Keighley area clubs are playing their part as the Upper Airedale Junior Cricket Association is set for another year of expansion in 2012.

A total of 82 teams are expected – an increase of five from 2011 – including a new girls side.

One new club was welcomed into the Association – Great Horton Church – while Eldwick & Gilstead and Sutton indicated likely returns after recent absences.

However, 2011 first-time entrants Sandy Lane are unable to continue to support junior teams, while Haworth West End may see a further contraction.

In addition, internal growth is expected at Bolton Abbey, Bradley, Crossflatts, Culling-worth, Haworth and Steeton, meaning that 2012 is expected to see growth in all age-groups other than under-11s.

A new team for girls – the Aire Valley Angels – was launched in 2011, managed by Charlotte Boulton, and they will enter the CartaSport League for under-11s next season.

Eldwick & Gilstead and Great Horton Church were both accepted unanimously.

Both were voted in at the association’s annual meeting at Cononley Sports Club, Eldwick & Gilstead rejoining after a two-year absence..

Eldwick & Gilstead’s Paul Raistrick said: “Our under-12s played as under-13s in the Bradford Junior League last year and struggled.

“We have 16 or 17 regular players and they are very enthusiastic, although we haven’t got the facilities like Great Horton Church.”

The under-11 league will be organised geographically, with conferences for North York-shire and West Yorkshire.

This will help to reduce travelling times for midweek evening matches for the youngsters.

A similar geographical arrangement will underpin the Sunday morning under-13 competition.

Both these age groups will therefore have play-offs for their overall UAJCA championships.

The Cup finals are to be held at Skipton Cricket Club (under-13s and under-17s) on Sunday, July 1, and at Haworth Cricket Club (under-11s and under-15s) on Sunday, July 15.

The Malsis Festival for under-nines, under-11s and under-13s will take place on Sunday, June 17.

Meanwhile, the ten-week Roadshow, held in 2011 with Level Three coaches, provided via UAJCA sponsors JMS Sport UK, proved a hit with member clubs, who expressed a desire to hold a similar programme for newcomers to cricket in 2012.

UAJCA will again approach the Charitable Youth Trust for their support for what is a free introduction to cricket.

l Former Yorkshire coach Kevin Sharp and ex-Tykes captain Anthony McGrath are conducting a coaching session on Sunday at JMS Indoor Cricket Centre on Parkwood Street, Keighley (2pm-4pm).

Further information is available from Jonathan Smith on 01535-604777.

The Bradford Schools’ Cricket Association are holding representative trials for their under-11 (Year Six) team at Aire Valley School (formerly Nab Wood) Sports Centre on Wednesdays, March 7, 14 and 21 (4pm-5.30pm).

Nominations from PE teachers or school sports co-ordinators should go to community cricket coach Shiv Krishan at 37 High Park Drive, Heaton, Bradford, BD9 6HX.

He can also be contacted on 07889-167095 or via e-mail to shiv.krishan@hotmail.com.