ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT TONGE C.C.
28th SEPTEMBER 2015
Apologies: Peter Crook and Philip Tomlinson. All clubs were represented with the exception of Blackrod and Darcy Lever.
The Bolton News: Neil Bonnar said there would be similar coverage to 2015, but would like someone to submit a column on second team cricket. He also asked if some clubs could improve their submission of first team score cards.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting: These had been circulated previously and were agreed to be a correct record.
Matters Arising: The Secretary is working on detailed proposals for professionals and overseas amateurs for the 2017 season. The LCB said they have no objection to the Bolton League being represented on the County Development Committee. A representative is to be appointed. There will probably be separate Association and League Handbooks next year. David Morris raised the problem of the continuation of records, something being discussed by the Lancashire League http://lancashireleague.com/Seasons/2015/TELL_US-15-1.html
League Name: There had been 11 proposals and it was agreed by a majority vote that the League be called “The Bolton Cricket League” which could be abbreviated to “BCL” with the top division “The Premiership” and the lower division “The Association”.
Cricket Balls: The Committee agreed to stay with the Reader ball for a further season. Warwick Milne and John Charlson will meet to discuss the costs of balls and sponsorship. It was suggested the juniors approach another supplier who had produced figures for cheaper balls of a similar quality.
T20: Clubs overwhelmingly voted in favour of playing mid-week evenings. Groups will be regionalised and it was suggested entry to the competition be optional. Early indications were 18 clubs would be taking part.
40 Over Competition: With there being a number of available Sundays, it was agreed there should be a 40 over competition beginning on a group basis. A large proportion of Association clubs said they would not be entering as they had tried something similar in 2014 and there had been a lack of interest before and during the competition. The Secretary suggested Duckworth Lewis could be applied during the competition from an agreed app.
The Secretary will produce draft fixtures for both competitions.
Constitution: The Secretary explained why he felt it was necessary to re-write the Constitution, with additional powers for the sub-committees and greater inclusion for clubs.
Bolton League Presentation: This had been provisionally arranged for 30th October at Farnworth C.C. The Secretary was very concerned at the uptake from the major prize winners and it was agreed a final decision would be make at the prize claim meeting on 5th October.
Finance: The Treasurer said there is £6,400 in the bank with some sponsorship money still to come in from various sources. An up to date statement has been sent to clubs, and it is hoped the outstanding monies owed to the League can be settled by 30th September.
Umpires Report: This had been circulated previously. There had been a positive meeting with the Association umpires. Comments on the Bolton League grounds had been sent to David Morris. Clubs have been fined for failing to submit umpires’ reports, and next season there may be additional sanctions for repeat offenders. Umpires don’t want different run rate calculations for first and second team matches.
Discipline: A summary for this season will be available at the AGM. Clubs will vote on the fixed tariffs at the next meeting. These will be circulated in advance.
Proposed Amendments to Rules 2016: The final date for submissions is 31st October.
(a) No bowler may bowl more than 10 overs in a 50 over cup match to be reduced pro rata.
(b) Only one bowler may bowl more than 15 overs in a 50 over league match, to be reduced pro rata. Note ‘pro rata’ will have to be clearly defined before the proposal can be voted on.
(c) In second team cricket no bowler may bowl more than 12 overs in a 45 over league match, to be reduced pro rata. Note ‘pro rata will have to be clearly defined before the proposal can be voted on.
(d) In second team cricket no bowler may bowl more than 14 overs. When overs are reduced before the match commences, no bowler may bowl more than a third of the available overs, rounded down to the nearest whole number of overs.
(e) Leg side wides will apply in second team cricket.
(f) Hamer and Birtwistle Cups. Unless the teams notify the match umpires of alternative arrangements before the toss for innings, the match must be decided on the scheduled day. (This was included in the proposal and reflects the difficulty of travelling between certain grounds mid-week.)
Axford Indoor KO: There are three vacancies open to Association Clubs. Should there 4 or more applications places will be awarded in the order clubs finished last season.
Grounds: An information gathering pro-forma has been emailed to clubs, which should be completed in conjunction with a visit to clubs from the Ground Committee. Clubs will be given advance notice of the visit, which should commence in the next 14 days.
The panel includes – Derek Derbyshire, Phil Hall, John Hutchinson, Warwick Milne, Darren Mollyneaux, David Morris, Ian Pilkington, Roy Sturch and Mick Tyldesley.
If there are an odd number of clubs next season Lostock will not play the first match of the season.
Trophies: The existing Bolton League trophies will be played for in 2016, and a suggestion for the trophies from 2017 onward has been emailed to clubs.
Dates of Future Meetings (all at Tonge C.C.):
5th October 7pm Bolton Cricket Development, 8.30pm Bolton League Prize Claim
23rd November
14th December AGM