PRE – SEASON ISSUE: APRIL, 2011
Saturday, April 23rd – the opening fixtures
THE League’s 37th season begins on the later than usual date of Saturday, April 23 rd with a full programme of 1st, 2nd
and 3rd XI fixtures, followed 24 hours later by the first mini-group games in the Jack Gardner 3rd XI Trophy.
Andy Newton’s Nantwich open their defence of the ECB Premier League title with a visit to 2010 Division One
champions Macclesfield, while the other promoted club, Grappenhall, host Urmston.
In the First Division, promoted duo Marple and Sale take on Poynton at home and Cheadle Hulme away,
respectively. Relegated Bowdon’s first-ever taste of cricket at this level is at Christleton, with fellow relegatees
Bramhall at Widnes.
League newcomers Stockport play their maiden Second Division game against local rivals Georgians at Cale Green
while Malpas make the longer journey to Timperley. Relegated Upton and Middlewich are both on the road, at
Brooklands and Congleton respectively.
o Fifteen new captains appointed during the close-season are Gareth Edwards (Bowdon); Chris Grindey (Cheadle);
Adam Wilde (Cheadle Hulme); Guy Newell (Christleton); Phil Nunn (Congleton); Gautam Narayanan (Heaton
Mersey); Adrian Stubbs (Malpas); David Leonard (Mobberley); Andy Roberts (Neston); Robin Taylor (Oulton Park);
Lee Dixon (Oxton); Mark Green (Stockport); Adam Gaskarth (Stockport Georgians); Mark Maddocks (Timperley);
Sumjit Panda (Urmston).
o Where agreed with clubs, panel umpires will this season be appointed to 2nd XI Premier Division fixtures.
ECB PREMIER LEAGUE (12.30 p.m.)
ALDERLEY EDGE v OXTON
DIDSBURY v HYDE
GRAPPENHALL v URMSTON
MACCLESFIELD v NANTWICH
NESTON v TOFT
OULTON PARK v CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL
panel umpires: John Silver & Chris Smith
Rick Davis & George Murphy
Ian Ramage & Steve Walton
Ian Drury & Phil Prince
David Moss & Geoff Wellsteed
Dave Goulding & Ged Kinsey
FIRST DI VISION (1 p.m.)
BOLLINGTON v IRBY
CHEADLE HULME v SALE
CHRISTLETON v BOWDON
HEATON MERSEY v CHEADLE
MARPLE v POYNTON
WIDNES v BRAMHALL
Peter Ogden & Wyn Harris
Brian Jones & Tom Park
Trevor Burnett & Ray Prescott
Bob Abel & Ian Greensmith
Stuart Anderson & Clive Heylin
Barrie Burns & Clive Rice
SECOND DIVISION (1 p.m.)
BROOKLANDS v UPTON
CONGLETON v MIDDLEWICH
MOBBERLEY v TATTENHALL
STOCKPORT v STOCKPORT GEORGIANS
TIMPERLEY v MALPAS
WARRINGTON v BREDBURY ST. MARK’S
Robert Dowson & John Lofthouse
John Lowe & Ken Rothwell
Don Flanagan & Dion Kelly
Peter Bolger & Paul Herring
Ron Bedson & Graham Harris
Jon Hacking & David Stoter
2nd XI FIXTURES (1 p.m.)
PREMIER DIVISION: Bramhall v Widnes (panel umpire Neville Kent & club umpire); Cheadle v Grappenhall
(Liam Spires & Dave Sutton); Chester Boughton Hall v Oulton Park (Bob Cunningham & club umpire); Hyde v
Didsbury (Ken Simpson & Sagir Parkar); Nantwich v Macclesfield (Jim Whitehead & club umpire); Toft v Neston
(two club umpires).
FIRST DIVISION: Bowdon v Brooklands; Irby v Warrington; Middlewich v Marple; Sale v Cheadle Hulme;
Stockport Georgians v Alderley Edge; Urmston v Timperley.
SECOND DIVISION: Bredbury St. Mark’s v Bollington; Malpas v Heaton Mersey; Oxton v Stockport; Poynton v
Congleton; Tattenhall v Mobberley; Upton v Christleton.
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Third XI fixtures (1 p.m.)
SATURDAY DIVISION ONE: Brooklands / Sale Moor v Upton 3; Marple / Mellor v Neston 4; Neston 3 v
Brooklands 3; Timperley 3 v Irby 3; Urmston 3 v Birkenhead Park 3; Warrington 3 v Chester Bo. Hall 3.
SATURDAY DIVISION TWO: Birkenhead Park 4 v Urmston 4; Chester Bo. Hall 4 v Warrington 4; Irby 4 v
Timperley 4; Macclesfield 3 v Oxton 3; Oxton 4 v Cheadle Hulme 3; Upton 4 v Sale 3.
SUNDAY (1 p.m.)
JACK GARDNER 3rd XI TROPHY mini groups:
EAST: Romiley v Macclesfield; Hale Barns v Hyde; Sale v Timperley; Urmston v Bollington; Bredbury v Ashley;
Cheadle v Cheadle Hulme; Bowdon v Marple; Prestbury v Didsbury; Poynton v Stockport.
WEST: Alvanley v Runcorn; Stretton v Grappenhall; Chester Bo. Hall v Tattenhall; Nantwich v Warrington;
Mobberley v Neston; Upton v Irby; Widnes v Winnington Park; Toft v Oulton Park.
o It is planned to introduce a Finals Day for this competition for the first time, during the last month of the season.
T20 FINALS DATE CHANGED
AT their March meeting, the League Cricket Committee agreed to bring forward the Red Insure T20 and Plate
Finals Day at Warrington by two weeks from Sunday, August 14 th to Sunday, July 31st
This has been done to enable the winners to go forward to the ECB t20 Area Finals in Staffordshire on August 14th,
followed hopefully by an appearance in the Regional Finals two weeks later, then Finals Day which will be televised
live on Monday, September 19th, at The Oval or Canterbury.
No fall-back date has yet been fixed in the event of rain on July 31st.
T20 coordinator Jon Hacking has brought forward the dates for the main competition and the Plate (see below): :
RED INSURE T20
First round (to be played by Sunday, May 1st): Didsbury v Heaton Mersey; Cheadle v Macclesfield (Sunday, April
17th, 1.30 p.m.); Stockport Georgians v Stockport (Sunday, April 17th, 1.30 p.m.).
