EVENING LEAGUE SHOULD RETURN

Surely it's time Scunthorpe area club cricket had a senior midweek league once again. It's some years since the sadly missed, long-running Broughton and District Evening League folded, the number of teams having declined steadily since the late 1970s when there were three divisions and a knockout cup.
This issue was touched on, in passing, at this month's annual general meeting of the North Lindsey (Sunday) League, during talks on a possible additional cup competition.
The North Lindsey involves teams from the Gainsborough and Grimsby areas which both have midweek leagues, Grimsby having SEVEN divisions. The Caistor area is served by the West Wold League, while some of the Isle of Axholme lads take part in the Snaith Evening League, in which Luddington operate.
League fixture secretary Glen Sands, who is involved with Luddington's midweek side, pointed out the difficulties involved in getting teams together.
Reference was also made to the existence of the well-established Scunthorpe Midweek Friendly League, in which a number of company teams take part.
It was also stressed there's so much junior league cricket in the Scunthorpe area these days - under-13, under-15, under-17 - that fitting in men's midweek matches would be difficult for many clubs. Meanwhile, many junior players who also be required to turn out in the men's evening league, for team-raising reasons.
My own comments on this topic at the meeting prompted a suggestion from Alan Pashley (Scunthorpe Town) that I might well be the person to take on the organisation.
Someone then made reference to the domestic difficulties posed by additional midweek cricket, resulting in another night away from the "better half". That prompted me to joke: "I'm considering coming out of retirement!"
About five years ago, in the late, lamented In A Spin column in the Scunthorpe Telegraph, we tried to get teams to come forward to resurrect the old Broughton Evening League (not necessarily under that banner). However, there was little or no interest.
Today, my offer still stands. If we can get half-a-dozen clubs in the Scunthorpe area to commit themselves, I'm sure we can get a meeting organised and a league up and running pretty quickly. It could still be done for 2011, or maybe teams would be thinking of 2012. I don't mind either way. Post a comment on this article or email scoopfisher@aol.com

BORN AND BRED

It's always been my view that you should only be allowed to play international cricket, or any other top-level sport for that matter, for the country of your birth. No exceptions!
So many England cricketers of recent years (and coaching staff) seem to speak with the inevitable twang of someone from the southern half of the African continent. Or there's a hint of Irish - so there is.
Andrew Symonds played for Gloucestershire against Lincolnshire at Sleaford in the NatWest competition while regarded as being English. He appeared internationally for Australia. Quite legally, under the rules. But surely it's time they were changed and simplified.
Football is just as confusing. You all know the stories about Grannie being born in the Emerald Isle or north of the border and some player with a cockney accent posting off her birth certificate to the powers-that-be.
At county level, I always admired Yorkshire, as did many others, for engaging only those born within the boundaries of our biggest county.
Except, a century ago, of course, in the era of great captain Lord Hawke, who was a Lincolnshire Yellow Belly, like most of us!
Eventually, even the reactionary committee folk at Yorkshire CCC were forced to bow to the enevitable and drop the requirement, just to stay on a level playing field with the competition.
Just in case anyone mistakenly thinks there's an underlying trend of racialism here, I'm going to point out that England started it all in the first place.
In the days of British Empire, and the Raj, when the sun never set on the red-painted areas of your household globe, we had to ensure that those cricketing stars born in the colonies were able to represent us at cricket (eg future captain Sir Colin Cowdrey - born Bangalore, India). And many others.
Just to prove my point about the rules, The Nawab of Pataudi (Snr) played Test cricket for England and India!
It's certainly not a matter of ethnic origin, as far as I can see. Any cricketer, whatever his ethnicity in passport terms, should be free to play for the country of his birth.
Somehow the rules don't seem right in allowing a person born in another cricket-playing country to spend a few years living elsewhere and then qualify to play internationally for the country they've chosen to join.
I'll be taking a look at the country of birth of all players in Test series from now on. Starting with the forthcoming Ashes, Down-Under. If those not born in England, or Australia, play key roles, to me it must be regarded as a hollow victory.
Domestically, I still feel upset about what happened in the Minor Counties Championship. The overseas professionals were banned in the late 1980s - many of us thinking that precluded something similar in the first class game. But a quarter-of-century later, nothing has happened further up the pyramid.
I liked to watch the overseas stars in the Minor Counties - pitting Test stars against local club cricketers. The stars from afar added to attendances, helped with sponsorship and created interest among newspaper readers (my own paper included).
But if they want to encourage English-qualified players in the Minor Counties by excluding overseas stars, how come the same doesn't apply in first class county cricket, with its profusion of 'Kolpak' registrations AND Test stars from abroad?
It wasn't so bad when overseas players signed for the entire county season, but these days they seem to arrive for a month or two, only to disappear to be replaced by another.
True greats like the game's No. 1 all-rounder, left-hander Sir Garfield Sobers, made lasting contributions. Just consider what the legendary West Indian - top-notch batsman, superb close fielder, fast bowler, finger spinner, Chinaman devotee and hitter of six sixes in an over - did to raise the profile and fortunes of Nottinghamshire. Or what Wasim Akram did for so long up at Lancashire.
However, for every great player like Sir Garry and Wasim, there have been dozens of others who have come and gone without really making a mark and played in an XI in which a local player, therefore, did not get the Chance to Shine, to use a current ECB term.
Your views are very welcome. Post a comment.

