AXFORDS BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C.

31^st JULY 2006

Apologies: Karen Knott, Peter Stafford.

Minutes of the June Meeting: These had been circulated and were approved as a correct record. All clubs have now produced proof of Public Liability.

Merger: Warwick Milne attended the meeting at the invitation of the League Secretary. David Morris’ objection was noted. Mr. Milne explained that a group of interested individuals from the Bolton League and Bolton Association had met on two occasions to discuss the possibility of a merger. On the second occasion the Chairmen from both leagues had been invited to attend but had declined.  The possible advantages of a merger were mentioned briefly, but it was stressed that the body were looking at the overall situation, and had not at this stage discussed in detail the impact on junior cricket for example.

The Committee returned to the topic under ‘Any Other Business’ and the pros and cons of merging, increasing the number of clubs to 20, or remaining the same were given a further airing. To make progress, representatives were asked to take the idea of a merger back to their clubs, and if the majority of clubs were in favour further discussions could take place between the two leagues.

Correspondence: The Secretary had passed two letters of complaint to the Disciplinary Committee.

Declarations: The Secretary explained that on Saturday at the tea interval John Barrow from Farnworth S.C. had phoned him with a query about what happens to the balance of the overs if a team declares. The Secretary had been unable to reply, as there was no reference in the Handbook. Further investigation by the Secretary suggested the portion of Rule 26(f) “Should any team declare within its allotted overs, the overs remaining unbowled shall then be added to the allotted overs to be bowled in the second innings” appeared to have been deleted by himself in error when updating the Handbook.

The Committee agreed the Rule was still in force, but the Competitions Committee were asked to look into the special circumstances of the Horwich v Farnworth S.C. match. Mike Buckey was asked to forward to the League Secretary the documents relating to the error so they could be passed to Horwich and FSC.

Finance: The Treasurer reported a balance of £5600, with £3600 in the coaching fund. £1300 is still owed by clubs, in particular Farnworth and Walkden.

Juniors: It is looking increasingly unlikely that the fixtures from the start of the season can be replayed.

The Under 18 team play the Bolton Association on 13^th August. The Under 13 team have won all their matches. Heaton Under 11s are in the Lancs. KO Semi-Final, and play at Elton on Sunday at mid-day. The third team cup final will be played on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Under 15 team have been expelled from the Michael Roache Trophy, because of a continuing dispute over a team manager. The Lancashire Cricket Board have so far denied us the opportunity to appeal, and their conduct has been taken up with the England Cricket Board and a Bolton League solicitor.

Umpires: The Newsletter this month covers the last hour of play. Following a discussion at the meeting it was agreed an Umpires’ Representative should meet with the Competitions Committee to resolve apparent anomalies.

An invoice should be sent to the League Treasurer for the umpires’ insurance.

Paul Eckersley was advised to write to Malcolm Kinder with a complaint about an umpire.

Disciplinary Reports and Appeals: The following Disciplinary action had been taken; M Atherton & A Coates (Westhoughton) 2 match ban, M Stewart (Greenmount) 2 match ban with 2 further matches suspended, Adam Street (Tonge) 10 match ban, L Childs (Farnworth) 1 match ban with 2 further matches suspended, B Parchment (Farnworth) 2 matches suspended and £250 fine. Two further cases are being dealt with.

On appeal the penalty for M Stewart was reduced to 1 match plus 3 suspended and A Street’s was reduced to 5 matches with 5 suspended.

Registration Report: Westhoughton C.C. have appointed Iqbal Imam as replacement professional.  

The following players have transferred; J Dudley (Eagley to Egerton), N Essap and C Prince (A. Bridge to Egerton), G Pryce (Egerton to A. Bridge), O Wylie (Egerton to Eagley), S Harrison (FSC to Horwich), G Dharan (Kearsley to Walkden), J Cooper (Bradshaw to Egerton).

The Registration Secretary read club’s list of ‘Starred’ players. The Secretary cautioned that there could be a complaint if a club ‘Starred’ a player and then played an apparently superior player in their second team.

Egerton’s professional may have to return home because of a family illness.

Ground Report: The main problem at the moment is with covers, but action is only taken with repeat offences. David Morris said the cards from umpires were not as informative as last year. The Secretary said the standard at Premier League Club Huyton was a long way behind Bolton League clubs.

Cup Finals: The Chairman congratulated Greenmount and Tonge on reaching the Hamer Cup final. A meeting will be arranged between host club Farnworth and the competing clubs. The possibility of starting at 12.30pm will be discussed. Bradshaw and Westhoughton were congratulated on reaching the Birtwistle Cup final. The former will stage the match.

The Axford Cup will be played at Bolton C.C. The host club will take gate receipts and pay expenses. The Bolton League will pay professionals’ travelling expenses. Bolton Association rules will be used if the match is rain affected. Eric Smith was asked to let the League Secretary have the name of our umpire as soon as possible, and Derek Kay should let Tony Axford have the team as soon as it’s selected.

Cricket Scores: The Secretary said some weeks he was not receiving sufficient first team match scores to get our results on television. This is particularly disappointing for our sponsors. Even teams who play on parks are getting their scores on TV. Second team results frequently have to be chased up and often club officials know the result but not the scores, which gives a very poor impression when they appear in the Bolton Evening News on a Saturday night.

It was suggested that both teams submit the scores to the League Secretary. First teams to be phoned or text to 07850 447492 by 8.45pm after the match at the very latest, and second team scores to be phoned, text or e-mailed by Tuesday morning.

Any Other Business: The matches from 20^th May will not be replayed.

Astley Bridge were disappointed that having agreed to replay their tied Lyddon Cup match against Bradshaw, Bradshaw had claimed the match in accordance with the rules, but had not informed Astley Bridge until several days later, by which time they had heard of what had happened from a third party.

Date of Next Meeting: 21^st August at Bradshaw C.C., unless the Hamer Cup Final carries over, in which case it will be 24^th August at FSC.