Second round (by Sunday, May 15th): Didsbury or Heaton Mersey v Marple; Toft v Urmston; Bramhall v
Brooklands; Bowdon v Timperley; Cheadle or Macclesfield v Alderley Edge; Stockport Georgians or Stockport v
Hyde; Poynton v Cheadle Hulme; Bollington v Bredbury St. Mark’s; Mobberley v Nantwich; Malpas v Sale;
Congleton v Oulton Park; Middlewich v Grappenhall; Oxton v Irby; Tattenhall v Neston; Widnes v Chester Boughton
Hall (holders); Warrington v Upton.
Third round by Sunday, June 26th; Quarter-finals by Sunday, July 17th.
T20 PLATE
First round by Sunday June 5th; Second round by Sunday, June 26th; Quarter-finals by Sunday, July 10th;
Semi-finals by Sunday, July 24th).
Games need to be arranged as soon as possible and agreed dates notified to Jon Hacking (01244 814 110 or e-mail at
jhacking@gmail.com).
o Cheshire were due to play Wales in an inter-county women‘s match at Warrington on July 31st. This has now been
switched to Urmston.
PLAYING REGS COMMITTEE
A SUB-committee has been formed to examine possible alternatives to the Playing regulations for the 2012 season.
With members representing all levels of cricket in the League on and off the field it will comprise: Chairman Andy
Newton (captain of Nantwich); Convenor Ian Sharrock (2 nd XI Results secretary and Upton), Paul Sperring (captain of
Didsbury). Keith McGuffie (chairman of Marple), Rob Arnold (chairman of Urmston), Brian Boys (3rd XI Saturday
Results secretary and Warrington).
o The Cricket Committee are also to consider extending the scope of registering 3 rd and 4th XI results on the website
in 2012 and to probe the practicalities of introducing computerised scoring in the Premier League.
o It is hoped to introduced a Finals Day for the Jack Gardner Trophy.
UMPIRES’ EXPENSES
DUE to the increasing price of petrol, the Cricket Committee have recommended rises in umpires’ expenses in 2011 to
the following: Premier League up from £36 to £38; First and Second Division from £33 to £35; T20 games from £20
to £25. Cheshire Cup and Shield expenses will rise from £30 to £32
SECOND XI UMPIRES
THE League are aiming to cover all 2nd XI Premier Division games with panel or regular club umpires in 2011. Six
clubs who have asked for such appointments are: Cheadle, Chester Boughton Hall, Didsbury, Grappenhall, Hyde and
Nantwich. at an expenses rate of £35. Club who wish to continue with their own umpires will be free to do so.
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125th anniversary season at Bramhall
BRAMHALL are to celebrate their 125th anniversary with a variety of events during the 2011 season..
Secretary Frank Norris and Groundsman Richard Cragg say an extensive programme of events has been set up
starting with the NatWest CricketForce weekend on Saturday and Sunday, April 2 n - 3rd, which was also marked by
many other League clubs.
Bramhall’s extensive work on the ground includes a flagged pergola for spectating and social events; an improved
scorebox with lighting and heating; a Ducks Corner bank in the far corner of the ground for past and present batsmen
who have failed to disturb the scorers; a flower garden behind the pavilion containing many plants and flowers. The
picket fencing in front of the pavilion has also been repositioned and four new sights screens have been installed,
while a new water hog has been purchased to deal with the inevitable rain.
Bramhall officially opened a new four-lane netting facility, installed last summer, on Friday, April 8th which
coincided with their junior section enrolment evening. The ceremony was conducted by Lancashire CCC Academy
manager John Stanworth, in the company of officials of the ECB, who have contributed to the cost, County League
officers and past and present players all attended.
National Club championship date final clash
IF one of the League’s representatives reaches the final of the ECB National championship this season, they will be
required to play on Saturday, September 17th – the last day of the domestic season. The match is to be played at
Derby County Cricket Club.
The League’s contribution reduces from 10 to eight clubs, the lowest number on record.
Champions in 2001 and no longer in the Premier League, Bramhall have dropped out and are replaced by new
entrants Bollington, also from the First Division. They will host Moddershall from the North Staffs Premiership in
Group 7.
In the same section, Grappenhall, who won their group last season, visit Audley of the North Staffs. Premier, while
Alderley Edge are at home to Derbyshire Premiership champions Lullington Park whom they beat in 2010. One league
club is certain to go through as Nantwich host Bowdon.
In Group 6, Chester Boughton Hall visit Heaton (Bolton League) and Neston go to Darwen (Northern League).
Hyde are drawn to play in Group 2 and visit Notts Premiership side Wollaton.
There is a total entry of 248 clubs in 16 geographical groups, with the final scheduled for
Saturday, September 17th on the county ground at Derby.
First round games have to be completed by Sunday, May 8 although clubs are encouraged to play before then. The
round two limit date is May 22, round three June 19, round four July 3. The first round of the National stage is on
July 17, quarter-finals on August 7 and semi-finals on August 21. First round draw:
Group 2: Alfreton v Wickersley Village; Hanging Heaton v East Bierley; Reversley v Chesterfield; New Farnley v
Townville; Bamford Fieldhouse v Treeton; Wollaton v HYDE; Doncaster Town v Papplewick & Linby; Mansfield
Colliery Mills v Elsecar.
Group 6: Heaton v CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL; Farnworth Social Circle v Blackpool; Prestwich v Chorley;
Blackrod v Wallasey; Kearsley v Colwyn Bay; Rode Green v New Brighton; Kendal v Egerton;
Darwen v NESTON
Group 7: Fordhouses v Leek; Audley v GRAPPENHALL; Wombourne v Himley; ALDERLEY EDGE v Lullington
Park; NANTWICH v BOWDON; Walsall v Walmley; Smethwick v Hucknall; BOLLINGTON v Moddershall.
Cheshire Cup
THE Cheshire Cup and Shield sees return of New Brighton and Wallasey from the Liverpool Competition, plus
Holmes Chapel, Stalybridge St. Paul’s, The Groves and Winnington Park, totalling 55 clubs.
New Competition organiser Rick Davis reports the following draw:
Round l (Sunday, May 1): A: Chelford v Ashley; B: Rode Park v Congleton; C: Winsford v Caldy; D: Birkenhead
St. Mary’s v Birkenhead Park.
Round 2 (Sunday, May 15): Match 1: Lindow v Hale Barns; Match 2: Ashton on Mersey v Timperley; Match 3:
Brooklands v Cheadle Hulme; Match 4: Stockport v Poynton; Match 5: Cheadle v Hawk Green; Match 6: Winners of
B v Stalybridge St. Paul’s; Match 7: Holmes Chapel v Marple; Match 8: Sale v Bramhall; Match 9: Bredbury v
Winners of A; Match 10: Romiley v Bollington; Match 11: Heaton Mersey v Bowdon; Match 12: Wallasey v Crewe;
Match 13: Aston v Winners of D; Match 14: Malpas v Upton; Match 15: Widnes v The Groves; Match 16: Davenham
v Northwich; Match 17: Winnington Park v Middlewich; Match 18: Irby v Parkfield Liscard; Match 19: Winners of C
v Elworth.
