ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

Minute’s Silence: The Committee stood in memory of Bill Houghton of Tonge C.C.

Minutes of the AGM and December Meeting: These had been circulated and were approved as a correct record. There were no matters arising.

Correspondence: The Secretary had previously forwarded emails appertaining to:

Finance: The Treasurer’s report had been emailed to clubs. The Secretary read out the balances in the various accounts, and the outstanding fines.

Umpires: The Committee agreed to the Umpires’ proposal that match expenses remain the same for 2011 and 2012 with the exception that officials standing at both ends receive £50.

There is a Scorebook Entry Course on 15^th March, and an ACO Level 1 course for four weeks from 22^nd March.

The New Laws will be reviewed at the Umpires’ / Captains’ Meeting at Farnworth S.C. on Wednesday 13^th April at 7.30pm. Similar will be arranged for umpires and junior team managers and coaches.

Axford Indoor KO: Heaton were congratulated on winning the trophy, the umpires thanked for organising the event and Axfords thanked for their continuing sponsorship.

After some discussion about alternative venues, it was agreed Bolton School should be booked as soon as possible for 2012.

The competition organisers are looking at some rule changes, particularly relating to the back wall boundary. These will be discussed further at the June meeting.

League Dinner: The general consensus of clubs, who had contacted the Chairman before the meeting, and the reps at the meeting, was that a more formal occasion would be preferable. Reps were asked to discuss this with their clubs before the next meeting on 28^th February. It was mentioned that in other league clubs are obliged to take a certain number of tickets.

Lyddon Trophy: Although Little Lever had already emailed clubs; Ian McLellan attended the meeting in order to update clubs. Admission to the competition will be £50, which will go towards the prize fund. Cricket World will be sponsoring the competition and coloured clothing will be worn. More detailed information will be emailed to clubs. Fifteen clubs have entered to date but twenty would be the ideal number. The Secretary mentioned the Association play the League on the August Bank Holiday Monday.

Handbook: Clubs are asked to write a 500-word review of last season, and preview of 2011. The Secretary will email more specific guidelines. These should be submitted no later than 28^th February. Clubs should also let the Secretary know of any changes to club officials and junior team managers.

Ground – G Waterworth (Chair), Astley Bridge, Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever.

Juniors: Fixtures, cup draws and dates of future meetings will be included in the minutes.

Farnworth indicated they would not be taking part in the Under 13 competition, although they would be participating in the Uner11s, Under 15s and Under 18s. As this is contrary do the decision made in 2010 by the Appeals Committee when Farnworth were told they had to fulfil Under 13 and Under 15 fixtures it was agreed that they should make representation at or before the February meeting, requesting a waiver of Standing Order 6. The Chairman and Secretary emphasised that it appeared that Farnworth were making progress and were actually running more junior teams than had been stipulated.

The Committee agreed that Farnworth Under 13s should be included in the fixtures, not to pre-empt any decision made at the February meeting, but because for practical purposes it is easier to inform other clubs a team has withdrawn rather than issue a set of fixtures after the Handbook has been printed.

“At the April 2009 League Meeting Farnworth C.C. were warned about their future in the Bolton League unless they fulfilled their obligation in respect of junior cricket.

At the start of the 2010 season they were still unable to field any junior teams and the matter was referred to the R&C Committee. The R&C Committee met with representatives of Farnworth C.C. and the outcome was a fine of £30 for each unfulfilled Under 13 and Under 15 match, to be reviewed in July.

Farnworth appealed. The appeal was held at Heaton C.C. on 25th May with Messers Axford and Speak representing Farnworth and Milne, Smith and Taylor on behalf of the League. The Appeal panel accepted that Farnworth had made efforts to recruit coaches and junior players, but the players were not yet of a standard to play completive cricket, therefore Farnworth should withdraw from the junior leagues but play cricket in accordance with the fixtures in the Handbook on a friendly basis, with their opponents fielding weaker teams and lending them players when necessary to make up two teams. Additionally as some of the Farnworth lads and girls will be playing cricket for the first time a donation of outgrown whites and kit from players at other clubs would be greatly appreciated. To give Farnworth a better chance to invest in junior cricket the fines imposed by the R&C Committee will not be applied.

However, if Farnworth fail to field Under 13 and Under 15 teams from the start of the 2011 season, their first team will be deducted one point per fixture. This penalty will be reviewed at the May 2011 League meeting if Farnworth have fulfilled all their fixtures at those levels in accordance with League Rules up to that date.”