GERMANY MOVES UP TO THIRD SPOT

Lincs Cricket Latest page views since May, 2010 - top 10 countries only:

United Kingdom 20,436
United States 1,596
Germany 485
Netherlands 372
France 252
Russia 165
South Korea 157
New Zealand 112
Kuwait 107
India 95

Source: Google.

BARTON MAKE OVERSEAS SIGNING

Barton Town, of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division, have just announced their overseas signing for 2011 - Reece Ogle, of Campbelltown-Camden Ghosts, New South Wales, Australia, desribed as a 1st Grade Opening Batsman.

BARTON NETS

Barton Town's senior nets open on on 25th January, 2011 at 8pm at Oasis College, Immingham.

LINCS LEAGUE AGM

We've now put a lengthy report of the annual meeting on the Lincolnshire County Cricket League official website (and not much has gone up on there since it started).
Visit http://lincscl.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp

LINCS CRICKET POPULAR A HIT IN STATES

Lincs Cricket Latest page views by country (top 10 only) during the past week:

United Kingdom 1,303
United States 168
Netherlands 30
France 16
Latvia 14
Canada 11
Australia 9
Germany 9
South Korea 9
Kuwait 9

Source: Google.

START EARLIER OR PLAY LATER?

The Daily Express is leading a campaign to get British Summer Time altered, which we seem to recall has already gained the support of the ECB's Mike Gatting, former England captain. European politicians are also said to be in favour of the change.
According to the Express it would mean 10pm sunsets in the summer. From Lincolnshire cricket's point of view that sounds good. But how many players/clubs would support playing later and presumably starting earlier? Later finishes would cut down drinking time considerably, unless allied to later pub closing, which we don't think is a factor for those proposing the switch.
Within the Lincs League, earlier starts are unpopular (notably in September) but are necessary to get games in before it gets dark. We don't have many problems with the light between mid-May and mid-August, even when our normal start times apply.

MAKE A CAREFUL NOTE

Put this one in your diary... The annual meeting of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League will be held on Monday, November 29 at Cleethorpes CC, Chichester Road (6.45pm for 7pm start).

AGGERS DO

Caistor Cricket Club will be hosting an evening with the voice of cricket on BBC Radio 5 and former player, Jonathan Agnew, at Forest Pines, Broughton, on 15 April 2011.
“Aggers” will be talking about the 2010/11 Ashes Tour, the 2011 One-Day World Cup in Sri Lanka and what it is like to share a commentary box with the likes of Blowers and Tuffers. A true evening of cricketing insight and humorous stories is in store.
Tickets are £35 per person; table of 10, £325.
Contact Reg Percival, telephone 01652 678839 or email reginald.percival@which.net
Tickets are limited and funds raised will be used to develop and support junior cricket at the club.

(With thanks to Dan Healey, of Caistor 2nds, for alerting us to this event)

LEVER OPENS ONCE AGAIN

Former Lancashire and England pace bowler Peter Lever opened the Lincolnshire Cricket Lovers' Society programme last night at Cleethorpes CC, playing to a full house and proving to be a very funny speaker.

Tuesday, November 23rd
Anthony Collis and Geoff Wellstead
A cricket book – and an evening - like no other! These two authors have identified 99% of the country’s cricket themed pub signs and names and unearthed cricket related stories linked to them for their book Inns and Outs.

Tuesday, December 7th
Quiz Night
Teams of four - £20 per team to include pie and peas supper. The annual non-too-serious occasion for all cricket lovers. Book your team in with Ron Gardner 01472 877798.

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
Peter Bowler
A former Leicestershire, Derbyshire & Somerset batsman, Peter spent 20 years on the professional cricket circuit, retiring in 2004 to take up a career in corporate law. Having played with and against the game’s greatest, he has a wealth of stories.

Thursday, February 11th
Canon Alan Haydock
According to other societies, you will need your seat belts fastened this evening to stop you rolling in the aisles with laughter! A keen sportsman, a member of Notts CCC General Committee and a Canon of Southwell Minster, Alan has donated more than £50,000 from his speaking fees to various church, charitable and sporting organisations.

All meetings take place at Cleethorpes Cricket Club and start at 7.30pm.
Car parking and bar facilities available
Ladies and junior cricket-lovers are welcome.

UMPIRES SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

Jo Walker, from Messingham, long-serving secretary of the Scunthorpe and District Cricket Umpires' Association, retired last night, at the AGM, and was presented with flowers by chairman Mick Knapton, as a token of thanks for all her hard work down the years.
Addressing a good turnout of members at the meeting in Scunthorpe's Brumby Hall cricket pavilion, the chairman paid tribute to Jo's dedication and efficiency. She was duly elected a vice-president.
Peter Douce, from Broughton, who is vice-chairman and welfare officer, was made a life member, having now retired from active umpiring. This honour marks his continuing good work, going back many years.
Mick Knapton, from Barrow, was re-elected chairman, with Bryan Simpson (Broughton) continuing as treasurer, and "yours truly" (Brigg) taking over from Jo as association secretary. Mick Walker, from Messingham, will continue his ever-efficient allocation of officials to matches as our fixture secretary. A printed chart listing the umpires' marks for the Lincolnshire League season was circulated at the meeting and the chairman congratulated Keith Warn, from Howsham, on finishing top of a list covering umpires from the Lincoln, Grimsby and Scunthorpe areas. Keith will receive his trophy at the league's presentation dinner.
The chairman made reference to some impressive average marks achieved during the season, resulting in a number of highly-placed Scunthorpe members.
(It was the first season in which matches outside the Lincs League premier division required team captains to award marks to the umpires).
Anyone reading this who wishes to train to become an umpire is asked to email me. There will be a course starting in January at Brumby Hall cricket pavilion. There won't be a charge for tuition but you will need to buy a copy of Tom Smith's "umpiring bible" - sold at a subsidised cost. Email scoopfisher@aol.com for further details or to put your name down. Please include a telephone number so our trainers can get back to you, in due course.