The draw for the Shield which will involve the first and second round cup losers, will be made after round 2 has been
completed.
Exempted clubs from the Premier Leagues enter the Cup in round 3 on Sunday, June 5. Draw:
Chester Boughton Hall v winners of 18; winners of 2 v winners of 9; winners of 5 v Oxton; winners of 6 v winners of
15; Nantwich v Didsbury; New Brighton v Toft; Oulton Park v winners of 14; winners of 3 v winners of 1; winners of
7 v Macclesfield; Urmston v winners of 8; Neston v winners of 13; Grappenhall v winners of 11; Alderley Edge v
winners of 17; winners of 10 v Hyde; winners of 19 v winners of 4; winners of 16 v winners of 12.
Round 4 is on June 19; round 5 on July 17; semi-finals on July 31; final on Bank Holiday Sunday, August 28.
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Representative match plans
WHILE League representative cricket is being scaled down, it is still hoped to play three fixtures in 2011.
An approach to the Liverpool Competition has resulted in their backing for a third attempt to restore the annual
Challenge Shield game, provisionally on the last day of the season, Sunday, September 18. Marple have offered their
ground.
The future of the Mullaney Trophy is in doubt after the Cheshire League’s withdrawal from all representative cricket,
although the Derbyshire & Cheshire League have agreed to a one-off game which would be on a County League
ground. Offers are invited.
Finally, it is hoped to keep the North-West Colts Trophy alive with another one-off clash between the League and
Liverpool Competition, who won last year’s game at Orrell. This would also be played on a County League ground.
Lancashire twos busy in Cheshire
LANCASHIRE take County 2nd XI cricket to three County League grounds next season
Worcestershire provide Lancashire’s opposition in a 3-day championship match at Nantwich - for the first time –
from Wednesday - Friday, May 4 – 6, while Alderley Edge will host the championship fixture against Northants from
Tuesday – Thursday, July 12 – 14.
Chester Boughton Hall stage the games between the newly-formed Unicorns A and Northants on Wednesday, May
18, then Unicorns A v Lancashire 2nd 24 hours later (both 12 noon). Thursday, May 19 (12 noon). Neston then host
Lancashire 2nd’s T20 two innings cup match against Yorkshire on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30 (11 a.m.).
There will also be two games between Lancashire’s Academy XI and the Cheshire Development XI at Toft on
Wednesday, April 27 and Westhoughton on Friday, April 29 (both 11.30 a.m.).
Cheshire open at Neston
CHESHIRE open their 2011Minor Counties Knock out Cup campaign against Cumberland at Neston on Sunday,
May 1. They will again be captained by Andrew Hall, who has indicated this will be his last year in charge.
Cheshire figure in Group 1 together with Cumberland, Northumberland, Shropshire and Staffordshire.
The winners and runners-up enter the quarter-finals on Sunday, June 19, when Cheshire would, as winners, host either
Berkshire, Cambs, Lincs, Norfolk or Suffolk, or, as runners-up, visit Beds, Dorset, Hereford, Herts or Oxford.
The semi-finals are on Sunday and Monday, July 3 or 4 and the final is at Lord’s on Thursday, August 25.
Cheshire are to re-engage professional all-rounder Richard Logan for a second season.
Development squad fixtures
THE fixture-list for the Cheshire Development squad is: Wednesday, April 27 v Lancashire XI at Toft (11.30 a.m.);
Friday, April 29 v Lancashire XI at Westhoughton (11.30 a.m.); Monday – Tuesday, June 20 – 21 v Warwickshire
Under 19 at Dorridge (Monday 12 noon, Tuesday 11 a.m.); Tuesday, July 5: Special match v Bramhall Select XI at
Bramhall (1.30 p.m.); Tuesday – Wednesday, July 12 – 13 v Durham Academy at Grappenhall (Tuesday 12 noon,
Wednesday 11 a.m.); Tuesday – Wednesday, July 19 – 20 v Lancashire Under 19 at Middleton (11 a.m.); Monday,
August 8 v Derbyshire Academy at Stockport (11 a.m.); Monday – Tuesday, August 15 – 16 v Staffs. Development XI
at Tattenhall (11 a.m.); Tuesday, August 23: v Leicestershire XI at Bramhall (11.30 a.m.) Team manager is Steve
Amison and coach Chris Murphy.
Over Fifties programme
CHESHIRE Fifties begin with two friendly matches, at Parkfield Liscard on Wednesday, May 4 and Notts at Cuckney
on Wednesday, May 11.
National 50 Plus Championship games (all 1.30 p.m. unless stated): Yorkshire at Grappenhall on Wednesday, May
25; Derbyshire at Ticknall on Wednesday, June 1 (1 p.m.); Cumbria at Timperley on Wednesday, June 8;
Northumberland away and Durham away on Wednesday and Thursday, June 22 and 23 (North-East Tour); Lancashire
at Toft on Wednesday, June 29; Notts at Kiverton Park on Wednesday, July 13.
The play-off round (last 16) is on Wednesday, August 10; quarter-finals on Wednesday, August 23; semi-finals on
Sunday, September 4 and the final at Wormsley on Sunday, September 18.
Team manger is again Paul Freedman, while the new captain is ex-Oulton Park player Andy McIlroy.
Over Sixties to play Aussies
HIGHLIGHT of Cheshire Over 60s programme will be a match at Chester Boughton Hall on Tuesday, August 16
against Australia Over 60s.
Winners of the National Over 60s championship in 2010, Cheshire begin their defence of the trophy against
Derbyshire at Marple on Tuesday, May 10. Followed by: Yorkshire at Cheadle Hulme on Tuesday, May 17; Lincs
away on Tuesday, May 24; Durham away on Tuesday, June 14; Derbyshire away on Tuesday, June 21; Yorkshire
away on Tuesday, June 28; Lincs at Boughton Hall on Tuesday, July 5; Durham at Grappenhall on Tuesday, July 19.
The knock out stages start on Tuesday, August 9; semi-finals on Tuesday, August 23; final on Tuesday, September 6.
Captain and manager of the Cheshire team is again Andy Hurworth.
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Late 3rd XI cup changes
ALDERLEY Edge have been included in the Jack Gardner 3rd XI Trophy after originally being omitted.
