Monday January 16th 2012

Umpiring site taken down

Mel Phair has let us know that, due to poor service from the hosting company, he has removed the Umpires Website. He will now combined all the Umpires details within the Stastical website, so they will be visible via that link in the index column as well as via Sportstatz.

Charlotte hands out the trophies

The annual League Presentation dinner took place at Hintlesham Golf Club on November 4th, with the star attraction being the presence of the England Women's Cricket team captain, Charlotte Edwards presenting the trophies to all the various winning teams. Charlotte also gave an entertaining insight as to how she faced up to the challenges of leading England to World Cup success, and also a brief resume of her early career in Cambridgeshire. David Mann, of Hadleigh CC and BBC Radio Suffolk, acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, which also saw a presentation made to our now former President, John Bradley. Other mentions and thanks were given to many others who assist in the smooth functioning of the League.

Some pictures from the evening, show Chris Swallow (Copdock & O.I.) with Charlotte and the Division One Trophy, Petra Leech (Lakenheath) holding the Division Two Trophy proudly aloft. Below those, Mick Thew from our sponsors, Marshall Hatchick. Finally below that, a line-up of all trophy winners.

2012 Fixtures

The fixtures for the main League constitution have now been published, clink the links below to see the relevant pages. Fixtures for all the other competitions will be published just as soon as possible. Some amendments have now been made to the lists for Divisions Three, Six, Seven, and Eight West.

Division One Fixtures 2012

Division Two Fixtures 2012

Division Three Fixtures 2012

Division Four Fixtures 2012

Division Five Fixtures 2012

Division Six Fixtures 2012

Division Seven Fixtures 2012

Division Eight East Fixtures 2012

Division Eight South Fixtures 2012

Division Eight West Fixtures 2012

Division Eight - Regionalised groups

The divisions' regionalisation is as follows:

South: Brantham; Coggeshall IV; Eight Ash Green; Harwich & Dovercourt II; Kelvedon & Feering III; Tendring; West Bergholt; West Mersea; and Witham III.

West: Battisford; Brockley II; Bury St. Edmunds IV; Elveden; Haverhill III; Lakenheath II; Nowton; Walsham-le-Willows; and Worlington II.

East: DBSL; Easton II; Eye & District; Ipswich IV; St. Margarets II; Stradbrooke; Sudbourne Hall; Woodbridge & O.W. II; and Worlingworth.

Annual General Meeting - welcome to the remaining SPL clubs

The Annual General Meeting was held at St. Margarets CC on Monday evening, with three clubs failing to provide a representative. Their absences will be punished by the General Committee once reasons have been established for their absence. The clubs being Tuddenham; Great Bromley; and Nacton.

Now down to the main points from the Agenda, and how they will effect the League for the 2012 season. The General Committee was re-elected en bloc, though we do have a new President, wth Geoff Newman replacing John Bradley, who stood down. There are also four new Vice-Presidents, the honorary positions being given to stalwarts of the League over the last forty years, Philip Drury; John Bradley; John Stuck; and Mike Thew.

The proposal to admit the remaining six Suffolk Premier League clubs was accepted. Earl Stonham, as Champions, will take their place in Division Four, with the remainder, Worlingworth; Battisford; Brantham; Walsham le Willows; and, Stradbrooke, all now taking places in the, now to be regionalised, Division Eight. The new Division Eight will also encompass those clubs relegated from Division Seven, plus all those from Divisions Eight and Nine, who will now geographically split into three divisions of nine clubs. The top club in each group will then be eligible for promotion to Division Seven, if they wish to be promoted. This will mean that a maximum of three clubs could be relegated from Division Seven. Each season the three regionalised divisions will be reassessed taking into account promotion and relegation. As this now means the end of the Suffolk Premier League, all the proposals relating to that League were carried. Additional teams from Coggeshall; Haverhill; and Lakenheath will also be added to Division Eight.

As no Two Counties team was relegated from the East Anglian Premier League again this season, as per the previous season, only one team has been relegated from Divisions One, Two and Three this season.

The proposal to introduce, in Division One, a time limit of 3 hours, 15 minutes per innings, was carried.

The proposals for the Orange Ball, the Powerplay overs, leg side wides, and the 12 overs per bowler in Division One matches were all rejected.