INDOOR FUN

The East Lindsey Indoor Cricket League consists of two leagues of four teams, playing at Skegness Sports Centre and has a page on the Facebook social network.

BOTTESFORD BACK HOME

There was a very enjoyable AGM of the North Lindsey Cricket League tonight at Brumby Hall cricket pavilion, Scunthorpe, under the chairmanship of Dave Willey (Bottesford). The mood was relaxed, with some jokes being cracked, a little leg-pulling and no animosity.
With a few clubs holding AGMs shortly, there's no definite decision over the number of teams taking part in the three divisions during 2011. That looks set to be decided at the end-of-February meeting.
However, chairman Dave was able to reveal that Bottesford will again be playing at Birch Park next summer, having fulfilled all 2010 games away from home. He thanked sides in their division for their valued help in that regard.
All the top table officials were re-elected - Dave Willey, Paul Saunders, Glen Sands and Enid Girling.

THE STRENGTHENING DEBATE

My personal viewpoint...

The current Lincs League rule is there to deter 2nd (and lower) teams being strengthened by the inclusion of players who would otherwise have turned out in the first (higher) team. In almost every case where a complaint has been made under this rule, it's happened on a day when that club's higher side did not have a fixture.
There's a simple question to pose in each case: Which team would the player have been in if there'd been 1st and 2nd XI fixtures that day?
The anti-strengthening rule was voted in by a clear majority and is not exactly new.
If clubs don't like it and wish to see it scrapped, there's an opportunity at the annual general meeting to come up with a suitable rule change and see how they get on.
However, they should note that many of us go along with the current rule which considers it to be against the spirit of the game to play so-called ringers in lower teams.
This policy used to be widespread and resulted in a host of grumbles and indignation - hence the introduction of the rule, passed with a clear majority.
Should it really be considered OK to save your 2nd X1 from relegation, or clinch promotion, by playing first teamers in vital games? How is that fair to other teams also involved in the relegation dogfight or seeking promotion?

DOUBLE DOSE

Tomorrow (Wed) night sees the annual general meeting and trophy presentations of the North Lindsey League at Brumby Hall cricket pavilion, Scunthorpe.
On Thursday night the same venue hosts the AGM of the Scunthorpe and District Umpires' Association.

ANDY EXERCISES WRITE OF REPLY

Andy Langford, Messingham CC 1st XI captain, has been in touch with Lincs Cricket Latest and given detailed reasons for his club declining the invitation to rejoin the Lincs ECB League, having won the championship of the Lincs League's top section this summer. He says...

Following your story regarding our good season, someone one has commented about us not accepting promotion. It has nothing to do with being a "big fish in a small pond" - it's about what is best for our club as a whole. The decision was not taken lightly and the whole club had their say in the matter. We pride ourselves on being a village club - of the 34 players used by the club in senior cricket this year, 29 of them either live in the village or have grown up playing for our youth teams. We have a very small catchment area for players and we are not interested in paying out money to mercenaries. We are committed to running a profitable, sustainable club.
Entering the ECB league takes a massive amount of commitment from the players. There is a huge amount of travelling involved, with at least four trips taking at least 90 minutes. Many of our players have either weekend work commitments, young families or university/college/school exams to study for. I realise that every club has these issues, but given our geographical position within the county, every away game is an 11-hour day and this requires a huge amount of dedication, not just by the 11 1st team players, but it affects the club as a whole, as we can go months without the 1st & 2nd XI meeting after a game, which we found to be divisive and caused poor team spirit.
With regard to your statement that we "ran away with the league", I think you'll find the league table is very misleading. We got extremely lucky with the weather and were fortunate to have only one match rained off (although we managed 93 overs in this match, scoring 7 bonus points). We also had several very close games which could easily have gone either way (6 games won by fewer than 35 runs and one by 1 wicket).
The simple fact at present is that Messingham, as a club, are not strong enough to compete within the ECB league. We battled hard for our last 5 seasons with little to no reward; I think the best we managed was 8th out of 12!
Add to this, currently within the club we currently have only four players aged between 25 and 35. This tells you our players are either at the end of their careers or are young and inexperienced. What we have found this season is that playing in the Lincs Prem gives our young players a platform to perform in a high standard of cricket within a friendly, competitive environment.
I just want to make it clear to people our reasoning behind rejecting promotion.

NORMAL SERVICE RESUMED

We've been away for the weekend - hence the lack of posts on Lincs Cricket Latest.