Organiser Brian Boys has made the following changes: Stockport move from Group E1 together with their fixtures;
Poynton moved from Group E2 together with their fixtures; a new group is added comprising Alderley Edge, Poynton
and Stockport; An additional preliminary match is added: Winners of W4 v Winners of E6. The revised draw is on the
website and will be in the Handbook.
o SALE 4th have withdrawn from 3rd XI Sunday Division 4 East due to a misunderstanding between club and
league officials. This means that the remaining nine teams in the division will play only 16 games, with an open date
each week and two in total during the season.
Sale may be available for friendlies to fill the open dates, but would need to be contacted on a weekly basis.
Also seeking Sunday friendlies are Romiley 4th whose team will comprise mostly juniors 14 – 18. Contact Tim
Brown, mobile 07740 723 047 or e-mail tim.brown@squiresandbrown.co.uk
o Any club seeking a pre-season friendly should consider Bristol University Staff CC who are touring the Manchester
Area in April and have vacancies on Saturday, April 16 th. Contact Events Organiser James Harvey at
jamie.harvie@bioscientifica.com
Death of Ashton secretary
THE death occurred following a heart attack while playing golf on March 11th of Ashton on Mersey cricket secretary
David Timms, at the age of 70.
A member for 30 years and the holder of many committee posts, David was the father of current 1st XI captain Mark
Timms, one of four sons who all play for AonM. A former pupil of Manchester Grammar School, he was employed
by Dunlop and later worked in oil sales.
David was heavily involved in other sports, being secretary of Ashton on Mersey Golf Club and was a former
president and secretary of Sale United Football Club.
Stephen Barrow is the new secretary of the League’s associate member club.
NEW MCC LAWS EXPLAINED
MINOR Counties umpire Alistair Davies has prepared a review of the new MCC Laws which came into force in
October, 2010 and will be operated during the new League season. Laminated copies will be distributed to all 1 st XI
captains at the pre-season meeting and will be reproduced in full in the Handbook.
LAWS 3.8 and 3.9: It is now solely for the umpires to decide on the fitness of a ground, weather and light. There will
be no more offering the batsmen the light or consultation with the captains regarding ground and weather.
LAW 12.4. There is now is a requirement for an umpire to be present to supervise the toss, but this will not affect the
League who already operate a pre-match meeting between both umpires and captains.
LAW 12.5. Once then toss has been made, the winning captain must notify the opposing captain and the umpires
immediately. They no longer have 15 minutes to decide.
LAW 17. The pertinent points from a re-written law are:
1. When a bowler is ready to commence a spell and he is practicing with a colleague, be must not deliberately bowl
the ball into the ground. If he does, he will be subject to Law 42.3 (Changing the condition of the match ball). He can
continue to bowl the ball on the full to a colleague. The League may introduce their own ruling on this Law.
2. From the call of Play to the call of Time, no member of the fielding side may practice on the field of play, even
from outside the boundary (with the coach for example). Contravention will result in the player being suspended from
bowling for 30 minutes.
LAW 19.4. If the ball crosses the boundary it can only be caught if the first contact is by a fielder who has no part of
his person grounded outside the boundary. In other words, he can no longer palm the ball back into the field of play
then claim a catch if he was first grounded behind the boundary.
LAW 24.5. All of a bowler’s front foot must land, whether grounded or raised, on the same side of an imaginary line
joining the two middle stumps he is bowling from. If this is contravened, he will deemed to have delivered a no ball.
LAW 28.1 A batsman can now be out hit wicket if his bat breaks and some part of it puts the wicket down while he is
in the act of playing a shot.
LAW 29.1 A batsman will be not out if, in the act, of running towards the wicket, he has grounded his foot behind the
popping crease and then, with forward action, he subsequently loses contact with the ground with his body or bat and
the wicket is put down.
LAW 42.14. A batsman will now only receive a first and final warning for damaging the pitch before five penalty
runs are applied. Before, the batsman was cautioned before this final warning.
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Overseas players approved
THE following 16 OVERSEAS players had been cleared to play in the League in 2011 up to April 12th
BOLLINGTON: Tom Groth, Australian wicket-keeper-batsman. Plays in NSW Country districts.
BOWDON: Brett Forsyth, Australian batsman. Plays for Victoria 2nd XI and Prahran in Melbourne premier grade.
BRAMHALL: Sean O’Neill, Australian batsman. Plays for Thomson in Geelong grade, club previously served by Andrew Hall and
Louis Bentley.
BREDBURY ST. MARK’s. Peter Zybrands, Australia batsman, returning for further season.
CHEADLE. Fletcher Stewart, Australian all-rounder (from May 17th).. Plays for Fitzroy Doncaster in Victoria premier League.
CHEADLE HULME: Liam Scammell, Australian all-rounder, 21. Plays for Lavington Panthers in top NSW Albury Wodonga
grade and is ex-Australian Capital Territories U17 and U19.
MALPAS: Nalaka Eranda, Sri Lankan all-rounder. Plays for Nugedoda, one of country’s premier clubs, captain in 2010.
MARPLE. Dominic Michael, Australian all-rounder. Was leading run-scorer with 411 for Northern Suburbs in top Brisbane grade
in 2010-11, scoring 758 runs previous season when he won Peter Burge Medal. Was Division 2 Player of Year with Marple in
2009 with 1,000 runs and 26 wickets.
MIDDLEWICH: Darryn Busch, Australian batsman. Plays for Cragieburn in Victoria Turf Association. Ex-Chelford and Aston
(Meller Braggins CL). .
MOBBERLEY: Mark Lehman. Australia fast bowler. Queensland first grade and SE Queensland Country XI.
OXTON. Gayan Fernando, Sri Lankan all-rounder. Former professional in Sri Lankan cricket and for Wath in South Yorks
League.
URMSTON. Jay Dyball, Australian all-rounder. Plays for Hawksbury in Sydney first grade; ex-Australia Under 15 and NSW
Under 19.
SALE: Andrew Michael. Australian all-rounder. Captains Northern Surburbs in Brisbane first grade. Played for Ashtead in Surrey
championship in 2010. Brother of Marple’s Dominic Michael
TATTENHALL. Mark Hyslop. New Zealand all-rounder. Plays for Petone in North Island senior grade. Has played in Cornwall
and Derbyshire leagues.
TOFT. Aaron Sayers, Australian all-rounder. Played for South Australia 2nd XI in 2007. Senior grade player for Clifton Alliance.
WARRINGTON. Andrew Martel. Australian off-spinner, aged 23. Plays for South Brisbane in senior grade; ex- Queensland youth
squad. Available from weeks 2 to 21.
OVERSEAS EXEMPT (more than two years and less than four years’ UK residence): Muhammed Jahangir
(Bollington); Andrew Robertson (Bramhall); Maneesha Nissanka (Malpas); Andrew Cruice (Upton).
