CRICKET in Suffolk is in “good shape” for the future.

Suffolk County Cricket Association secretary Toby Pound told the annual general meeting – held at Kesgrave – that there was much to be positive about.

He pointed to the progress in women’s and girls’ cricket, the growth of seniors’ cricket and also the work going on at junior level around the county.

“Reece Topley and Tymal Mills have come through our ranks in the last few years and are now playing at the top level, which is a glowing tribute to our coaches,” he said of the two quick bowlers now at Essex.

Pound reported that the county had lost three “great friends” with the recent deaths of Beryl Squire and Rick Handy (both Mildenhall CC) and Lavenham’s Ged Turner, who was secretary and treasurer of the Hunts County Bats League up until shortly before he passed away.

Pound said it was sad that the Suffolk Premier League had folded and congratulated Copdock & Old Ipswichian on their promotion from the Two Counties Championship to the East Anglian Premier League.

“We are in good shape going forward,” added Pound.

Treasurer Neil Hammond said the accounts covered the 15-month period from October 2010 until December 2011 due to a change in the end of the financial year.

During this period sponsorship income was up to �11,375 compared to �8,150 in 2010, administrative expenses were down to �1,646 compared to �5,325 and players’ and officials’ match expenses were down from �19,475 to �12,763. This resulted in a surplus of income over expenditure of �8,675 and total assets of �60,055.

Skipper Justin Bishop said in a written report to the meeting that the Minor Counties side had stayed competitive in both three-day and one-day cricket last year in what was a transitional season when the county fielded a mixture of experience and youth.

He said that Matt Hunn, who opened the bowling as a 17-year-old, was a prime example of the talent coming through the youth system in the county.

Tom Huggins, who runs the Development XI, said four or five players had made their debut for the full county side, proving that the time and effort invested in the side was worthwhile.

County ladies’ coach Martin Taylor said the county had won its first silverware, the regional T20 tournament held at Mildenhall last August, and also finished second in Division Five.