TROPHY TIME FOR CAISTOR

From Wes Allison, Caistor CC

Here are some photos of our trophy winners at the club dinner on Saturday at Stallingbourgh Grange.
The first one is of Ryan McKitton, who won the third team batting trophy, the best performance of the year trophy, the most boundaries trophy and the most sixes trophy.
The second shows Terry McKitton, who won the third team bowling.
The third is of Lewis Jefferson, who won the first team bowling award with 43 wkts and was also the most improved under 21.
The next shows the most ducks trophy - a four-way tie between Alex McKitton, Gareth Johnson, Matthew Brown and Tom Boryszczuk (not pictured).

MOON LANDING

A rule change which failed at Wednesday night's AGM of the Lincs League suggested defining a wide as any delivery landing outside leg stump.
The word "landing" immediately set me thinking about the famous "moon ball" speciality of Alkborough left-armer spinner Andy 'Chippy' Clay.
He was representing his club at the AGM and was as relieved as many other bowlers that this did not go through. It could have made for some lengthy overs!
Peter Douce, representing the Scunthorpe and District Cricket Umpires' Association, rightly questioned why a league like ours would want to tinker with a Law of the Game in this respect.
"Yours Truly" noted the definition "landing" in the proposed rule change but asked what would happen to a full toss which didn't pitch at all.
Clubs clearly agreed that defining a wide should be left exactly as now.

MESSINGHAM ENJOYED SUMMER

It was heartening to hear from Messingham delegate John Casswell what an enjoyable time their first teamers have had after returning to the Lincolnshire League premier division from the Lincs ECB Premier.
At last night's Lincs League AGM, John was invited to explain why Messingham, having won the Lincs League premier, had declined to go back up to the ECB competition.
He made reference to an enjoyable season spent back in the Lincs League, mentioned sportsmanship encountered and pointed to excellent spirit running through the club.

UPDATING LEAGUE DIRECTORY

By Glen Sands, General/Fixture Secretary, Lincolnshire County Cricket League

As I have been given the role of first contact for the Lincs League, I am looking to obtain as much information from EVERY club in respect of their contact numbers, emails etc. I appreciate that Mike Savage (retiring General Secretary) will have most of the info required, but I feel that the change of secretary offers us a good opportunity to check all the info that goes to print so could all clubs reply to this email with your complete contact details to ensure that the 2011 handbook will be bang up to date.
I am requesting information of Club Secretary with address, phone number and email address and info of any other contacts the club wishes us to publish, such as team captains (tel no and email add).
Thanks in anticipation, guys.
Email glensands13@aol.com

MAIN POINTS

Cherry Willingham and Alford were duly promoted to the Lincolnshire League premier division at last night's AGM in Market Rasen, which went on for well over two hours. "Two up, two down" applies in all divisions, in line with what everyone was expecting.
The digital scoring system was adopted in full. Much more on that later...
I didn't help speed things along with a lengthy report. Should have taken along the right glasses, or used bigger print. As a result it proved very hard to read. Sorry!
However, we'd already been to Specsavers and collect a new pair of varifocals next week.

Lincolnshire County Cricket League results secretary Nigel Fisher’s report delivered to the annual general meeting in Market Rasen on Wednesday, October 13, 2010.

As results secretary I would like to thank all clubs present for a generally very high standard of efficiency when phoning through results and submitting scoresheets this season. Hundreds have been received across our five divisions without problem or delay. Only a small number caused me any concern and they generally coincided with the regular person being away – perhaps on holiday.
However, I would like to remind all clubs that when a game is called off due to bad weather without a ball being bowled, you still need to phone that information through to the league, as well as informing the relevant umpires’ association.
My thanks go to fixture secretary Glen Sands and statistician Andy Sharp for checking and double-checking the information I collate each week from your messages and scoresheets.
Your reaction to the rule change proposals we will consider shortly decides whether the 2010 season proved to be our last using paper scoresheets and registration forms.
Filling in the scoresheet after the match may have been around in local cricket even longer than our chairman, but the procedure has served us very well. However, there’s no escaping the fact that every year sees more and more leagues up and down the country – and many not of our standing – moving over to the ECB’s internet-based Play Cricket system.
Should our league decide tonight that we are going to endorse Play Cricket at the expense of scoresheets and registration forms, I will suggest an agenda item on this topic at our next meeting in January, just to ensure everyone knows what they have to do – and when.
However, if we decide to take the digital route, the ECB has things in place so our clubs can begin work online, such as player registrations, immediately.
It would be a task for your officers to upload the 2011 fixtures – once compiled – and to make the necessary adjustments to the points scoring system, over which I have already had re-assuring talks with the website boffins at the ECB.
Should you decide to endorse Play Cricket tonight, I’m sure the members of our Working Party on Results and Registrations will be happy to offer advice. They are Graham Hackney, Cleethorpes; Danny Bullock and Mark Atkins, Haxey; Mick Barton, Stamford Homes; myself and Andy, your statistician. Help and advice is also available online, courtesy of the ECB.
Should tonight’s meeting take that route, we intend to produce a written list of instructions for clubs, explaining what you will be required to do – and when. This can be emailed to clubs, printed prominently in the 2011 Handbook and uploaded to our Lincs League Play Cricket website for reference.
I would like to stress that even if we adopt the digital system of handling results, clubs will still be required to phone the basic scores through after every game.
And finally … on behalf of our league, and whatever you decide tonight about results and registrations, I would like to thank the volunteer members of the Working Party for their time and input over recent months, culminating in a thorough report on this topic and rule change proposals.