COUNTY CONTRACTED PLAYER. Lancashire’s 2011 Beneficiary Mark Chilton has been registered as a county
contracted player by Bowdon. Chilton will play when available, which could be in about 40 pc of championship
matches. Ex-Brooklands and League North-West Colts XI captain, Mark lives at Hale. Scored a century for Lancashire
in the season’s opening game against Oxford University in the Parks.
o Further applications for registration in all three categories should be submitted ASAP on the appropriate form to the
Competition Secretary, with full cv in respect of Overseas players.
SCHOLARSHIP CONTRACT PLAYER. Formerly with Bowdon, Cumbria-born batsman Jordan Clark has been
registered as a Lancashire Scholarship contract player by Chester Boughton Hall. Ex-Sedbergh Schoolboy Clark,
who suffered a stress back fracture during the winter, made his first-class debut against Worcestershire in 2010.
SUSPENDED PLAYER. The League Conference warn all clubs not to register Bamford Fieldhouse player Jack
Kelliher (ex-Bootle and St. Annes) who has been suspended for three years until the end of the 2113 season by the
Saddleworth League for striking an opponent in a match in September, 2010. For failing to control their player, the
Saddleworth League champions have been deducted 20 points in 2011 record and fined £250.
Saddleworth have launched a ‘tidy up’ campaign to halt the increasingly shabby appearance of some players, who
must now tuck in shirts and wear all-white clothing, which bans coloured armpits or side panels. Sponsorship logos
must appear only on the breast pocket or collar of shirts and jockey caps are banned.
o Clubs in the County League wishing to use sponsors’ shirt logos are advised to keep them as small as possible, with
the back of the shirt kept clear.
o It is not necessary for players moving clubs and / or leagues during the close season to be formally transferred.
They are free agents - until Saturday, April 23rd in the County League’s case.
New umpires
FOUR new names on a 56-strong League umpires panel for 2011 are Robert Dowson, Dion Kelly, Neville Kent and
David Stoter. Jeff Plumpton is recovering after suffering a stroke in March.
o THE book “Inns & Outs” written by League secretary Geoff Wellsteed and Anthony Collis, has been entered for the
Sports Book of the Year award.
o DESPITE his remarkable longevity, Brooklands’ Chris Moore does not quite join the exclusive two-member club of
players who have appeared in every County League season since 1975. This duo comprises Ian Brown (Cheadle
Hulme) and Paul Agar (Warrington) who plan to battle on in 2011. Chris made his debut for Brooklands 2nd in 1975,
but that team did not play in the league until the following season. Brooklands also spent 2007-08 in the Cheshire
League after relegation.
o A YOUNG Overseas player who has represented Canada in the Under 19 World Cup is available by contact through
Nantwich chairman Rob Sproston (tel. 01270 624 638; e-mail rss.me.uk).
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Last look round the clubs …
ALDERLEY EDGE. All-rounder Richard Wilkinson is to play for a strong MCC team to meet Scotland in a 50
overs match at Lord’s on Thursday, April 21st (10 30 a.m.). Among those lining up with him are Jamie Dalrymple,
Mark Alleyne and Darren Bicknell.
A pre-season friendly has been arranged on Saturday, April 16 th at home to Northwich, led by former Alderley skipper
Mark Walker. Jason Whittaker who continues as 1st XI captain, while the revived 3 rd XI is led by Nav Ahmad.
Former skipper Steve O’Shaughnessey has joined the first-class Umpires list.
Alderley plan to use Astra Zeneca, Lindow and Styal as outgrounds, normally for 3 rd XI games.
BOLLINGTON. Chairman Colin Rowe reports that a majority of officers remain in situ after a successful 125th
Anniversary season. These include himself and Matt Dawson as 1 st XI captain, the only changes involving the
treasurership, now Tony Browne and 3rd XI captaincy (Andy Pearce).
Bolly continue their link with NSW grade club Tamworth by registering batsman Tom Groth, who helped his team
win the NSW Country Districts cup final at the SGG alongside ex-Bolly players Jeff Cook, Adam Jones and Aaron
Hazlewood. Also joining Bolly is fast bowler Mohammed Jahangir who took 37 wickets for Hem Heath in the North
Staffs. League last season..
BOWDON. BBC ‘Question of Sport’ producer Gareth Edwards takes over as 1st XI captain from Carl Hey, who is to
open the batting. All other captains carry on with Mark Pickup taking on the Over 40s duties. After complaining about
lack of publicity, Graham Barton has taken on the job of Communications Officer. “That’s a nice, posh title”, laughs
75 years young Graham.
The installation of an electronic scoreboard is top of a list of improvements – but not for the 2011 season.
BRAMHALL. One of Stockport County’s few remaining fans, Nick Cantello is re-elected captain, but will have a
weakened team in Division One with the departures of Andy Hall (to Marple), John Birchall (Brooklands) and Matt
Dawson (Walsden), while Aussie all-rounder Kieron O’Connor is not returning. Matthew Jamieson arrives from
Northwich.
Chairman Peter Lawson has details of two players from Victoria senior grade club St. Kilda who are available to play
in the League on an Overseas registration in 2011. Contact Peter on p_lawson@btinternet.com
BREDBURY ST. MARK’S. New recruits include Khawar Iqbal from Hale Barns and Trafford MV’s Tahir Ahmed.
After 19 years in the chair, Alan Martin becomes president, succeeding Bert Crutchley, not now in the best of health.
Dave Downes is the new chairman, the only position this stalwart clubman has not previously occupied. Skippers
Paul Wood, Daren Evans and Geoff Mountford continue at the helm
After two successful seasons with Packenham in Melbourne grade cricket, the chairman’s daughter Vicky Downes
plans to emigrate to Oz and is to marry the club’s all-rounder Andrew Hilder in the New Year..
BROOKLANDS. Long-serving wicket-keeper / batsman Bill Brown will become the oldest player ever to turn out in
the League next season when he plays for the Over 40s. Bill recently passed his 80 th birthday.
Chairman Jeff Marland continues, with Peter Belwood re-elected secretary and Dave Madden 1st XI captain
CHEADLE. Changes include the election of Colin Samuels as chairman in succession to Ged Nightingale, who
becomes League rep. Chris Grindey takes over from Rana Malook as 1 st XI captain, with Ian Hall leading the Forties.
CHEADLE HULME. Opening batsman Adam Wilde has been elected 1st XI captain, with Ewan McCray
becoming club captain.
Wicket-keeper Chris Durham has gained a place at Derbyshire Academy, which may result in this talented young
player leaving Grove Park to play in Derbyshire league cricket.