The new rules with regard to Covers actually resulted in a tied vote, which meant it was not carried, but this proposal will be re-submitted next season with some amendments to the wording to clarify times scales. All clubs that do not have some form of cover for their wicket were advised that it can cost as little as £160 to buy sheeting that can totally cover one strip before and during a game.

The proposal for two new balls in Division C was carried, but the coloured ball trial for that division was rejected.

The proposal which related to two or more teams finishing level on points was carried. So now the head-to-head aggregate points will be the first determining factor, and if that is still equal, then it goes to the net run rate, which is now visible to all through the tables on Sportstatz.

Gill Denny also stated, ahead of the Ladies AGM, that there will be another increase in the membership of those tournaments in 2012.

Copdock defeat Ramsey

Copdock & Old Ipswichians will play in the East Anglian Premier League season next season after defeating Ramsey, by 111 runs, on Saturday. As a result of their promotion, as with last season, the number of teams relegated from Division One through to Four will be reduced.

Division Five title to be shared

Witham II and Frinton II have agreed to share the Division Five Championship for 2011. So no play-off match will be staged.

Copdock defeat Fakenham

Copdock & O.I.'s have overcome the second hurdle in their quest for promotion to the East Anglian Premier League, after they defeated Fakenham by 56 runs on Sunday. Copdock scored 285-8 before dismissing the Norfolk club for 229.

Over 50's retain Suffolk Board trophy

The Over-50's XI retained the Suffolk Cricket Board Inter-League Trophy for the umpteenth time at Clay Hall, Ipswich CC, on Sunday. Paired to meet the MSC Suffolk Alliance team in the Semi-Final on the second pitch, and having lost the toss and been inserted, they still dominated the match. A total of 130-6 ws achieved from the 20 overs, Tony Stubbs top scoring with 38, while Jon Wiseman, 26, Kevin Dobson, 21, and Steve Isaac, 15, all added handy runs. The MSC team struggled from an early stage and were 55-6 at one stage. Only 20 from Steve Cooper and 25 not out from Malcolm Grubb helped them to a final score of 93-8, Tony Stubbs and Martin Southwell both taking two wickets. On the main pitch, in the other Semi-Final, Ipswich Seniors recorded a five wicket victory over the Hunts County Bats Over-50's. The Hunts team posted a score of 100-6, Paul Mobbs taking 4-7 from his four overs. Ipswich Seniors reached 101-5 from 17.2 overs, to set up a Two Counties versus Ipswich final again.

The final was an anti-climax to say the least. Only two Ipswich players reached double figures, Graham Denny with 29, and Roger Ingham wth 10 not out, as they were restricted to 78-9. Each of the bowlers took at least one wicket, with Nigel Dennis, Martin Southwell, Tony Stubbs, and Dave Hinchcliffe all taking two. The chase was almost academic. Jon Wiseman departed for 14 with the score on 24, and Kevin Dobson fell for 6 at 33. No further alarms though as Tony Stubbs, 41 not out, and Steve Isaac, 12 not out, guided the team through to 82-2 at the start of the 17th over.

The third place play-off was won by the MSC Alliance team who chased down the Hunts total of 117-3, with 118-3 from 16.3 overs.

Pictured below are the Men of the Tournament for each of the teams: left to right: Tony Stubbs (Two Counties); Paul Mobbs (Ipswich); Neil Place (MSC), and Ray Black (Hunts County Bats). Above: John Stuck receives the trophy from Roger Troughton.

Copdock are the Champions

All a bit of a yawn

The final midweek Over-60's game of the season will probably rank as one of the least thrilling games of the season, as a drawn match was played out against Billericay Veterans at Elmstead on Thursday. The Two Counties team scored 222-6 declared, with Brian Challis hitting 75, Graham Penny 34 not out, Phil Cox, 28, and John Stuck, 26. Paternoster taking 3-49 and Brown, 2-34 for the visitors. The Billericay innings started very well for the Two Counties as Bruce Tompkins hit the stumps with the first delivery of the match, before claiming another wicket in his next over. In hindsight this was probably the worst thing that could have happened as Astles, 84 not out, and Cork, 38 not out, played out the overs for a mind numbing draw, Astles only reaching for the big shots in the last few overs when the game was already dead and buried. Their final score managing to creep to 138-2 from 42 overs. The match probably also saw another unique landmark achieved by John Stuck, as remarkably he never touched the ball once whilst fielding.

