ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT TONGE C.C.
Apologies: Peter Crook. All clubs were represented with the exception of Horwich.
Minutes Silence: The Committee stood in memory of David Hindle (Bradshaw) and Colin Hilton (Lancs C.C.C., Atherton and Walkden)
Minutes of the September Meeting: The Secretary apologised for recording Phil Knowles as Phil Hall. The minutes were then approved as a correct record.
Matters Arising: Atherton, Blackrod and Lostock will be entering the Axford Indoor KO. Karen Knott will enquire if Daisy Hill, Darcy Lever and Walkden can be accommodated. Egerton will participate in the County stages as county champions and will be joined by the 2015 Bolton League runners up.
League Cricket in the County of Lancashire: The Chairman said most people would be aware of the article in the Bolton News regarding the Bolton Association as the Secretary had emailed a link to it. As far as the Officials of the Bolton League are concerned its business as usual and progress will continue to be make with all 19 clubs, unless because of developments elsewhere in the county, the LCB insisted on the GMCL and Bolton Leagues releasing a number of former Bolton Association clubs. It was generally felt that there was only a minute chance of this occurring.
Ground Inspections: The Chairman thanked all clubs for taking the project seriously and welcoming the inspection committee members. The information will be collated at a meeting at Farnworth C.C. on Sunday 8th November. David Morris said clubs would receive a written report for the attention of the club committee and grounds staff. The report will contain a list of items which have to be dealt with as a priority before the start of next season, and recommendations.
Finance: The Treasurer reported all sponsorship monies have now been received and there are only two clubs owing the League a small amount of money. Provided the League order £800 of balls, they will be at a reduced price of £13.75 + VAT and the League will receive sponsorship. Clubs are asked to let Warwick Milne know their requirements at the meeting on 23rd November. Bolton League and Bolton Association balls from 2015 can be used in 2016.
Juniors: The proposed constitution and rules will be sent out this week, based on proposals distributed previously, taking into account comments from clubs. Junior Meetings will be held every two months. Officials will be elected at the main Bolton League AGM. Under 11, 13 and 15 cricket is compulsory and Under 9 and 18 voluntary. Golborne and Standish will be playing their junior cricket in the Wigan League. Junior officials will look at the possibility of clubs combining to form Under 18 teams.
Umpires: Martin Axford has arranged a social event at Farnworth C.C. for both umpires’ associations. The ACO lawyers are looking at the Law regarding fitness for play and it is recognised this may affect the ‘Get the Game On’ initiative.
Fixtures 2016: Tracey Brooks will be loading these on to Play Cricket later this week for ratification at the next meeting. It was agreed fixtures played after the end of August will not be re-arranged, and the reserve date will be 4th September with the 40 over final being played on 11th September.
T20: All clubs with the exception of Standish and Golborne who play in the Wigan Development competition are entering. The Secretary will distribute draft rules and regional groups for approval at the next meeting.
40 Over Competition: Adlington, Daisy Hill and Golborne will not be participating. Other clubs who do not wish to take part must let the Secretary know by no later than 23rd November.
Proposed Amendments to Rules: Following discussions small alterations were made to the proposals and these will be sent to clubs for the first vote on 23rd November.
Eligibility to Vote: Association Clubs will be given the same voting rights as League Clubs. The following officers also have a vote; John Hutchinson (Chairman) casting vote, Ray Taylor (Secretary), Warwick Milne (Treasurer), Mike Buckley, Martin Hodgkiss and Karen Knott (Management Committee Members).
Presentations: The Chairman said the junior presentation was well attended and thanked Mike Buckley. The attendance at the senior presentation was disappointing with only one person from Greenmount, and no-one from Horwich to receive the Birtwistle Cup. A sub committee needs to be set up at the earliest opportunity, involving people from both leagues. Anne and David Morris and Mike Buckley were thanked for organising the evening.
Website: The Chairman said the Website was outdated. The Secretary outlined some of its important functions including umpires’ mark forms. It was agreed a small group headed by Mike Cregan would look into the alternatives.
LCB Recreational Committee: The Secretary outlined some of the changes to the Lancs KO rules. For the benefit of our umpires he had already passed on to John Hutchinson details of how the umpires for the final are appointed. These will be distributed by the LCB in due course. The Bolton League will elect a representative to the LCB Development Committee after the AGM; there have been three nominations so far.
Hamer Cup: 1st round draw;
Atherton v Lostock,
Daisy Hill v Farnworth
Horwich v Tonge
Blackrod v Standish
Bradshaw v Darcy Lever
The 2016 final will be played at Astley Bridge. Thereafter the final will be selected each year or organised on a geographical basis.
Election of Officers 2016: The Secretary will send out a list of officers elected at the AGM. Nominations will be accepted up to 23rd November. Voting at the AGM will be by ballot.
Date of Next Meeting: 23rd November at Tonge C.C.
Date of AGM: 14th December at Tonge C.C.