WARBURTONS BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE - MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C. 26^th JULY 2004

A period of silence was held in memory of Brian Senior.

Apologies: At the request of the Secretary the President was absent from the meeting in case a club wished to appeal. All other clubs and officials were present.

Minutes of the June Meeting: These had been circulated previously and were agreed to be a correct record. There were no matters arising.

Little Lever v Kearsley: A complaint had been received from Kearsley that Little Lever had played a deputy of a higher grade than their registered professional (Rules 15b & 15gi). The Secretary had confirmed with the Little Lever Treasurer that their pro was now only Grade 1. Little Lever said they had played Saeed Anwar Junior in good faith and had not realised rules had been breached. Members of the Committee expressed sympathy with Little Lever as the name of their deputy had appeared in the press but no one had realised he wasn’t eligible. The Committee agreed members of the Registration Committee could not possibly check the eligibility of all deputies and the onus was on clubs to ensure replacements were of a suitable standard. A proposal that Kearsley kept their six points and Little Lever be deducted their 14 points (in line with previous precedents) did not receive any further support and a proposal that the match be awarded to Kearsley was defeated 10 votes to 6 by a proposal that the teams be awarded 10 points each.

Horwich v Farnworth Second Team: A complain from Horwich that Farnworth were not ready to start the game was refuted by Farnworth. After further discussion the Committee accepted that the match was delayed, but the umpires had decided to play a 100 over game. The main disputed point affecting the result and points allocation was whether or not the Farnworth batsmen had walked off the pitch with one over remaining in the last hour, or if the umpires had agreed the match had ended.

Eric Smith was asked to approach the umpires again and obtain their opinion in writing. The matter was then left until the August meeting, with both clubs again permitted to bring an additional representative.

Birtwistle Cup – Bradshaw v Walkden: Bradshaw lodged a protest that Walkden had fielded a player in contravention of Rule 47b. The Secretary confirmed he had previously spoken to the Walkden President and the Secretary on the subject and had confirmed that a player had to have played four matches to be eligible. Two e-mails had also been sent to the four clubs in the semi final on related topics. Walkden explained that there had been confusion at the club with the Rule governing eligibility for the final. A proposal that the tie be replayed was defeated by a proposal that the match be awarded to Bradshaw by 9 votes to 7. At the request of the Walkden representative, the League Secretary did not vote.

Correspondence: Little Lever and Tonge had played a match without scorer, and both were fined £10.

Eagley have proposed Elsie Waterworth for the Hubert Pendlebury Award. The letter will be read at a future meeting along with other proposals.

A leaflet from the ACU&S was distributed. There will be an Umpire Training Course at Astley Bridge C.C. from 14^th September.

The Secretary has a brochure from 3D Sports.

There are Junior Coaching Courses at Astley Bridge and Westhoughton this week.

Finance: The Treasurer reported a bank balance of £3600 with £1400 for junior coaching. Lists of fines were handed to clubs. The Committee approved the purchase of caps for the Inter-League team.

Umpires: Clubs are reminded once play has commenced covers cannot be removed without the authorisation of the Umpires.

Players cannot practice during the game.

The August newsletter was distributed covering the last hour and players’ behaviour.

Players drinking during the match should be reported to the Disciplinary Committee.

Registrations: Clubs were asked to list their ‘Starred’ players (enclosed / to follow).

Farnworth have cancelled Lee Austin’s Registration.

Kearsley’s professional has been selected for his Countries ‘A’ team. The Committee agreed deputies and or a replacement could be signed within the constraints of Rule 15. Notification of his selection was handed to the Registration secretary.

Bradshaw will also be able to sign deputies and or a replacement under the same rule for their injured professional, subject to a medical certificate being obtained.

Neither club can register a professional of a higher grade (Rule 15f).

The following players have been transferred; M. Javid (A. Bridge to Tonge), K. Bazaz (FSC to Farnworth), J. Davies (Horwich to Farnworth), M. McGuiness (Farnworth to Bradshaw), D. Morris (Bradshaw to Greenmount), D. Barton (FSC to Walkden).

Disciplinary Reports: Mr. Kay said four were being dealt with, and there will be a full report at the next meeting.

Ground Inspection: There have been improvements to Astley Bridge’s boundaries.

David Morris reported from a Groundsmans’ meeting last month.

A trailer with equipment for facilitating end of season repairs can be obtained on a day’s loan from Middleton or Haydock CCs.

A brochure from Rigby Taylor was given to all clubs.

Juniors: The U13 Cup Final will commence at 9.30am on 15^th August and will be 20 overs per innings. The Mervyn Porter Final will be held on 8^th August between F.S.C. and A. Bridge.

A Sub Committee has been established to look at the “Shape and Format” of junior cricket in the Bolton League

All sections have a problem with match cards.

The Committee agreed Mike Buckley could assist John Hutchinson in implementing “Safehands” within the Bolton League Junior Section. Queries about Child Welfare should be addressed to Dave Lees at the County. Never to the Bolton League Welfare Officer or his Assistant.

Cricket Balls: The Committee agreed a further three-year contract with Romida, at the same prices.

Any Other Business: The Chairman congratulated the Inter-League team on reaching the M.E.N. final, and Westhoughton on reaching the semi-final of the Lancs KO where they play Settle.

Farnworth S.C. were thanked for staging the second team inter-league match.

Proposals for the future of second team cricket will be presented at the August meeting.

It was agreed that Rule 26(fii) should be reconsidered if tea is taken early. An amendment to Rule is necessary.

Date of Next Meeting: 23^rd August.