Victory over the MSC Suffolk Alliance

The final midweek Over-50's game of the season was played at Frinton on Tuesday, and the Two Counties team came out victorious over their MSC Suffolk Cricket Alliance team by 25 runs in a 45 over match. Home club players were the top scorers for our team as Pat Patel scored 38 not out, and Jerry Wedge, 37. Edgar Dunkley, 26, Jon Wiseman, 22, and Martin Southwell, 20 not out, also made useful contributions. The visitors were then restricted to 167-7 in their reply. N.Place top scoring with 43 not out, while J.Driver, 31, and Malcolm Grubb, 28 not out, helped with their scoring. Bruce Tompkins bowling spell of nine overs, six maidens, three for seven, probably won the match for us. Ian Robinson and Martin Southwell shared the other four wickets.

If the Championship ends with level points

As things are so tight at the top of Div 1 and we understand that both Mildenhall and Copdock would want to go for an EAPL place, there is the possibility that a play off will be required.
Norman has spoken to the EAPL organiser and the following is what will happen should a tie occur.

“I have spoken to Keith Cockburn and it has been agreed that in event of a tie at the top of the Two Counties Championship the play off should be on Sunday September 18th instead of the EAPL Play off semi final. The date for that match will be confirmed probably after this week-end.

The start time for the EAPL was scheduled to be 10.30am and I would suggest that in the event of a play-off in the Two Counties Championship this should also start at 10.30am.

The venue should be decided by a toss of the coin.”

This will obviously be done as soon as possible after play on 17th September if a tie happens.

Double defeat

Not a good day for the veterans teams at Halstead on Wednesday, as they both fell to defeats. The Over-60's had a late change of opponents as fixture congestion caused the Norfolk Over-60's team to withdraw from the proposed fixture. Instead Geoff Newman, as he can do with such speed, got a team together to replace them. Obviously he did much too good of a job as his team "Accidentals XI" secured a six wicket win. The Over-60's made a dreadful start as they collapsed to 43-8 of which Barry Ball had made 24 before he ran himself out. Graham Penny could easily have been wicket number nine, but the chance was spilled and he went on, with John Stonehouse, to take the score to 134-8 before declaring. Penny closing on 58 not out, and Stonehouse on 31 not out. It was not enough though as a generally more youthful opposition reached 136-4 with time to spare. Adam Kemp top scoring with 60, and with Bruce Jackson, adding 23.

The Over-50's were also comfortable defeated by what can only be described as a very dubious veterans team from Edmonton. Again a not so wonderful start was made with the square-leg fielders being kept busy with four catches as we slipped to 44-4. 88 from Pat Patel, nine fours and one six, and 50 from Martin Southwell, who then also holed out to deep square-leg, eased our plight as our 42 overs ended with a decent score of 191-5. Defending it proved troublesome and the visitors reached 192-7 with two overs in hand. Colin Bennett top scoring for them with 52. Martin Southwell also proving to be the most effective bowler with 5-28 from his nine overs.

Final over victory at Chantry Park

On not the most batsman friendly wicket in the world, the Over-50's team defeated the Ipswich & East Suffolk Part & Present XI by five wickets on Thursday. The home team did not make a great start and thanks to three wickets from Bruce Tompkins and one from Chris Hills, they were soon four down with not many on the board. However, Keith Howlett, 65, and Peter Drain. 43, regained some control, as the Two Counties team spilled a few chances to dismiss their hosts for less than the 172 they eventually compiled. Batting got no easier after the break, with the bounce after being minimal in the extreme. Jon Wiseman scored a stoic Boycottesque 50, Peter Boughton, a decent, 28, and John Stuck, a dependable 22, but from having started the final 20 overs needing only to score at 3.5 runs an over, by the time the last couple of overs began that had climbed to 7 an over. Andy Mills and Martin Southwell were at the crease, with Mills almost scoring one a ball in extras, not sure if he used the bat once, but with seven needed from the final over, a boundary from Southwell did the trick and 173-5 was reached, with Martin ending with 35 not out.