D-DAY FOR DIGITAL

Tonight's AGM in Market Rasen will decide whether the Lincolnshire League enters its scorecards online from 2011, through Play Cricket, or sticks with old-fashioned scoresheets.
Rule change proposals must be accepted tonight for that to happen.
I've just finished compiling my annual report, as results secretary, to be delivered to club delegates at the meeting. Obviously it makes extended reference to the proposed "digital" switch.
I've no axe to grind either way, and it will be interesting to see what clubs make of the proposed new technology.
Do we continue to play cricket and record what happened on paper scoresheets at the end of the game, or do we Play Cricket and then key the facts in later at home?

COME ON, PLAY FAIR

Someone called Anonymous earlier posted a comment suggesting Owmby are to leave the Lincs League. I've just been contacted by club stalwart Edwin Chappell who says that's incorrect. So we have removed the comment and fully expect to see Edwin representing the club at tomorrow's AGM.

BIG NIGHT IN PROSPECT

Just an important reminder...Wednesday this week sees the annual general meeting of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League at Market Rasen CC (7.30pm).
All member clubs must be represented at this important get-together. Please ensure yours has someone organised to attend.
There are quite a few proposed rule changes, plus the need to confirm the make-up of the five divisions for 2011, including promotion to the premier.

FINAL LINCS LEAGUE AVERAGES

Compiled by Andy Sharp, League Statistician


PREMIER DIVISION
Batting Averages
Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av
S Wijerathne ( Caistor Town 1) 20 9 1238 146* 1 12 112.55
S McInerney ( Barton Town 1) 19 3 1034 130* 4 6 64.63
C Wathukarage ( South Kelsey 1) 16 1 906 125* 2 7 60.40
L Redmond ( Scunthorpe Town 1) 17 10 417 90* 2 59.57
J Knapton ( Alkborough 1) 14 3 612 80* 6 55.64
B Taylor ( Appleby Frodingham 2) 9 2 365 80* 4 52.14
N Bisby ( Haxey 1) 10 3 364 131* 1 3 52.00
R Chand ( Scunthorpe Town 1) 13 1 547 100 1 4 45.58
C Fletcher ( Messingham 1) 17 2 660 101* 1 5 44.00
O Tonks ( Haxey 1) 16 2 602 108* 1 4 43.00
I Dawson ( Messingham 1) 19 3 670 100* 1 4 41.88
N Paige ( Horncastle) 18 0 720 108 2 2 40.00
I Snowden ( Scunthorpe Town 1) 18 3 563 107* 1 3 37.53
P Hughes ( Cleethorpes 2) 14 1 484 86 4 37.23
S Kiddle ( Scunthorpe Town 1) 14 0 510 100 1 2 36.43
P Chandrasakara ( Horncastle) 15 3 426 61 2 35.50
Rob Griffin ( Cleethorpes 2) 12 3 310 52* 1 34.44
M Bramley ( Appleby Frodingham 2) 17 2 499 98* 3 33.27
J Barker ( Alkborough 1) 16 0 516 122 2 1 32.25
H Boulton ( Caistor Town 1) 20 0 624 78 4 31.20
C Ross ( Alkborough 1) 20 1 587 135* 1 3 30.89
S Fraser-Cattanach ( Bracebridge Heath 2) 15 0 456 73 4 30.40
G McDowall ( Bracebridge Heath 2) 19 2 488 80* 4 28.71
S Wild ( Haxey 1) 17 0 450 112 1 2 26.47
J Smith ( Horncastle) 13 1 304 100 1 1 25.33
S Wright ( South Kelsey 1) 13 1 301 88 2 25.08
Andy Cook ( Messingham 1) 16 1 374 122 1 2 24.93
T Wraith ( Haxey 1) 19 3 389 53 1 24.31
S Clay ( Alkborough 1) 16 2 340 81* 1 24.29
R Young ( Haxey 1) 17 1 386 136* 1 2 24.13
A Ullah ( South Kelsey 1) 15 0 348 61 1 23.20
D Freeman ( Horncastle) 15 0 343 64 2 22.87
P Briggs ( Caistor Town 1) 17 1 365 95 1 22.81
P Bell ( Barton Town 1) 16 1 342 67 3 22.80
I Gunsena ( Haxey 1) 16 1 314 54* 3 20.93
C Stubbs ( Bracebridge Heath 2) 16 0 306 81 2 19.13
P Sunley ( Cleethorpes 2) 19 0 351 47 18.47

Qualification: 300 runs / 9 innings

Bowling Averages

Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av
A Langford ( Messingham 1) 288.3 56 68 896 7--69 6 13.18
P Chandrasakara ( Horncastle) 201.2 38 42 555 6--33 2 13.21
M Foster ( Barton Town 1) 119.2 11 31 496 5--22 3 16.00
L Brocklebank ( Alkborough 1) 170.5 59 27 450 7--41 2 16.67
P Fletcher ( Bracebridge Heath 2) 154.5 31 30 511 5--38 3 17.03
R Chand ( Scunthorpe Town 1) 222.3 63 33 582 5--26 2 17.64
S Wijerathne ( Caistor Town 1) 258.1 51 44 782 5--33 2 17.77
I Gunsena ( Haxey 1) 191.3 31 36 669 6--12 1 18.58
K Lindley ( Messingham 1) 118.5 7 26 491 5--39 3 18.88
M Atkins ( Haxey 1) 179.5 33 32 621 5--28 2 19.41
L Waghorn ( South Kelsey 1) 152.2 24 30 595 5--43 1 19.83
L Jefferson ( Caistor Town 1) 152.3 18 31 623 5--47 1 20.10
P Robson ( Scunthorpe Town 1) 122.0 16 25 514 4--78 20.56
C Wathukarage ( South Kelsey 1) 181.3 40 31 684 7--43 1 22.06
R Young ( Haxey 1) 194.5 30 31 735 6--64 1 23.71
S Clay ( Alkborough 1) 172.0 21 26 640 4--46 24.62
P Bell ( Barton Town 1) 274.0 55 34 855 5--51 2 25.15
M Powell ( Appleby Frodingham 2) 181.1 31 25 637 5--84 1 25.48

