WARBURTONS BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C.

22^nd AUGUST 2005

Apologies: Little Lever, Eric Smith and Derek Kay. John Hutchinson did not attend.

Minutes of the July Meeting: These had been circulated previously, and were approved as a correct record.

Matters Arising: Kearsley and Walkden’s second teams will be playing on the scheduled date, with reduced boundaries.

The R&C Committee will take Farnworth S.C’s concerns about the wording of Walkden’s letter into consideration when they meet to discuss the transfer of A. Patterson, and will be discussing how to improve procedures.

Farnworth S.C. have still to pay their £100 coaching fee.

Bradshaw were asked to send the League Secretary proof that first team result sheets were e-mailed to Geoff Cleworth.

Correspondence: Leaflets were given to all members of the Committee advertising “Sticky Wicket”, the stars of ‘Test Match Special’ live at Bolton Albert Halls on 9^th November.

There is a ten-week umpires course at Adlington C.C. at 7.15pm from Tuesday 13^th September, and a seven-week scorers course at Astley Bridge C.C. from Tuesday 20^th September. First, second and junior team scorers are invited. Both courses are free. New students are welcome at the Umpires’ monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at Heaton C.C.

The Secretary read out a list of courses run by ‘Coach Education in Bolton’.

The Secretary had a NatWest Cricketforce DVD, and a JMS Consultancy and Supplies 2005 Price List and Order Form.

There is a “Coaching Disabled Performers” Course at Bolton Town Hall on 14^th September.

Finance: The Treasurer reported a bank balance of £6,600.

Members of the R&C Committee expressed concern that they were not aware their Chairman had imposed fines for non-submission of Umpires Report Cards. They were also concerned other fines had not been discussed. Some members of the Committee felt clubs should have been warned at a League Meeting that fines were being considered. The Secretary referred the Committee to the minutes of the June meeting, however it was agreed any fines imposed by the R&C Committee should not be paid until the R&C Committee had ratified them.

In the absence of Mr. Kay there was no sponsorship report.

Umpires: The August Newsletter was distributed.

There will be a shortage of umpires this coming weekend, and volunteers are sought.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman are invited to the next Umpires’ Meeting.

It had been reported several times that pitches were not covered before the match, when it was raining. The Secretary said this was not covered under our Rules, but he had submitted a further Amendment to Rule on the subject.

Juniors: Mr. Hall reported the Bolton Area Cricket Development Officer, Bobby Denning, had attended the last junior meeting. He was asked to extend the number of people invited to the District Cricket meetings from the Bolton League.

The following cup finals have been arranged; Under 15 – Bradshaw v F.S.C. – 2pm 4^th September, Under 13 – Bradshaw v Astley Bridge – 10am 10^th September, Under 18 – Bradshaw v F.S.C. – 1.45pm (after the U13 match) 10^th September.

The Under 18 inter-league team failed to qualify for the final, despite winning two out of three matches. The Under 15 team were congratulated on winning the Michael Roach Trophy, and the Under 13 team are in the final of the Peak Sports K.O.

Two nominations of players over 14 are requested from each club for specialist batting coaching on 25^th and 26^th August, and two spin and two quicker bowlers from each club are required for coaching on 31^st August and 1^st September. Both courses will be held at Bradshaw C.C. and are free. The Treasurer was asked to look into insurance cover.

There was a lengthy discussion about the re-arranged Bradshaw v F.S.C. under 18-league match, which the Committee were informed would be effectively the championship decider. Mr. Hall reported that the Junior Committee had decided the match should be played this week, but there were conflicting reports from the two clubs and the Junior League Officials as to which dates and how many overs were to be played. The Committee would not waive the Third Division Competition Rules and it was initially agreed it should be played Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 35 overs per side. The F.S.C. representative, realising the impracticality of playing those rules at this time of year put forward one of the original proposals that the match be played over three evenings. There was a further proposal that the match be played, 30 overs over two evenings. Several clubs opposed the former, and as the latter did not receive any opposition, it was agreed the match would be played 30 overs on Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Registrations and Competitions: The Tonge v Kearsley 1^st team match had been abandoned during the first innings, as the pitch was unfit. Members of the Ground Committee had carried out urgent inspections of the pitch at the request of the League Secretary and made a report. The Umpires had also submitted a report, and Kearsley a formal complaint. These were all forwarded to the Competitions Committee, who had met with the clubs and decided the match should be replayed on the 4^th September at Tonge C.C. provided the Ground Committee had agreed the ground was fit, otherwise the fixture would be transferred to Kearsley. Additionally, Tonge were deducted 10 points. The Ground Committee decided Tonge’s next first team match should be played away, and then a further inspection would take place.

Disciplinary Reports: These would be held over to the next meeting.

Ground Reports: As recorded above the Ground Committee carried out a further inspection at Tonge C.C. It was initially felt the pitch may not be fit for the 1^st team match v Horwich, but as there was insufficient time to transfer the match it was staged at Tonge, where it played well. However, Mr. Morris expressed his disappointment that Tonge had not been more active knowing an inspection was due.

A summary of the marks awarded to clubs will be sent to them at the end of the season. The marking system will be reviewed during the close season.

Clubs will renew their membership of the LCB Grounds Collective. Clubs, individually or as a small group, wishing to book the ECB Ground Trailer should contact Paul Tatton as soon as possible on 0161 702 8615(h), 01942 722709(w), or 07977 318406(m).

Members of the Bolton League Ground Committee will also advise clubs.

Lancs KO Final: Greenmount were congratulated on reaching the Lancs KO final. The fixtures from 4^th September will now be played on 28^th August.

Prize Claim Meeting: This will be held at Bradshaw C.C. on 3^rd October at 7.45pm.

Any Other Business: Hamer Cup winners Farnworth were congratulated by the Chairman and Farnworth S.C. were thanked for staging the match successfully. Gate receipts were £1160. Bradshaw were congratulated on winning the Birtwistle Cup.

The revised Hamer Cup rota is Farnworth, Greenmount, Farnworth S.C. and Walkden.

Date of Next Meeting: 26^th September.