Witham charge derailed by Southwell

The Two Counties Over-50's team met Witham on Wednesday in the annual Ernie Nicholls Memorial Match, and despite a determined charge for victory by Witham, the Two Counties team eventually prevailed by 23 runs. After the early loss of John Stuck, Edgar Dunkley, 44, and Ray Black, 31, got the Two Counties innings back on track. After a mini collapse in the 90's, Pat Patel, 35, and Martin Southwell, 51 not out, eventually saw the innings being terminated with 208-7 showing in lights on the board. Paul Bellehewe and Jack Sambrook both claiming two wickets. Stuart Facey, 27, eventually got the Witham innings in gear after three maiden overs at the start of their reply. However it took Richard Green's 45 to actually put them back in contention. After he depart it was Sambrook who took over the mantle of run scorer in chief, but he departed for 55, as Witham hit the buffers and from 163-5 they finally ground to a halt at 185. Martin Southwell with 6-41 ripping through the tail. Bruce Tompkins took 2-46.

The old boys not so busy week starts with a draw in the local "derby", but then two games are cancelled

A very rare event occured at Long Melford on Wednesday when the Over-50's met the Over-60's in the annual bragging rights contest, and it had nothing to do with the result, but more to do with the fact that the weather, for once, did not play a part in a match on that ground. Also has there ever been a case of a runner being given the sack before? The Over-60's batted first and batted for 50 overs to amass a total of 245-8 before declaring. Brian Challis retiring upon reaching 102, was their top scorer with Don Curtis, 59, and John Stuck, 50, giving valuable assistance. Ian Johnson and Bruce Tompkins both taking two wickets. The Over 50's reply did not begin well as Ricky Ratford departed for 3, but then Steffan Marks and Steve Isaac added over a 100 for the seconf wicket before Marks was out for 50. Alan Cooke then added 29 before he was stumped, but he did not immediately leave the field, instead, for a few overs, he acted as a runner for Steve Isaac, who, having slipped whilst playing a shot, was in some discomfort. His pain having eased he felt he longer was in need of a runner. Then he promptly top edged a ball into his mouth, but the only damage was a broken plate. Steve was not at the crease much longer as with only five overs remaining, he was bowled for 87, eleven fours and one six. The match then proceeded to a draw with the Over 50's closing on 197-5.

The wet weather then put paid to Thursday's game against Halstead Seniors, and Friday's game against a Braintree XI.

Incompleted or not even started scoresheets

There are a few scoresheets, which in Sportstatz have not even been started, or have not been completed because of one reason or another. If they are because players names have not been moved to Selected Teams then can the away team please sort this out, or can the home team let me know which players need "selecting", and I will do it. The matches in question are as follows: August 10th Ipswich C v Wivenhoe C (Division C Cup); August 12th; Coggeshall C v Wivenhoe C (Div C Cup); August 20th: Witham III v DBSL (Division 8).

The 162nd for Mr. Stuck, then the rain brings an early end

John Stuck, limped, hobbled, moaned and groaned that everything ached, but still got through to complete his 162nd century before suffering the indignity of being run out. During his 103, he experienced something he had never experienced before, he faced every bowler used by the opposition... all eleven of them! The game did start with the Over-50's losing two early wickets but Steve Isaac, 24, and John Stuck aided the recovery, but a couple more wickets fell before lunch. After the break Martin Southwell joined John and he reached 53 not out before the declaration was enforced. Copford's reply was truncated prematurely by the precipitation after just 11 deliveries, by which time they had moved to 9-0. A soggy end to a busy week of matches, which will be repeated again next week with matches on three days again.

Mistley Seniors just shade the double header

The busy week for the Two Counties Over-50's and 60's team continued at Mistley on Wednesday when each team played a Mistley team. The Over-50's had the upperhand in their drawn match, but the Over-60's came out second best as Mistley won by 4 wickets. Steve Bulger played the starring role for the Over-50's with his 115 not out as a score of 284-5 declared was posted. Brian Challis weighed in with 40, and Martin Southwell added 35 not out. Everett. 3-67. and Dove 2-37 were the most productive of the Mistley bowlers. In reply Mistley held on for the draw with a score of 177-7. Robin Mills top scored with 60 not out, with John Manning adding 55, and Jones 26. Ian Robinson, 3-21, and Bruce Tompkins, 2-42, claimed most of the wickets between them.

