ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C.
30th JULY 2007
A period of silence was held in memory of Sue Smith.
Apologies: Karen Knott, Eric Smith, and Eagley C.C. Farnworth S.C. and Kearsley were not represented.
Minutes of the June Meeting: These had been circulated and were agreed to be a correct record. There were no matters arising.
Correspondence: Match cards were given to clubs who required them.
Clubs in the Bolton Area were asked to check if they are receiving information from the council, including “Jumbo” the Bolton CVS booklet.
Finance: The Treasurer reported a balance of £6330 plus £7327 in the Junior Coaching Fund. All clubs have produced evidence of their insurance and very little is owed to the League by clubs.
Lyddon Trophy: The 2007 competition is under way and entries are still being taken for 2008. A survey of clubs indicated there was very little support for the League running their own 20/20 competition.
Juniors: Due to the poor weather affecting so many matches, it was agreed matches would not be replayed. Posters have been sent to clubs advertising the Summer Schools.
Umpires: The League will pay umpires’ insurance on the basis agreed previously. The League will pay umpires where necessary for matches that were called off by the home team because of the severe weather. This will be reclaimed from the clubs.
The July Newsletter was handed to clubs.
The umpires are hoping to run an Umpires’ Course in January, a 3 hour ‘Scorebook Entry’ scorers’ course and a 3-hour ‘Introduction to Umpiring’ course aimed primarily at junior team umpires. Venues are required for these.
Ground Report: David Morris said that because of the difficulty in getting everyone together he had not involved everyone in looking into the problems caused by the recent severe weather. A lot of time had been spent at Little Lever where specialist advice had also been sought and the Council involved. Cricket was played there last weekend, and there are no plans to transfer matches, but the ground is still vulnerable if there is further heavy rain. Westhoughton congratulated Little Lever for getting the ground ready for Sunday. It was decided not to set a precedent by replaying the second team match against Tonge from the Saturday, even though it was the only match not to be played.
Mr. Morris had also been involved at Farnworth, where it was eventually agreed to play the Hamer Cup semi-final at Greenmount rather than a neutral venue.
The Secretary confirmed he would still refer similar issues to the Ground and R&C Committees.
The Chairman asked for his appreciation to be recorded to all groundstaff for their efforts in preparing grounds, however clubs should also be aware of the problems of playing when it is not fit.
After a lengthy discussion it was agreed matches should only be called off before 1.30pm with the agreement of both teams, and it was recommended a member of the visiting club be at the ground when the decision is made. When a match is called off, Eric Smith should be informed as soon as possible so the umpires can be re-allocated.
The Secretary had written to all clubs and officials proposing that the fixtures from 30th June be played on 26th August, but this did not receive unanimous backing from clubs. Farnworth S.C. and Greenmount are looking at playing their first and second team matches from 29th July at the Bank Holiday weekend but the date is to be confirmed. The Secretary admitted that when the dates were approved back in November he had not foreseen the possibility that the same two Bolton League clubs who would meet in the Lancs KO quarter final would also be due to meet in the League on the same day.
R&C Report: Ron Fallows read out the names of the ‘Starred’ players given to him by clubs. Farnworth S.C. and Kearsley will be asked for theirs.
The R&C Committee will be meeting to discuss the Under 18 Inter-League match at Westhoughton, an under 18 match played to a conclusion on a Wednesday night, and unfulfilled junior fixtures.
Bradshaw’s professional informed the club on 11th July that he had an injury, and since then has returned to India for treatment. Bradshaw will be permitted to sign deputies rather than a replacement while the injury is preventing him from playing cricket and will keep the R&C Committee informed of his progress.
Disciplinary Report: Tony. Hayes reported David Tonge of Farnworth player was given a two-match ban. There are 4 other reports pending.
Hamer Cup Final: This will be played at Heaton, who volunteered to stage the match, as none of the three remaining clubs on the rota were able to give a commitment due to continuing cup-ties. The League will cover any charges made by the local authority in respect of parking restrictions.
Birtwistle Cup Final: Before the toss for venue was made Greenmount asked if the date could be changed as they were playing a Lancs KO semi final on 12th August. The request did not receive unanimous consent and will be played at Bradshaw, who will consider a request for an earlier start. Bradshaw will inform Eric Smith of the start time.
Any Other Business: Peter Stafford said the following clubs were still not phoning first team results on a regular basis; Astley Bridge, Egerton, FSC, Heaton, Kearsley, Little Lever and Westhoughton. These clubs will be fined.
In response to a question from David Morris the Secretary confirmed that where necessary issues were passed to the appropriate Sub-Committees. The Chairman stated that the R&C Committee had been active and decisions were made in the best interest of the League and Clubs.
As there will be a Bolton League team in the Lancs KO final at Liverpool C.C. on 2nd September, League matches from that date will be played on 9th September.
Date of Next Meeting: 20th August.