Geoff Gooch has been elected president of the Nottinghamshire Cricket Board Premier League for the upcoming 2012 season.

 Gooch, who replaces Ray Elvidge, is a familiar figure in recreational cricket within the county having undertaken a variety of roles including player, umpire and administrator.

 Gooch started his career at Bulwell but is more widely known for his association with Attenborough Cricket Club that now stretches over 50 years.

 And it was his enthusiasm and true love for the game that led to him taking up roles as an umpire and league administrator whilst still serving as President of Attenborough.

 The all-rounder was chairman of the Nottinghamshire Cricket Association, the forerunner of the Nottinghamshire Cricket Board and he played a leading role in the development of the board.

 Gooch also had active involvement in the formation of the Premier League back in 1999 in addition to serving on the Nottinghamshire CCC committee for eleven years, being an advocate for the amateur game within the county club.

 Of Gooch’s appointment League Chairman Peter Johnson said:

 “Geoff is a very well-known and popular figure in the recreational game within Nottinghamshire and we are delighted that he has agreed to act as the League’s president for the next year. 

 “Following Ray Elvidge could be a daunting prospect but no one is more qualified than Geoff to take on this prestigious role.  I know that he will receive a very warm welcome as he travels to member clubs during his term of office.”

 Speaking of his new role Gooch said he was “honoured” and “proud” to have been elected:

 “I am honoured and very proud to have been asked by Peter and his management committee to be the League president for 2012.  I have taken great delight at seeing how the league has fared since it was started in 1999 into what is now recognised to be one of the strongest leagues in the country and I look forward to acting as its President”.

 The 14^th season of the league begins on 21^st April with Clifton looking to clinch the title for a fourth consecutive season; the league will also be returning to Trent Bridge on 9^th July as they play host to the finals day of the league’s Twenty20 competition.

Words by Martin Key