The Over-60's declared on 195-5, with no one batsman making a big score but Alan Elsbury, 34, Barry Ball, 31, and Stuart Carpenter, 31 not out, made the largest contributions. Mistley then got home with 199-6, with Oram scoring 53, and Scott 66. Two wickets each for Richard Powell, and Brian Turley.

Gents of Essex CID sent packing

Division C Cup

Building site success at Brantham

Unbeknown to us Thursday's Over-50's match was played amongst somewhat unusual circumstances, i.e. something akin to a building site as the Clubhouse is undergoing a massive refit, which left us with only battered portakabins to change in, no showers, and for a time, nowhere to take a pee. The wicket was also just a little dampened by some morning rain, just to make it a little more sporting!! We were invited to bat by the host club, the reasons for which soon became apparent, with three of the top four departing without contributing to the total. That 13-3 soon became 20-4, before Steve Isaac, 21, and John Stuck, 46, started a recovery which took the score to 61 before the fifth wicket fell. Not that the problems were over yet, and it needed 33 from Bob Richards to finally take our total to 162. Brantham probably should have won the contest, but with overs in hand, somehow they managed to lose all their wickets. Ben Chenery top scored with 55, before he had to rush off for Chelmsford City's training session, and Nicholls with 47, almost took them to victory before he skied one back for Martin Southwell to complete the caught and bowled and end the match with their score on 156. Bruce Tompkins, with 5-23, had caused most problems for Brantham. Thankfully, with the work force having knocked off for the day, the clubhouse was back in full use after the match.

Over 50's too hot for the Piri Piri League

The Over-50's XI defeated their Piri Piri League counterparts by four wickets at Abberton on Wednesday. The Piri's batted first and thanks to 48 from Martin Bashall, 33 not out from Barry Ball, 31 from Mick Warner, and cameo contributions in the 20's from Barry Rudlin and Ian Robinson, they reached 213-7 from their 45 overs. Steve Bulger. Martin Southwell, and Colin Walters each taking two wickets. The TCCC XI then lost Jerry Wedge early on, but 49 from Jon Wiseman helped take the score to 66 before he was dismissed. It all got a little sticky for a while as after 27 overs the score was only 113-5. It was Pat Patel who lead the charge for victory, aided along the way by Colin Walters, 28, and Steve Bulger, 20 not out. Pat winning the match, and bringing up his own half-centuty, 52 not out, with a boundary that took the score to 217-6 in 43.1 overs.

Over 50's and The Presidents slug out a draw

Darkness was descending upon Elmstead Grasshoppers CC when they Over-50's XI v League Presidents XI finally churned it's way to an inevitable draw on Wednesday. The match had started on a baking hot afternoon with the sun blazing, but ended in almost total darkness caused by thunder, lightening, and a few spots of rain. The Two Counties Over-50's batted first and simply tore into the attack from the start. The first wicket fell at 47, despite on 26 actually coming from the bat. Then after losing Ray Black, Jon Wiseman and Colin Walters caused mayhem, with a stand of 142 in just 15 overs. The partnership was ended when Wiseman simply lobbed one up for John Stuck to catch. He had made 88 before offering his wicket. Colin Walters made it to 100 before striding down the wicket and leaving the ball. When Colin was dismissed, the score was 232-3 from 28.5 overs. Just over ten more overs were bowled before the declaration on 280-8. Steve Isaac being the next highest score with 20, whhile Glyn Webster picked up 4-55. The reply never threatened to overtake that score, despite 137 off 118 balls from Brian Challis, and 51 from John Stuck, which had helped the score to 206-2 with their stand of 169, but in the gathering gloom, three more wickets fell, and until I read the scorecard, I was not sure who they were, but they walked to the wicket, and just as swiftly returned, as ghostly white shapes against a dark foreboding background. The innings eventually ended sometime around midnight, at least it felt that way, with a score of 218-5 from 42 overs.

Maldon complete a double chase

The annual double-header for the Two Counties Over 50's and 60's against Maldon Seniors again went the way of the host club as they succesfully chased down sporting totals to win the matches at Drapers Farm and The Promenade.

