Warburtons Bolton Cricket League

Minutes of a Special Meeting Friday August 13^th 2004

Present: All clubs were present with the exception of Westhoughton CC.

The Chairman opened by explaining that the meeting had been called at the request of more than 4 clubs in response to the decision reached by the appeals panel in respect of the Birtwistle Cup semi-final, Bradshaw v Walkden.

The Bradshaw representative was asked to present to the meeting their view on the decision and to put forward the outcome they wished to see.

Bradshaw stated that they had taken legal advice and they had received a written statement that supported their view that the decision taken at the full League Committee meeting held on the 26 July 2004 was correct and in accordance with League rule 47. A copy of the solicitor’s letter was made available to the clubs present.

Bradshaw put forward the argument that on the basis that the rule as applied was correct and the appeals panel were wrong to change this decision. At this point Bradshaw asked that their should be a vote of confidence in the League Committee and that any appeals panel must apply the rules of the League as written and not to interpret them in different ways.

A number of club representatives spoke in support of Bradshaw’s position and that the previous decision was the correct one.

On the question of a vote of confidence the Chairman stated that members of the Bolton Cricket League must have confidence in each other. He went on to say that following any vote some members would be disappointed but the collective decision making of the League must be fully supported. It was agreed that it would be inappropriate to take a vote of confidence in themselves.

The Chairman asked for proposals as to the action of the appeals panel and the following were received:

a.       That the leagues decision reached on the 26^th July was correct and that the conclusion reached by the appeals panel was wrong.

b.      That the league committee expressed concern as to the outcome of the appeals panel but are aware that their decision is final.

c.       That the appeals panel decision is correct.

Proposal a. was carried by a large majority.

At this point a general discussion took place on the standing orders and the rules of the league in relation to appeals. It was concluded that a review was required prior to the AGM.

The Chairman thanked all parties for their understanding in this matter.

The Chairman asked for any urgent business to be raised.

a.                   It was agreed that Farnworth CC be allowed to register Tyronne Knight as deputy professional due to injury to their registered professional.

b.                  BradshawCC registered a deputy professional for the remainder of the season.

c.                   It was agreed that under 18s Championship be shared between Bradshaw and Horwich.