ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C.

29^th SEPTEMBER 2008

The Committee stood in memory of Kim Munir of Egerton C.C.

Apologies: Mike Buckley and Bill Stevenson. Astley Bridge and Little Lever were not represented. John Hutchinson represented the Junior Committee.

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

Matters Arising: The Chairman congratulated all the senior competition winners, Walkden League Champions, Hamer Cup and Lancashire KO winners. The President reported on the final between two Bolton League teams noting the game had been played in a manner which was a credit to the Bolton League, with Farnworth S.C. being the runners-up. Westhoughton second team are Champions and Kearsley Birtwistle Cup winners. Mr Kay said the was disappointed to find out on the morning of the match via the Forum that the match was being played after being categorically assured the previous day that it would not. However, it had been a very good match and Kearsley were congratulated on staging the game and Bradshaw on playing their fourth consecutive final.

Two clubs have still not provided the necessary Child Welfare information, and this will be dealt with at an R&C meeting before the next League Meeting. Also to be discussed at the meeting are repeated failures by certain clubs to submit results sheets (40% were not submitted on time or at all), umpires’ mark cards and telephoned results to Peter Stafford. The President read the 24 second team matches for which he had no results and added he had not received one Birtwistle Cup result, which makes a review of the competition in the Handbook extremely difficult. 

John Barrow suggested clubs could copy the first team scorecard to Stephen Merry when it was sent to the Bolton News.

The Chairman also made reference to the number of deputy professionals engaged during 2008, the imminent immigration changes, and fixtures. The Secretary said the LCB have proposed fixed dates for some LKO rounds to avoid clashes with the NKO, and he will draft a set of fixtures when these are confirmed.

Westhoughton and Little Lever have been fined £50 for failing to attend the prize claim meeting, although several representatives felt in future the fine should be at least double that figure. Two amendments were made to the prizewinners and it was agreed Sanjith Fernando should be awarded the professional’s prize. Astley Bridge, Bradshaw, Eagley, Egerton, Greenmount, Kearsley and Little Lever should let the Secretary know for whom their 1^st team captain is voting for the amateur player of the year.

Winners of the batsman and bowler of the month / season awards were read to the clubs.

The President had sent a letter of nomination for the Hubert Pendlebury award, but it was agreed to leave the decision until the October meeting.

Correspondence: The Secretary read a letter of congratulation to May Barlow saying she had been nominated by the County for a Lifetime Achiever award.

Hamer Cup Final: A response to the original correspondence had been received from Walkden C.C. The Chairman suggested Tonge and Greenmount should be given additional time to reply.

Finance: Current A/C £688, Savings A/C £4558, Legal Fund £913, Coaching A/C £6472.

Umpires: The dates for the Indoor Cricket at Bolton School are 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th January 2009. Once a date for the Lancs finals are confirmed it will be necessary for our entrants to avoid those dates in our Axford competition.

Concern was expressed that matches were being called off too soon towards the end of last season.

It was felt that while the International ball trialed last season was superior in dry conditions, the Sovereign was better when it was wet. Clubs were asked to consult their players and let the Secretary know by 6^th October which ball is preferred.

Juniors: A date and venue for the Presentation Evening is to be agreed.

The final date for Most Promising Player nomination is 6^th October.

The Under 13 Inter-League team are winners of the Peak Sports KO.

Junior officials too are having problems with match cards.

For the second consecutive year there are no coaches courses in the Bolton area. A letter is to be sent to Andy Hayhurst saying that a need has been identified for the courses. The Chairman will also raise the matter with Mr Hayhurst when he discusses other issues with him.

Ground Report: It was especially wet towards the end of the season. The Ground Committee will be looking at changes in the way grounds are marked.

Disciplinary Report: Tony Hayes will produce a summary for the next meeting. There will be a review of the Guidelines. There was a request for more consistency in the Umpires’ reporting of offences.

League Dinner: A letter was given to each club stating the Diner will be on 14^th November at the Masonic Hall, Francis St, Farnworth. Tickets are £12 and numbers are limited because of the size of the venue. David Morris will be contacting the contacts given to him at the meeting. A hot/cold buffet will be served at 8.15pm followed by the presentation.

Clubs may bring individual team awards they have purchased to be presented on the night.

Trophies must be brought to the October League meeting. They will not be collected from clubs.

Proposed Amendments to Rule: Additions since the last meeting had been sent out, but unfortunately the font was difficult to read when printed. Proposals received at the meeting were read to the committee and will be added to the existing proposals.

Any Other Business: Mr Hutchinson congratulated the three members of the Ground Committee who had been able to inspect Little Lever C.C. at very short notice.

Date of Next Meeting: 27^th October.