The Over-50s match saw the Two Counties reach 103 without loss at lunch, but then press on to declare with 263-1 from 57 overs. The ever dependable John Stuck hitting yet another ton plus score with 136 not out. He shared in an opening stand of 181 with Ray Black, who scored 60 before being bowled. Martin Southwell, 35 not out, then partnered Stuck through to the declaration. Maldon began poorly, being reduced to 27-3, but Robbie Barber's 31 began their recovery as the fielding slipped downhill. Chances were squandered as Keith Bannister, 40, Mick Brown, 79, and 64 not out from Martin Hawkes helped them reach 264-8 in the final over.

The Over-60s had a bad start too, as they lost John Stonehouse in the opening over with just four runs on the board, but they then also got through to lunch without any further loss. Barry Ball being on 47 not out, and Steve Isaac on 41 not out, as lunch was reached on 96-1. Ball and Isaac then took their partnership to 126 before both departed with the score on 130. Isaac being bowled for 57, which included eleven fours, and Ball following moments later, lbw for 65, seven fours. Derek Messant added 35 before the innings was declared after 53 overs with 239-7 having been scored. Smith, 88, and Brooks, 47, then shared a century plus opening stand as Maldon chased down victory. Hills added 53, as Maldon reached 240-4 with about nine overs to spare.

Victory at Long Melford

The Over-50's team came away from Long Melford, and a contest with Long Melford Seniors, with a five wicket victory on Tuesday. The home team batted first but really struggled to make any headway after losing Stefan Marks in the opening over. Bruce Tompkins and Russ Abbott taking complete control with the ball. Ray Black and Brian Challis both scored 32 before departing, before Phil Cox added 44. Martin Southwell then struck with three wickets as the home team eventually declared in 156-9 in the 48th over. Bruce Tompkins and Nigel Pearce each took two wickets. Don Curtis was then an early casualty in the chase, but John Gallant, 35, and Barry Ball, 52, put the team well ahead of the required rate. Steve Isaac with 23 not out, then saw the team through to 157-5 with a touch under four overs to spare.

Wivenhoe Cricket

Jon Wiseman, President of Wivenhoe Town CC, has just completed a 240 page hardback book on the history of Wivenhoe cricket from 1765 to the modern day. The book covers the characters and stories that make up almost 250 years of Wivenhoe cricket history. The book is limited edition and priced at £20 with all proceeds going to the cricket club (and not to Jon Wiseman!). To order a copy see the details on the poster below or simply phone Jon Wiseman on 07771-613329

ALAN ROGERS HAS A NEW FAX NUMBER

Hi Folks.

I have sold my house in Ipswich and will be moving back to East Bergholt. As from Thursday 23rd June, I will have a new fax number 01206 299311. My mobile number and email address remain as per handbook.

Alan

Make sure your "selected" teams are in place before the matches

While everyone gets fully acquainted with Sportstatz, can I please remind all clubs and/or captains especially in the away teams, to make sure they have added new players and made sure that their selected teams are in place so that the scorecards can be quickly input, without clubs asking me to copy players over for them as they cannot access them. A number of clubs playing for the first time on Saturday failed to do this.

Bowling and fielding stats

Catches by fielders an wicketkeepers should be added in the section for the bowling statistics, I have noticed that a few scorecards added catches to the bowlers, as if the catches had been taken off their bowling. In fact you should add the fielder, and then give credit for the catches to them in the correct columns.