Ian Brown is whitening his pads ready for his 37 th league season and also remains a key member of Cheshire Over
60s. He and Warrington’s Paul Agar are believed to be the only two from the 1975 season still playing.
CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL. Chairman Jim Law has devised an issued a superb pre-season Guide which
incorporates messages from himself and club captain Jim Gillson, all the league and cup fixtures and an interesting
piece on the Spirit of the Game which he hopes will be observed by all players, members and spectators at Filkins
Lane in 2011.
Major acquisition is Lancashire Scholarship batsman Jordan Clark, but Trinidad all-rounder Darren Cruikshank is
lined up for an Overseas return after a winter playing alongside former CBH favourite Heath Pritchard in Melbourne.
Boughton Hall fast bowler Chris Connolly is the only Cheshire player in the 2011 Lancashire Academy intake.
Wicket-keeper Lauren Griffiths was a member of the England Women’s team which won a winter ODI series in
Australia, but lost the only Test.
There are two pre-season friendlies, against Cholmondeley on April 16 th and Hyde 24 hours later.
APRIL NEWSLETTER: 8
CHRISTLETON. Following Paul Allen’s move to live and work in Derbyshire, Guy Newell becomes 1 st XI captain
Val Dandy stands down as secretary to be replaced by Russell Butcher. Val is well again after a health problem.
Paul Allen bowled splendidly to take 11 wickets when England drew with Australia at Geelong Grammar School in
the first Deaf Ashes Test.
CONGLETON. Phil Nunn becomes 1st XI captain, succeeding Paul Beaumont and Ian Slinger who shared the job
last season. Paul Mitchell takes over as League rep. from president Mike Kitton.
DIDSBURY. Duncan Anderson proved the key man at the AGM, agreeing to continue as Chairman, Treasurer and
Child Welfare officer. Paul Captains Sperring (1st) and Mark Burns (2nd) were re-elected, with James Jobling taking
over the 3rds and Dion Leonard the 4ths.
Spinner Jonny Fawcett has been enjoying the winter in Australia playing for Royal Park Brunswick in Victoria senior
grade cricket. He took 27 wickets in nine games during one of the wettest seasons on record Down Under.
Brunswick teammate, 22 year old opening batsman and medium pace bowler Rhys Contessa, 22, would like to play in
the League in 2011. Any club interested should contact Jonny at joners2410@hotmail.com
GRAPPENHALL. Key acquisitions for promoted Grappers are Oulton Park paceman Guy Emmett, who played at
Broad Lane as a junior and two from Widnes, experienced all-rounder Tony Hurdley and promising left-arm spinner
Tom Evans. The 1st XI is again to be led by Steve Titchard, who expects ex-Lancashire and England batsman Neil
Fairbrother to be available regularly.
A Red Letter Day at Broad Lane will be Tuesday, August 30 when personalities such as Freddie Flintoff, Michael
Vaughan and Neil Fairbrother will be turning out for an England Legends XI in a Charity T20 match.
HEATON MERSEY. Gautam Narayanan becomes 1st XI captain in succession to Mark Bennett, with Bobby Sachar
and Ali Shah continuing to lead the seconds and thirds respectively.
HYDE. Former Denton West professional all-rounder Scott Kerwin joins, together with Corey Rutgers, a left-hand
opening batsman from Ocean Ridge, West Australia.
Rob Woolley will be missing for the first part of the saeason while at Cambridge University. Rob scored 89 not out
against Middlesex at Fenners on Monday.
All major officers have been re-elected, including skipper James Duffy, the new Cheshire vice captain.
Grants of £30,000 from the ECB and Tameside Council have been used to render the outfield more waterproof.
At the annual dinner a cheque for £4,300 was handed to Cancer Research, money raised in memory of stalwarts Dave
Shaw and Sue White, who died last year.
John Lofthouse spent January in Portugal on his annual football pilgrimage, watching 20 games from internationals
to local league.
IRBY. Major winter acquisition is 36 year-old Sefton Park all-rounder Robbie Houghton, the scorer of 484 runs and
taker of 71 wickets with his left arm spin in 2010. With 25 years’ experience at Sefton, Houghton has accepted a new
challenge outside the Liverpool Competition offered by re-elected skipper Steve Hurworth.
Other recruits are Chris Foran and Carl Ainsworth from Birkenhead Park and promising New Brighton brothers Liam
and Alex Hughes.
Ben Thomas becomes chairman in succession to Mike Newman. The top three team captains have been re-elected
with Nigel Burrows taking over the fourths.
MACCLESFIELD. Promoted to the premiership, the Victoria Road club have made some modest improvements to
their ground, but plans for a major uplift, assisted by Salford University students’ plans, will not bear fruit for three or
four years according to Grounds chairman Simon Griffiths. Work has been carried out to improve the quality of the
outfield, another long-term project. Gary Foy is not a Salford University lecturer as stated in the March Newsletter.
Tom Parfett leads the 1st XI, but will be N/A until early June due to university commitments overseas and the
recently-married Barney Cutbill stands in until them.
Long-serving wicket-keeper Paul Hughes has hung up his gloves.
MALPAS. Making a welcome return to the League after a five year absence, Malpas will be chaired by former 1st XI
skipper John Suckley, who has been elected chairman to replace Tim Davies, who has stood down due to overseas
business commitments.
Max Funke occupies four posts as secretary, treasurer, League rep. and website administrator.
The first team will be captained by Adrian Stubbs and the seconds by Mark Dunning when they meet Hale Barns in
pre-season friendlies on Saturday, April 16th.
MARPLE. Cheshire skipper Andrew Hall returns to his former club, now in Division One. Aussie all-rounder
Dominic Michael returns from Queensland.
Matt Shelton leads the 1st XI, Andy Bell the 2nd, Chris Bailey the Saturday 3rd, Keith McGuffie the Sunday 3rd and
James Hurst the Sunday 4th.
An Under 13 Girls Cricket Festival organised by Sue Barlow is to be staged at Bowden Lane on Sunday, April 10 th
Mike ‘The Bear’ Hibbert has completed 40 years as groundsman.
APRIL NEWSLETTER: 9
MIDDLEWICH. Re-elected skipper James Cornford intends to rely on the squad relegated from the First Division in
September apart from the arrival of Aussie batsmen Darren Busch,
Richard Goulding steps down as chairman to be replaced by former 2nd XI captain Gavin Tomlinson
Delighted with the success of their Centenary Eight a side competition last season, a repeat is planned at Haddon Field
on Bank Holiday Sunday, May 29th.
MOBBERLEY. Peter Chapman becomes acting chairman in succession to David Potts. David Leonard is the new 1 st
XI captain, while Paul Sinclair leads the Over 40s – while remaining captain of Bowdon 2nd XI.
