WARBURTONS BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING AT EGERTON C.C.

15^th SEPTEMBER 2004

Greenmount C.C., Horwich C.C., J Hutchinson and G. Diggle did not attend.

The Chairman explained that although the meeting had been called for 7.45pm, other items would be discussed until all the representatives from Walkden and Greenmount had arrived.

Mr. Elmore explained that new ventilation had been installed at Bolton School, with grills that could be damaged by a hard ball. Other venues had been considered but there were problems with all. The Committee agreed that Old Trafford should be considered again, and if it is available a decision will be made at the September meeting, taking into account the additional costs.

The Secretary circulated Proposed Amendments to Rule, which were discussed briefly.

The Fast Bowling Directive was discussed in passing. The Secretary asked if any member of the Committee could provide evidence that the Directive was being ignored in the English first class game or with County second or junior teams.

The Secretary read a letter of protest from Westhoughton C.C. concerning the match at Walkden C.C. on 14^th August. Walkden had not agreed to shorten the boundary, although they had done so the following week, and consequently the match had not begun.

Walkden responded by stating they did not like the tone of the letter of protest, particularly the last point.

There had been local storms in the area that day, and although club members had worked on the ground since 7.30am, there was still a problem near the tree, a problem that had existed with the drain for several years. The following week the wicket had been prepared on another part of the square, so the affected area had been roped off still leaving boundaries acceptable to both teams.

The Umpires’ Representative reported that the short boundary would have been around 30 yards from the nearest stumps, but both captains and both umpires had to agree the boundary before the match could take place. The Committee discussed Law 19 and Rule 26(d).

Both clubs were asked to leave the meeting while further discussions took place.

Following these discussions, the Chairman announced that the Committee felt Westhoughton had been right to make the protest, and our Rules would be reviewed following consultation with the ACU&S, however it was also felt that Walkden had not broken any Laws or Rules.

Clubs should let Paul Tatton have details of their club groundsman. David Morris is willing to pass on this information