Qualification: 25 wickets

Wicket Keeping Summary

Name Club Mch Ct St Total

C Fletcher ( Messingham 1) 20 25 12 37
C Stubbs ( Bracebridge Heath 2) 16 12 9 21
N Dobbs ( Caistor Town 1) 15 12 6 18
I Ross ( Alkborough 1) 15 9 3 12
I Andrew ( Barton Town 1) 9 8 4 12
R Dixon ( Horncastle) 16 7 4 11
G Cowlam ( Cleethorpes 2) 10 10 0 10



Catches Summary
Name Club Mch Total

S McInerney ( Barton Town 1) 19 12
D Coy ( South Kelsey 1) 18 10
I Gunsena ( Haxey 1) 18 10


Player Points Summary
Name Club Mch Fielding

D Coy ( South Kelsey 1) 18 5


DIVISION 1
Batting Averages
Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av
I Bellamy ( Holton Le Clay 1) 12 5 504 88* 5 72.00
A White ( Alford 1) 15 3 672 131 1 7 56.00
M Hammond ( Broughton 1) 13 3 460 95* 5 46.00
M Conyers ( Hykeham 1) 12 0 521 146 2 1 43.42
M Keeling ( Alford 1) 16 5 429 88 2 39.00
N Simpson ( Broughton 1) 13 2 413 68* 5 37.55
W Carter ( Cherry Willingham 1) 15 2 479 111* 2 2 36.85
P Holmes ( Holton Le Clay 1) 13 2 326 100* 1 1 29.64
D Tolson ( Cleethorpes 3) 14 3 324 67* 2 29.45
S Coupland ( Cherry Willingham 1) 12 0 346 76 2 28.83
A Torr ( Outcasts 1) 18 3 431 59 3 28.73
M Coulman ( Outcasts 1) 15 1 361 84* 3 25.79
J Taylor Hyke ( Hykeham 1) 15 2 332 62 2 25.54

Qualification: 300 runs / 9 innings


Bowling Averages

Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av
G Priestley ( Cherry Willingham 1) 107.4 19 34 372 5--5 2 10.94
M Spikings ( Cherry Willingham 1) 114.5 23 36 410 6--55 2 11.39
I McGowan ( Scothern) 128.1 46 27 309 5--25 2 11.44
P Clark ( Broughton 1) 190.5 50 48 565 8--31 5 11.77
D Portus ( Holton Le Clay 1) 104.1 22 25 303 5--28 1 12.12
R Johnson ( Scothern) 122.5 21 31 380 7--30 3 12.26
G James ( Alford 1) 192.2 49 47 586 7--30 3 12.47
I Brown ( Scothern) 130.1 41 26 358 5--9 1 13.77
W Carter ( Cherry Willingham 1) 153.2 31 34 472 6--54 4 13.88
T White ( Alford 1) 110.3 14 25 405 6--48 1 16.20
C Hammond ( Hykeham 1) 181.0 41 33 582 7--29 3 17.64
D Chambers ( Louth 2) 164.4 34 31 576 8--52 3 18.58
L Markham ( Cleethorpes 3) 123.0 11 28 536 5--80 1 19.14
L McAnaney ( Outcasts 1) 142.0 25 27 548 5--34 1 20.30
J Whiteley ( Outcasts 1) 190.1 34 34 712 5--70 1 20.94
T Sharp ( Outcasts 1) 176.3 24 29 648 7--30 1 22.34

Qualification: 25 wickets


Wicket Keeping Summary
Name Club Mch Ct St Total

A White ( Alford 1) 16 19 3 22
S Coupland ( Cherry Willingham 1) 12 11 7 18
M Searle ( Louth 2) 11 12 4 16
N Dobbs ( Broughton 1) 10 12 3 15
S Bett ( Scothern) 13 9 4 13
J Plaskitt ( Holton Le Clay 1) 9 7 5 12
P Hewstone ( Cleethorpes 3) 16 7 3 10
M Coulman ( Outcasts 1) 9 6 4 10

Qualification: 10 dismissals


Catches Summary
Name Club Mch Total

W Carter ( Cherry Willingham 1) 15 11
M Conyers ( Hykeham 1) 14 11
S Naughton ( Scothern) 13 11


Player Points Summary

Name Club Mch Fielding

R Dixon ( Alford 1) 16 9


DIVISION 2
Batting Averages
Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av

