Notes NEC Surrey Colts League Roundtable Meeting
Held on 21 October 2008 at Old Rutlishians CC
Present: Lance O’Neill (Chairman NEC & Spencer), Graham Mills (Secretary NEC & Old Rutlishians), Mike Woods (NEC Committee & Sutton), Richard Bedbrook (Surrey CCC), Roger Hurrion (Addiscombe), Barry Brown (Bank of England), Graham Parker (Beddington), Andrew Rawstron and Paul Davidson (Dulwich), John Brooke & Tim Richards (Old Wimbledonians), Ray Wood & Jim Harmer (Reigate Priory), Bob Horner (Sanderstead), Grant Fenwick, Peter Edwards & Bob Jordan (Sutton), Ian West (Spencer), Simon Eaves (Wimbledon).
Swapping of U9 and U10 match days.
The problem was that some parents felt it was too late for u9s to be out. Various other dates or arrangements were suggested. Wimbledon, Addiscombe and Bank of England said they would pull out of u10 league but Wimbledon would join u9. It was agreed that the committee would look at bringing something on this to the AGM for clubs to decide.
Other suggestions were looking at the format of u9 games to speed them up.
There was also a request for tighter zoning and looking at the possibility of more than two zones in this and other age groups to reduce travelling.
Older colts’ cricket – U15 and upwards:
There were no strong feelings about conflict of u15s with Surrey Trust and Development Leagues.
Addiscombe wanted u16 league to start earlier but this did not seem to be shared. Graham Mills said that Cameron Knight from Old Mid Whitgiftians had e-mailed saying he was not keen on Thursdays particularly early during the exams. He suggested a competition reserved for smaller clubs which could allow some younger players to be involved.
There was a fair degree of support for more flexibility over dates of fixtures but an understanding that this would not extend to other age groups. There was some support for allowing u17s in.
Leagues
It was suggested that leagues might run into August or have different formats later in the summer. Concern was expressed about getting sides out as so many people go on holiday.
Cups
Reigate Priory felt the John Charcol Cupcompetition needed revamping. People could not understand why the rules changed in the later stages to a 30 over competition.
There is apparently a meeting of Colts League Chairman. Lance O’Neill has not been invited. It was thought that Derek Warne may have attended for NEC previously.
Questions were asked about how clubs were entered for John Charcol or whether it was done automatically. Bank of England wondered why they were not entered. The process for this needs to be understood.
There were requests for circulation of rules and full draw for cup competitions so managers could understand variations from league rules for those that were County competitions. It was queried whether these could be put in the handbook or on the website.
Age-Group Festivals
Lance O’Neill said that committee saw the ideal as u8-u11 in current format with 6-a-sides for older age groups. The problem this year had been finding helpers. We also need grounds ideally with two or more pitches
It was suggested that the committee should ask for help earlier. Sutton said they could probably find helpers to run the u10 festival. Beddington said they would be happy to stage more festivals and could possibly also find organisers.
Finals Day
Beddington confirmed they were keen to stage in 2009. A clash between finals day with a Surrey u9 friendly was raised. The Surrey age group manager had insisted boys play for the County rather than in the final. Richard Bedbrook said he did not think this was appropriate and agreed to take it back to the County.
Websites
Mike Woods said this was seen as the main information conduit to the league.
Play-Cricket
Reigate Priory wondered if full details of results (individual scores, bowling figures etc) could be put on Play Cricket like the East Surrey league does. There did not seem to be much support for this.
There were concerns about the effect on statistics caused by some clubs entering these additional details. It was wondered if Play-Cricket might consider having separate databases for Senior and Junior cricket.
Age-Group League Representative Fixtures
There was a discussion about these. Dulwich felt that there could be more use of players who had not played for a representative side before.
Pairs Cricket
Sutton and Dulwich wondered if we could shift to straight cricket at u11 or even u10. The merits of this was discussed and there was some agreement that straight cricket was preferred by boys who were more experienced but pairs was good for lads who were joining clubs at 10 and 11 having not played much before. The possibility of giving clubs a choice at u11s was raised.
B Team Leagues
These were felt to be useful. The possibility of an u11 B team league was raised. There was concern about the work they imposed on the league. Clubs were reminded that they could arrange friendlies although it was accepted clubs may be less likely to call off league games.
GWM
22.10.08
