ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
TONGE C.C.
28th MAY 2011
Apologies: Eric Smith, John Hutchinson and Chris Monks. Heaton and Kearsley were not represented.
Minutes of the April Meeting: These had been circulated and were agreed to be a correct record.
Matters Arising: The Eagley representative expressed his club’s reservations about the Chairman’s comments at the start of the previous meeting.
There is a course for new Child Welfare Officers at Bradshaw Cricket Club on 11th June.
Only one club has returned the survey. It was accepted clubs may not wish to fill in every section.
The inter-league team play at Middleton C.C. on 10th June. The Under 18s play at Little Lever.
It was felt power plays were generally successful, but may not be suitable for second team cricket. Points of clarification had been sent to clubs previously.
The Lyddon Trophy 2011 is under active consideration.
The Chairman congratulated Michael Buckley on the quality of the Handbook.
A list of missing and late umpires reports has been emailed to clubs.
Correspondence: The Secretary read a letter from Roy Sturch thanking everyone for their Get Well wishes.
The Chairman explained how salary caps operate in other sports.
Umpires were reminded they should print their names on the scorebook when signing it. It was agreed that if a captain had not signed the scorebook twenty minutes after the conclusion of a match, it can be assumed he is happy with the outcome and is not considering a protest.
Concern has been expressed about the amount of advertising on the Greenmount players’ clothing.
R&C Report: Mrs Knott explained The ECB have been consulted to advise on the status of a Bolton League player. As a reply has not been received, it was strongly recommended his club follow up the enquiry.
Mrs Knott has written to Westhoughton and Farnworth S.C. in connection with unfulfilled junior matches. Sanctions are now being applied to the latter.
The Secretary had written to clubs pointing out the run rate examples on page 220 of the Handbook are slightly inaccurate.
It was agreed unanimously that girls can play one year below their age in junior cricket.
Clubs were reminded their players cannot play for more than one club (Rules 12 and 13).
Transfers – T Hayes (Farnworth to Kearsley), M Mills (Tonge to Little Lever) and A Barton Wells (Bradshaw to Heaton).
Funding: It was agreed two suggestions for the use of the sponsor’s money is left until the appointed subcommittee has met. Mr Morris suggested the Sponsorship Committee should meet to look at additional sponsorship. One club felt the existing sponsorship should still be used to assist clubs with their major cricketing commitments.
Finance: The Treasurer’s report has been sent to clubs.
It was agreed that if evidence could not be produced that Astley Bridge did not submit reports in 2011, fines should not be applied.
Umpires: The League will continue to pay the Umpires’ insurance.
The major leagues in Lancashire will be asked to use a more complex set of criterion for marking umpires. It was suggested a dual system could be used for umpires wishing to progress through the league system and the others.
An unusually high number of clubs are being penalised for bowling their overs too slowly. Umpires have been reminded that additional time is not discretionary for events which can be expected to take place during a cricket match. In the past these have included minor injuries not requiring treatment, drying the ball, drinks breaks, retrieving balls and moving sight screens.
Juniors: The next meeting is on 21st June.
Disciplinary Reports: Mr Bannister said two players had received letters under the Code of Conduct. One of the players also received a one match ban for dissent. His club accepted an offer of a financial penalty.
The Secretary read a letter from Heaton member Graham McGreavey.
On behalf of Heaton C.C. who were not represented, the Chairman said he was at the match and disagreed with the contents of the Umpires’ report. He also expressed concern, in his position as Chairman, about the precedent that had been set.
Hamer Cup Draw:
Eagley v Egerton
Kearsley v Farnworth S.C.
Greenmount v Bradshaw
Heaton v Horwich
Birtwistle Cup Draw
Egerton v Eagley
Farnworth S.C. v Kearsley
Bradshaw v Greenmount
Westhoughton v Farnworth
Walkden were asked to confirm they can stage the Hamer Cup final this year.
Date of the Next Meeting: 25th June.