I Williams ( Market Rasen 1) 9 3 389 136* 1 2 64.83
AD Cook ( Messingham 2) 12 1 599 106 1 5 54.45
N Fanthorpe ( Grimsby Town 2) 15 3 498 97 4 41.50
L Chambers ( Owmby) 10 1 359 104* 1 1 39.89
C Coulthurst ( Alkborough 2) 10 1 323 83 3 35.89
G Bierlein ( Market Rasen 1) 14 4 348 70 2 34.80
A Hardy ( Grimsby Town 2) 15 3 411 60* 1 34.25
N Gray ( Alkborough 2) 14 2 396 61* 1 33.00
C Waters ( Grimsby Town 2) 14 4 320 91 3 32.00
K Parker ( Caistor T 2) 13 1 383 85 2 31.92
J Wright ( Caistor T 2) 12 1 339 85 2 30.82
G Skelton ( Haxey 2) 13 1 333 61 3 27.75
J Stephenson ( Market Rasen 1) 14 0 368 74 2 26.29
D Wood ( Grimsby Town 2) 14 1 330 51* 2 25.38
S Ryan ( Haxey 2) 16 1 313 77 2 20.87

Qualification: 300 runs / 9 innings


Bowling Averages

Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av

A Hardy ( Grimsby Town 2) 93.2 7 29 329 5--23 1 11.34
D Smith ( Hartsholme 2) 176.0 33 45 526 7--29 4 11.69
P Bradley ( Haxey 2) 113.2 22 28 328 6--29 1 11.71
S Secul ( Messingham 2) 126.3 22 31 389 6--29 2 12.55
D Healy ( Caistor T 2) 114.0 17 30 411 6--10 3 13.70
S Bunn ( Market Rasen 1) 140.3 36 28 400 7--40 2 14.29
G Bierlein ( Market Rasen 1) 144.0 40 27 411 5--24 1 15.22
K Bierlein ( Market Rasen 1) 204.5 50 42 669 7--17 3 15.93
C Deegan ( Owmby) 191.4 33 40 639 6--32 3 15.98
R Evans ( Grimsby Town 2) 150.5 26 27 438 4--11 16.22
R Kirman ( Alkborough 2) 210.0 51 29 561 6--28 2 19.34

Qualification: 25 wickets


Wicket Keeping Summary
Name Club Mch Ct St Total

M Robinson ( Market Rasen 1) 14 7 9 16
G Johnson ( Caistor T 2) 9 8 6 14
T Lehman ( Grimsby Town 2) 8 6 4 10
T Johnson ( Messingham 2) 5 9 1 10

Qualification: 10 dismissals


Catches Summary
Name Club Mch Total

G Bierlein ( Market Rasen 1) 14 16


Player Points Summary
Name Club Mch Fielding

J Latimer ( Cleethorpes 4) 14 5


DIVISION 3
Batting Averages
Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av

J Taylor ( Hibaldstow) 16 4 686 108* 2 4 57.17
J Evans ( Barton Town 2) 13 5 450 68* 3 56.25
G Spencer ( Keelby 1) 12 5 390 77* 2 55.71
J Sewell ( Washingborough) 11 1 506 95* 4 50.60
S Robson ( Keelby 1) 14 2 527 83 4 43.92
S Housam ( Washingborough) 10 3 306 80 1 43.71
M Bevis ( Keelby 1) 11 2 369 82 2 41.00
A Bagnall ( Keelby 1) 13 4 347 79* 3 38.56
M Carter ( Cherry Willingham 2) 12 1 417 89 3 37.91
S Chauhan ( Keelby 1) 13 2 416 63 4 37.82
M Willey ( Washingborough) 13 0 466 111 1 3 35.85
M Nicholson ( Hibaldstow) 17 0 577 152 1 6 33.94
D Jones ( Broughton 2) 13 3 332 83* 2 33.20
V Marisunath ( Stamford Homes) 14 2 333 100 1 1 27.75
N Wright ( Keelby 1) 13 0 312 71 3 24.00

Qualification: 300 runs / 9 innings


Bowling Averages
Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av

A Smith ( Keelby 1) 86.5 13 30 293 6--34 3 9.77
M Hanson ( Stamford Homes) 193.3 50 55 562 7--71 5 10.22
M Oades ( Hibaldstow) 123.5 33 33 362 8--43 2 10.97
G Spencer ( Keelby 1) 137.0 31 32 412 6--47 4 12.88
D Thompson ( Broughton 2) 130.0 28 27 401 6--38 2 14.85
M Barton ( Stamford Homes) 136.3 26 27 450 5--28 2 16.67
R Hubbard ( Washingborough) 140.5 25 30 534 5--20 2 17.80
J Burnett ( Cherry Willingham 2) 146.2 38 26 474 6--40 1 18.23
P Fytche ( Keelby 1) 147.2 17 32 593 6--17 1 18.53
K Williams ( Washingborough) 139.0 20 26 503 5--28 1 19.35
D Parker ( Immingham Blossom Way) 117.5 16 25 486 5--32 1 19.44
A Hillyard ( Broughton 2) 141.2 28 25 497 5--43 1 19.88

Qualification: 25 wickets

Wicket Keeping Summary

Name Club Mch Ct St Total

N Beattie ( Cherry Willingham 2) 11 13 2 15
C Brown ( Stamford Homes) 15 13 1 14
L Stothard ( Broughton 2) 17 11 11

Qualification: 10 dismissals


Catches Summary
Name Club Mch Total

A Bagnall ( Keelby 1) 15 12


Player Points Summary

Name Club Mch Fielding

A Bagnall ( Keelby 1) 15 9



DIVISION 4
Batting Averages
Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av