SportsStatz Two Counties webpages

Laws of Cricket - important changes that now apply, please read

ASSOCIATION OF SUFFOLK CRICKET UMPIRES & SCORERS
Law Changes Effective Oct 2010
• MCC , the guardian of the Laws of Cricket, has produced a 4th edition of the 2000 code and has introduced changes aimed at providing more fairness to both sides and reducing the amount of playing time lost
• Please ensure you have the up to date version of The Laws of Cricket and are conversant with these changes
• THE TOSS
• All previous timings, nominations of players etc remain unchanged but the captain winning the toss now has to notify the opposing captain and umpires IMMEDIATELY of his decision to bat or to take the field.
Once notified this decision cannot be changed
• If the captain is not available then a deputy shall act for him until he is but that deputy MUST be one of the nominated players as confirmed by the signed team sheet
At least one umpire is required to attend the toss
FIELDING BEYOND THE BOUNDARY
• A ball may be caught subject to the provisions of Law 32 or fielded after it has crossed the boundary provided that
a) the first contact with the ball is by the fielder either with some part of his person grounded within the boundary or whose final contact with the ground before touching the ball was within the boundary
b) neither the ball, nor any fielder in contact with the ball, touches or is grounded beyond, the boundary at any time during the act of making the catch or fielding the ball
• Fielders first contact with ball must be within the boundary but can still toss the ball up, cross the boundary and return to complete the catch or field the ball
• Fielders cannot go outside the boundary, leap up and knock ball back inside the boundary to be fielded or caught by him or other team member
• The act of making the catch or of fielding the ball shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with some part of the fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over the ball and his own movement and has no part of his person touching or grounded beyond the boundary
FAIR DELIVERY – THE FEET
This aspect of the Law has one amendment in that the bowler’s front foot must land with some part of the foot whether grounded or raised etc. as stated in Law NOW on the same side of the imaginary line joining the two middle stumps.
• Previously you will recall it was the placement of the back foot over that line that was not a fair delivery
• Bowler bowling right arm over the wicket must have both feet to left of the imaginary line
• otherwise NO BALL and vice versa for left arm over
• There has been in some people’s eyes a change regarding the number of bounces before a delivery is considered to be a no ball.
• MCC, the law makers, are clear and to clarify this has NOT changed and remains as
more than twice or rolls along the ground
• ECB for their recreational cricket have adopted more than once so always check the competition rules before start of play
• PRACTICE ON THE FIELD
• There are no changes to the Laws regarding practice on the pitch and rest of square prior to start of play
• Between the call of Play and Time is where the changes are in that
a) Bowler CANNOT now bowl the ball deliberately into the ground to another fielder by way of warm up as this is considered as contravening Law 42.3 ( The match ball - changing its condition ).
• Any contravention of this results in player not being able to bowl until at least one hour has elapsed or 30 minutes of playing time since the contravention – whichever is sooner.
Despite earlier reference to Law 42 the contravention is deal with under law 17 leaving Law 42 unchanged in respect of other issues relative to condition of ball
• Bowler can using his arm action bowl the ball direct to the fielder in the air and practice run up is allowed
The consideration is then time wasting
b) Fielders cannot practise with anyone e.g. coach outside the boundary and with colleagues it is to be kept to a minimum to avoid time wasting and gaining unfair advantage
Any practice at the fall of a wicket must cease as soon as batsman steps on to the square
Any contravention see Law 42.9 – Time Wasting
c) Batsman will not practice on the outfield
• WICKET PUT DOWN
• There is now the additional way of the wicket being put down
• By any part of the bat becoming detached
bat breaks in playing shot and piece goes on to put wicket down then it is unfortunate but OUT just as if it had been as a result of say the cap falling off
• BATSMAN OUT OF HIS GROUND
• If a batsman in making a run has made his ground in an acceptable manner according to the Laws but his momentum or ground condition causes total loss of contact with the ground then should the wicket be broken at that time he shall be given not out on appeal.
The batsman will be considered still to be in his ground despite the loss of contact having gained it previously within the circumstances of the play
• BATSMAN DAMAGING THE PITCH
• On the first instance of either batsman causing avoidable damage to the pitch the umpire shall, when the ball is dead, now issue a first and FINAL warning together with following all the usual advising protocols.
• The warning applies throughout the innings
You will notice one part of the previous process has been done away with in going to first and final straight away
• Should a further instance occur then, on the ball becoming dead, the bowlers end umpire shall
Disallow all runs to batting side from that delivery other than penalty for no ball or wide(s)
Award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side / Return batsman to original ends / Follow usual advising protocols / Both umpires to complete a report
Repeat above for any further instances

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
• Videos and PDF documents regarding changes can be viewed by going to
www.lords.org/laws-and-spirit/laws-of-cricket
www.youtube.com and the title to view is Oct 2010 law changes explained

