WARBURTONS BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

 

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

 

HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C.

 

25th July 2005

 

 

A period of silence was held in memory of League Umpire Fred Elmore.

 

Apologies: Horwich C.C. Farnworth S.C. and Westhoughton were not represented.

 

Minutes of the June Meeting: Following a brief discussion about the wording of the ruling on Egerton’s professional, these were approved as a correct record.

 

Matters Arising: Farnworth S.C. have produced evidence of their insurance cover. CRB checks for players only apply to Premier League clubs at present. Meetings with prospective sponsors are ongoing.

 

Heaton v Little Lever: The Secretary had written to all clubs and officials explaining why he felt the normal appeals procedure could not be followed, following earlier lapses. After a discussion it was agreed the League Committee would make a final decision. This would not set a precedent, and be binding. The Chairman stressed the importance of the relationship between the League Committee, and said a meeting would be arranged between League Officials and members of the Sub-Committees.

The R&C Chairman read the minutes of their meeting leading to the decision that the match be replayed. The League Chairman explained why a review body had reached a decision to share the points ten apiece. The Little Lever representatives explained why they felt the Rule was flawed and contradictory.

Three proposals were put forward. One, that the result stood, did not receive a seconder. The two others were voted on after Heaton and Little Lever had left the room. A proposal that the result stood but Little Lever be fined as per Rule 14(g) defeated a proposal that the match be replayed, with Little Lever paying all expenses apart from the Heaton professional / deputy.

 

Correspondence: Sporting facilities are available for hire at Thornleigh College. There is a Cricket Groundsmanship Course at Middleton C.C. on 14th September. Information about the Bolton CVS Training Programme had been e-mailed to clubs. Grants are available from B&Q www.diy.com/grants.

The Chairman read a letter to the Committee from Walkden C.C. regarding the transfer of Andy Patterson from Farnworth S.C. to Farnworth. As requested by the Committee at the last meeting, the Chairman had resolved most of the issues raised, however one matter had been passed to the Registration Secretary to arrange a meeting.

The Committee agreed in principle to a waiver of Rule 26(r) following a request from Kearsley, who had arranged a wedding on their ground based on the draft fixtures. However, the match can only be played on an alternative date if the R&C Committee and both Kearsley and Walkden reach agreement re adverse weather and player eligibility. It is strongly recommended that decisions be recorded. 

A letter was read from the Bradshaw captain regarding slow over rates. It became quickly apparent that a waiver of rule would not be obtained. The Secretary explained that as far as the League Committee was concerned this was the end of the matter, however, if the umpires had put comments on the match card justifying the slow over rate, it would be referred to the R&C Committee.

 

Finance: The Treasurer reported a balance of £6750. Farnworth S.C. owe £100 for coaching, and will bring the topic to the attention of the junior committee at the next meeting. Clubs were handed a list of fines. The Treasurer was asked to check with Geoff Cleworth if clubs submitting results sheets by e-mail were also being fined.

 

Juniors: There has been a much-improved submission of match cards and results leading to better press coverage. Summer schools are being arranged at Bradshaw and Farnworth S.C.

 

Umpires: The July newsletter was handed out. The Committee agreed a team running out of match balls would have to concede the match. If a team declares, they still have to bowl 49 overs within 3 hours 4 minutes. Additional overs must be bowled within the allowance of Rule 26(f) iii. Welfare Officers will be given the name of a man from Suffolk, who must not be allowed any contact with children. Discussions are ongoing between the Ground Committee and Umpires regarding boundaries. While Karen is away clubs should contact Eric Smith or David Heap

 

Registrations: Transferred players and “starred” players to follow when all have been received. The Secretary confirmed players transferring from clubs outside the League during the season require permission from the player’s previous club under LCB and ECB Rules. The Secretary has copies of the LCC standard form, which will also be e-mailed to clubs, along with an explanatory article. 

 

Discipline: Mr. Kay will report on the cases pending at the next meeting.

 

Grounds: Mr. Morris is working on a compilation of umpires’ ground markings, which will be available to clubs later in the season. A review of the marking system will be undertaken after the season. Provided there is no danger to the players, and the pitch is playable the Ground Committee feel pitches can be used for consecutive matches. The Ground Committee are looking into comments made by umpires, and will take any action they feel necessary under Rule 5.

A letter from Walkden CC explaining why they did not feel they could stage the Hamer Cup final this year had been received. Farnworth could not stage the final as they are in it, and Greenmount have a Lancs KO Semi-Final on the same day, therefore Farnworth S.C. will be hosting the final, as they are next on the rota. The Committee will decide at the next meeting if Walkden and Farnworth S.C. should return to the rota.

 

Birtwistle Cup Final: This will be played at Bradshaw C.C.

 

Reports From Other Bodies: The L.C.B. are intending to produce a Handbook next season to cover league cricket. They will be contacting the Secretary with costings. The Lancs KO final is on 4th September. An appeal by Lostock CC is being heard by the LCB.

The Committee agreed the League table could be produced with any points deductions, without an explanatory note in the press.

The Chairman congratulated Derek Kay, Paul Tebay and the inter-league players on their recent success despite their first defeat in three seasons against the Ribblesdale League.

 

Date of Next Meeting 22nd August.