final, while team mate Ewan Fisher took the honour in the Champion of Champions match.

Adam Bedford was the star of the U13 cup final.

Of course, much of the success is not only down to the quality of the club’s young players but also to the considerable efforts of team managers and coaches, and the club is indebted to David Brittain, Mandla Mashimbyi, Ray and Judy Mullaney, David Reeve, Mark Burton, Jack Pressland, Tim Braund, Chris Laud and Peter Stapleton for their dedicated approach, as well as to parents for the transport, enthusiasm and support they have provided.

With an abundance of talented cricketers coming through the ranks, the club is to give them the chance to progress into senior cricket by entering a third XI in the Derbyshire County League in 2009 (see back page).

Thanks to a ground share agreement with Wirksworth and Middleton Cricket Club, Matlock’s thirds will play at Middleton Recreation Ground.

Any young players interested in joining the club, which has seven junior teams for ages ranging from 7-15, should contact Peter Stapleton on 01773 834130 to enquire about the winter training programme.