Fitness for play, please read

FITNESS FOR PLAY
• As at 2011 season onwards it is SOLELY for the umpires to decide whether conditions of ground, weather , light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be dangerous or unreasonable for play to take place
• The umpires are the sole judges of the fitness of the pitch for play
• Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely because they are not ideal
• Conditions shall be considered as dangerous if there is a real and foreseeable risk to the safety of the players and umpires
• Conditions shall be regarded as unreasonable if although posing no risk to safety it would not be sensible for play to proceed
• If at any time the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground weather or light or any other exceptional circumstances are dangerous or unreasonable they shall immediately suspend play or not allow play to start or recommence
• When there is a suspension in play it is the responsibility of the umpires to monitor conditions making inspections as often as appropriate unaccompanied by any players or club officials unless invited e.g. Groundsman
• Immediately it is decided that conditions are no longer dangerous or unreasonable they shall call upon the players to resume.
• Umpires take the lead in situation
• There should be no delay in starting play or suspending play just because the ball or grass is wet and slippery. You have your cloth and there should be sawdust available during the day
• If the bowlers have reasonable footholds, the umpires and fielders have the power of free movement, the batsmen can play their strokes and run between the wickets then there should not be delay in starting or reason to suspend
• Small areas of surface water in the outfield should not really hold up play
• The bowlers run up to a distance of 10 to 15 metres from the wicket should be dry enough to run on without slipping and sliding.
• Ensure sawdust available
• Particular attention should be paid to the pitch area. If the whole pitch is damp then there is the possibility that play could take place remembering the factors mentioned in earlier slides
• If there is a mixture of wet and dry patches extra care is needed in deciding to play or not as there could be the risk to safety of players and indeed umpires
• Should the decision be made that initially unfit for play then regular monitoring of drying and general weather conditions should continue
• Whilst it is not primarily the duty of the umpire to decide how the pitch will play they do need to be fully aware of their duty of care to the participants
• In the event of showery conditions if there is the possibility of it passing over quickly and not being too heavy an argument can be made for staying out and continuing play.
• Consultation with colleague is essential with regard to other factors mentioned earlier e.g. freedom of movement etc
• In the event of heavy rain or thunderstorm play will cease immediately and subject to their availability covers being deployed
• With regard to restarting play in light rain after an interval the decision has to be taken as to whether these conditions would have led to a suspension of play themselves
• Lightning provokes fear in many for obvious reasons. Under the duty of care there is the recommendation that the 30/30 rule as laid out by various safety and meteorological bureaus be implemented.
• Thunder follows lightning flash within 30 seconds or less people in open are at risk of being struck so play ceases immediately
• Return to field of play and restarting should not be until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash
• Light conditions can be governed by background, trees, buildings, sightscreens or lack of, etc and can vary quite radically from end to end. Conditions that are satisfactory when a slow bowler is on need not necessarily be so when a fast bowler is operating or vice versa. It is difficult without the light meter to lay down a general standard but to err on the side of caution has to be the better choice
• The duty of care to the players of both sides is paramount and indeed the umpires safety. If the ball cannot be seen clearly by all then injury could easily occur
• In evaluating the conditions of ground weather or light the state of the game is irrelevant in arriving at the decision
• Do not be bullied

Hadleigh at Lords

Click on this link to view pictures of Hadleigh playing Cross Arrows on the Lords Nursery Ground as part of their 250th Anniversary celebrations.

Tied matches

There seems to be some confusion abounding about how the points are split in the event of a tied match. Rule 16 is quite clear, 5 points for each team plus the batting and bowling points accrued by each team in the match. So a maximum of 15 is possible.

Results and the telephones

Photos

I would like to be able to publish more photos on the web-site during the course of the season, whether they be team groups or actions shots. I did not have any pics sent to me of last seasons' various champions and so have been unable to update the opening page to the site. So please send them in via e-mail, the link for which is further down the page, and also add a caption as to what the shot is, and the players names thereupon. Thanks very much.

All the news, results and tables on your mobile

Anyone with a wap enabled mobile phone can now access these pages there upon. Just go to www.twocounties.com/news and you will get this page, and all the links will lead you to the other pages.

Club links page

I have updated the clubs links page as much as I can, if any other the links need updating then could someone from the club contact me with the revised details sr.isaac@btclick.com

Just how well this web site functions is also very much down to the individual clubs as I would like to receive news of the matches and the clubs from individuals within the clubs. So please nominate someone in your club to act as your representative to forward such to me via e-mail. I would like to know about outstanding performances, strange events during matches, well you know the sort of thing we can put on the web site.

Your input is extremely important, whether it comes from a club, an individual, or the General Committee itself. So please just mail me via the link below.

Contact Steve Isaac via this link sr.isaac@btclick.com