Overseas player lined up is 23 year-old Australian bowler Mark Lehman, who plays first grade cricket in Queensland.
NANTWICH. With New Zealand all-rounder Lou Vincent signing a full-time contract for Sussex, the Dabbers are to
welcome back Aussie batsman Glen Batticiotto as their Overseas player. The giant Queenslander was a literal big hit
at Whitehouse Lane in 2008 before returning home early to take up a full-time contract, which he has since lost.
Other major captures are Cheshire wicket-keeper/batsman Jonny Kettle and promising quick bowler Alex Matthews,
both from Oulton Park.
The Mayor of Nantwich has treated players and officials to a Civic Reception at the Town Hall to mark their 2010
title success.
NESTON Wicket-keeper Andy Roberts takes over as 1st XI captain from Jack Smith, who will continue to open the
batting. Will Evans, scorer of 1,120 runs which helped Mochdre win the North Wales premier league last season, is an
interesting recruit.
Brothers Phil and Rob Davis have stood down as chairman and secretary respectively, the chairmanship going to
David Lewis, while Richard Palmer becomes secretary. Phil’s son Ashley, a potential first teamer, will be playing for
Millfield School until mid-season. Paul Sullivan is the new 3rd XI captain and Andy Crick manages the Sunday 5th.
OULTON PARK. Robin Taylor leads a much-changed 1st XI in succession to Cheshire all-rounder Nathan
Dumelow, now with Quarndon in the Derbyshire Premier League. Ben Spendlove is to play for Ticknall in the
Derbyshire County League, while veteran spinner Chris Jones has also departed and Jonny Kettle and Alex Matthews
have moved to Nantwich.
Back in the fold are batsman Danny Leech from Hyde and spinner Craig Williamson, following a fine season at
Tattenhall. Craig and all-rounder Rick Moore, both at Leeds / Bradford UCCE, enjoyed an MCC Combined
Universities pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi and have since played against several first-class counties in early April.
Another useful capture is Northwich batsman Martin East.
OXTON. Paceman Andy Birley will have plenty to look forward to when the 2011 season ends. He has been named
in a strong MCC party to tour Bermuda at the end of September. “What’s more, our tour leader is none other than
Geoffrey Boycott”, chortles Andy.
Gary Dixon has taken over as chairman from David Ewing, who steps down to concentrate on his National RFU
committee work.
Fully recovered from heart surgery, Stuart Hirst retires as secretary in favour of Phil Mathias.
Lee Dixon is a late choice as 1st XI captain after Chris Davies opted to leave the league and join Birkenhead Park,
while Sean Moore returns to Widnes.
Overseas player is highly-rated Sri Lanka all-rounder Gayan Fernando.
POYNTON. Paul Gould continues to captain the 1st XI and will be encouraged by the return of successful 2010
Aussie all-rounder Rhys Burke.
The club are left without a chairman after Mike Walton withdrew his offer to stand in temporarily.
Tony Berzins has been playing grade cricket for St. Paul’s, the West Melbourne club where Charlie Lamb, Steve
Douglas and Sarah McCann all previously enjoyed winter cricket.
Poynton Ladies have quit London Road after 12 successful years to become based at Trinity CC, near Bramhall.
SALE. Joe Burns has cancelled his planned trip as Overseas player at Dane Road following a contract offer by
Queensland Bulls which came after he scored 140 on first-class debut against South Australia. Replacing him is
Burns’top grade clubmate Andrew Michael, who played for Kent 2nd and Middlesex 2nd on previous UK visits. He is
the elder brother of Marple’s Dominic and the two will be travelling to the UK together.
Sale secretary and League Cricket Committee member John O’Donnell was nominated for an Unsung Hero Award at
the Trafford Sports Awards night at The Point.
Poynton have generously provided Sale with a set of covers for use on their Sale Moor ground.
STOCKPORT. Chairman Mike Short leads the Cale Green club into their first County League campaign. Secretary
Mark Green doubles up as 1st XI captain, while Mark Willougby leads the 2nd and Danny Wilson the 3 rd XI.
STOCKPORT GEORGIANS. Batsman Adam Gaskarth succeeds Nick Tyers as 1st XI captain, while Martin
Unsworth steps down as chairman to be temporarily replaced by Colin Taberner.
Secretary Trevor Bailey reports that 18 year-old all-rounder Simon Normanton had a fine season playing grade cricket
at Fremantle in Western Australia.
APRIL NEWSLETTER: 10
TATTENHALL. Overseas player is New Zealand all-rounder Mark Hyslop, who has played in the Derbyshire and
Cornwall premier leagues on previous UK visits.
Roy Sandford continues as 1st XI skipper and hopes to call upon veteran Mel Dobson whose fitness prospects are 5050 after another knee operation. Nevertheless, the club chairman aims to be there on April 23 rd ready to bowl many
more overs following the loss of Craig Williamson.
A new three-bay net facility replaces the old nets which have been removed and returned to grass to extend the
outfield.
TIMPERLEY. Mark Maddocks captains the 1st XI, taking over from Mike Bishop. Jim McCall leads the twos, Gary
Fisher the Saturday thirds, Nick Brooks the Saturday Academy XI, Steve Entwistle the Sunday thirds and Adam Smith
the Forties.
TOFT. All-rounder Nigel Muirhead becomes chairman in succession to John Reed, who has been elevated to the
presidency, while Norman Ryan takes the new post of patron.
Continuing as club captain Toby Drummond figured in a strong MCC team which toured Namibia under Darren
Maddy during February. Says Toby: “I managed to maintain the good name of the Cheshire County League, but we
did not fare too well as a team, winning only one of our three 50 overs games and losing all three Twenty20s”.
Also re-elected are Paul Ashley (2nd), Andy Dale (3rd) and David Ward (40s). Scorer Pat Sutton becomes the first
woman to serve on the committee since Joan Hill retired.
Toft have spent £5,000 on an electronic scoreboard and have also purchased a water hog machine. To partly balance
the books, a set of covers has been sold to Lindow.
Over 40s regular Tony Elwood, chairman of Southport & Birkdale CC in the Liverpool Competition, invites his
many Cheshire friends to visit Trafalgar Road when Lancashire host Notts in a four day county championship match
starting on July 26th. “It’s our first county match for 12 years and we’re planning to put on a big show, so please
come along”, he says.
The club continue to produce an informative monthly Newsletter
UPTON. Down in Division Two after relegation, but not downhearted, the Old Greasby Road club have given a vote
of confidence to all their senior officers: Peter Clark remains chairman, Eric Anderton secretary and Ian Linwood 1 st
XI captain, with Paul Kearney and Ian Bruce leading the thirds and fourths respectively. Edward Dhenin takes over as
2nd XI captain and Charles Ward leads the fifths.
URMSTON. Star winter signing is Cheshire left arm paceman Adam Syddall, who played for Bowdon for the past
five seasons and is fit again after a serious shoulder injury. Another arrival is Lewis Jackson from Lancashire County
Leaguers Irlam. An opening batsman / wicket-keeper, Jackson played for Lancashire Under 17s last season and
figured for Lancashire Cricket Board Emerging Players. Rana Malook arrives after four years at Cheadle.
Lincoln City fan Rob Arnold has been re-elected chairman with Rob Allison becoming secretary. New 1 st XI captain
is Sumit Panda with Craig Wilson continuing to lead the 2 nd XI, Andy Skelley the Saturday 3rd XI, the chairman
himself as Sunday 3rd XI leader, Colin Hood the 4th XI and John Pollard the Forties.
Guest speaker at the club dinner on March 25th was former Altrincham FC manager (and Urmston cricketer) Graham
Heathcote.
WARRINGTON. Gary Musker proved the key man at the AGM, accepting the posts of chairman and the captaincy
of the 3rd and 5th XIs. There is no change in the other captaincies with Liam Heaphy (1st), the evergreen Max Sleigh
(2nd) and Mike Cornelia (4th) continuing.
WIDNES. Plans to recruit batsman Steve Murdoch from New Zealand had to be scrapped at the 11 th hour when he
played first-class cricket for Wellington, scoring a century on debut. Another top liner is lined-up – not Zimbabwe’s
Grant Flower, who was approached.
Sean Moore returns after a season at Oxton and other new recruits include former Wigan and Ormskirk opening
batsman Andrew Ford, who lives near the Widnes ground and quick bowler Steve Dean, also from the Liverpool
Competition.
Long-serving clubman and youth development officer Peter Hewitt becomes chairman.
With a return to the ECB Premier League his objective, Ian Spencer - not Ian Sinclair as reported in March continues to lead the 1st XI, with ex-professional footballer Billy Webb becoming 2nd XI captain.
With the aid of a £35,000 ECB grant, extensive improvements have been made to the pavilion toilets, changingrooms, umpires room and heating system, reports secretary Steve Duckers.
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo ooo
Early start for Cheshire Women’s League
PRESS Officer Martin Saxon reports that the Cheshire Women’s League season opens on Sunday, April 17 th (1.30
p.m.) when champions Appleton host a Cheshire Select XI captained by Leesa Mellon (Hyde).
League fixtures begin on Sunday, May 1st.
Cheshire’s first county match is against Essex at Warrington on May 29 th, 11 a.m.
APRIL NEWSLETTER: 11
A peep at what’s going on elsewhere …
ANDY HAYHURST, who scored more than 8,000 runs and took over 100 first-class wickets for Lancashire,
Derbyshire and Somerset, is to play and coach at Meller Braggins First Division club Alvanley. Andy is now a
director of the Lancashire Cricket Board.
CHRIS STENHOUSE has been appointed captain of Birkenhead Park and has committed the club to promotion from
the MBCCL and getting back their County League place at the first attempt.
MELLER BRAGGINS League are to make cash awards of £200, £100 and £50 to the top three clubs in their 2011
Fair Play table.
UMPIRE Chris Smith was at Wembley on April 2 nd to see his beloved Carlisle United beat Brentford 1-0 and claim
the mighty Johnson Paints Trophy. Chris has something to celebrate, unlike M&WTB whose Northwich Vics will
remain adhered to the Evostik League in 2011-12. Some consolation came when Vics beat relegation-threatened
neighbours Altrincham 2-0 in the Cheshire Senior Cup final at Nantwich. And there’s always Manchester City.
HALE BARNS have 2-3 vacancies for their 28th Devon tour from Sunday – Tuesday, July 17-21. Estimated cost per
person £250; contact Roger Strong on 07765 321 127.
ASHLEY’s impressive new net facility is due to be opened on Thursday, April 14 th by former junior Paul Allott, the
ex- Lancashire and England fast bowler now a Sky sports commentator. Paul’s father John played for the club for
many years.
Advice for club website administrators
LEAGUE website supremo Darren Sutcliffe lists the following new advice for club website administrators for the
forthcoming season:
1. Saturday results to be inputted by the home club on the summary screen within 24 hours of the end of 1st XI
games and 48 hours of 2nd XI games.
2. Summary of results to be included in the highlights section with full details on the split of points, especially
batting and bowling points.
3. On the summary screen, selection of correct results should allocate win points and only bonus points to be
entered are for batting and bowling points, if any.
4. Full scorecards to be completed by home clubs within 48 hours of the end of 1st XI games and 96 hours for 2nd
XI games.
5. All players’ names to be listed on the scorecards. No entries of ‘Unsure’ to be shown.
6. Home clubs to confirm the correctness of the result with a tick in the ‘C’ column.
7. Away team to check their result has been inputted correctly and confirm also by having a tick showing in the ‘C’
column.
Failure to undertake any of the above within the time scales indicated will result in a fine of £15 for the home club
for points 1 – 6 and for the away club regarding point 7.
DON’T FORGET APRIL 13th MEETING
ALL full and associate member clubs MUST be represented at the League’s pre-season Management Committee
meeting at Warrington on Wednesday, April 13 th (8 p.m.), which doubles up as a Captains’ Meeting.
Available for collection pre-meeting will be Cricket Balls, Handbooks, Result Sheets, Team Cards and – for full
members - sets of Stumps & Bails provided by the Cheshire Clubs Cricket Committee.
Also ready for collection from 7 p.m. will be Junior Handbooks and pre-ordered League-approved cricket balls.
Junior secretary David Vallance (david.vallance@bt internet.com) says any junior clubs who fail to attend will be
charged £20 for couriered deliveries.
All clubs preparing fixture booklets for the new season are urged to incorporate the new Chapel Press logo.
Olympic tickets not required …..
AFTER a few beers at a nearby pub in July 2012, a Scotsman, an Englishman and an Irishman turn up at the
gates of London’s Olympic Stadium wanting to get in – but without tickets.
The Scot picks up a manhole cover, tucks it under his arm and walks up to the gateman “McTavish
…Scotland …Discus”, he calls - and in he walks.
The Englishman picks up a length of scaffolding and slings it over his back. “Waddington-Smythe
…England …Pole Vault” – and in he goes, too.
The Irishman looks round desperately and as a last resort picks up a roll of barbed wire and throws it over
his shoulder. “O’Malley …Ireland …Fencing” he calls out.
There is no record whether or not he got in.
Mike.t-b@virgin.net: April 12, 2011.