R McKitton ( Caistor T 3) 13 2 692 114 2 5 62.91
R Chamberlain ( Market Rasen 2) 14 5 387 133* 1 1 43.00
S Turner ( Morton) 13 2 472 131* 1 1 42.91
R Baty ( South Kelsey 2) 13 4 363 84* 3 40.33
M Duffy ( Old Lincolnians) 14 0 529 109 1 3 37.79
M Noble ( Old Lincolnians) 12 2 356 101* 1 1 35.60
D Hildreth ( Brigg Town) 10 1 312 55 1 34.67
K White ( Alford 2) 14 1 416 77 3 32.00
J Smith ( Scunthorpe Town 3) 11 1 311 71 3 31.10
A Sharp ( Keelby 2) 14 1 347 46 26.69
J Cooper ( Morton) 13 1 307 63* 1 25.58
B Roberts ( Keelby 2) 15 0 338 90 2 22.53

Qualification: 300 runs / 9 innings


Bowling Averages
Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av

U Shiekh ( Keelby 2) 117.4 18 46 362 7--25 6 7.87
K White ( Alford 2) 141.4 28 31 388 7--6 1 12.52
B Potter ( South Kelsey 2) 87.5 4 28 366 6--31 3 13.07
L Jelly ( Old Lincolnians) 128.5 19 31 406 8--33 1 13.10
A Wilkinson ( Alford 2) 146.5 16 38 585 6--12 1 15.39
M Savage ( Old Lincolnians) 132.0 30 25 386 6--15 2 15.44

Qualification: 25 wickets


Wicket Keeping Summary
Name Club Mch Ct St Total


M Jelly ( Old Lincolnians) 14 21 1 22
A Sharp ( Keelby 2) 14 9 9 18
R McKitton ( Caistor T 3) 12 14 2 16
H McHamilton ( Alford 2) 14 12 3 15
R Baty ( South Kelsey 2) 10 7 6 13

Qualification: 10 dismissals


Catches Summary
Name Club Mch Total

M Duffy ( Old Lincolnians) 15 12


Player Points Summary
Name Club Mch Fielding

M Duffy ( Old Lincolnians) 15 6
P Jacob ( Caistor T 3) 13 6

WEEKLY STATS

Top 10 countries for visitors to Lincs Cricket Latest this week:

United Kingdom 793
United States 49
Netherlands 20
New Zealand 13
Germany 12
Russia 10
India 5
Switzerland 4
France 4
South Korea 4

ANDY NEEDS YOUR HELP

By Andy Richley, Market Rasen CC

I’m running the Loseley Park 10k on 7th November in aid of Christopher’s Hospice in Guildford (CHASE Hospice Care for Children) and I’m writing to ask for your support, both moral and financial. Please click through on the link below for the whys and wherefores and to donate by either credit or debit card:

www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Richley

The work that Chase do at Christopher's is outstanding and immense and they rely on donations from the public to continue to provide care and support to children and their families in their hour of greatest need.

LAW CHANGES

By the time Lincolnshire cricketers, of whatever standard, step onto the field in 2011, they will need to be aware of some changes to the Laws of the game, which are administered by MCC.
Below we give you the full list to wade you way through, if you so wish. Many of the changes address very rare instances, or merely make slight amendments to the wording of the Laws, but there are three which we think will be directly relevant.

1) Umpires will now be the sole arbiters of whether play should continue in poor light. The batting side will no longer have any say in the decision, "which was often made for tactical reasons." WE THINK THAT'S A GOOD CHANGE.

2) The captain who wins the toss must notify his counterpart of his decision to bat, or field, immediately. WE THINK THAT'S A GOOD CHANGE. IT WILL REMOVE THE SITUATION OF A CAPTAIN DISAPPEARING BACK TO THE DRESSING ROOM TO ASK THE TEAM, OR SENIOR COLLEAGUES, WHAT HE SHOULD DO. IT WILL ALSO DO AWAY WITH THE PRACTICE OF SENDING OUT A 'TOKEN' CAPTAIN, ON BEHALF OF THE REAL SKIPPER, WHO MAY BE LATE ARRIVING. THEN EVERYONE WAITING UNTIL HE TURNS UP AND DECIDES ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.
The law-revisers explain: "Previously, captains could wait until 10 minutes before the start of the game, but in some cases this was being exploited to the losing side’s disadvantage – and therefore contravened the Spirit of Cricket."

Now the one which will be directly relevant to many, many bowlers in Lincolnshire cricket - and elsewhere.

The law-revisers say: "It is also clarified that deliberately bowling the ball into the ground in practice will contravene Law 42.3 (The match ball – changing its condition)."

PRESUMABLY THIS IS DESIGNED TO PUT AN END TO PLAYERS WHO COME ON TO START A SPELL AND PRECEDE IT BY SENDING DOWN A PRACTICE DELIVERY, OR TWO, TO A TEAM-MATE AT MID-ON OR MID-OFF. MANY BOWLERS IN LOCAL CRICKET ARE USED TO DOING THIS.

Fair enough - this change will save a bit of time and players shouldn't really be practising on the field of play. But it's difficult to see how gently bouncing the ball on the outfield, in practice, perhaps at half pace (usually the case) does more, or equal, damage to the condition of the ball as sending down a full-paced delivery onto a hard "batting wicket."


Now the official statement, in full....
Explanation of the changes between the 3rd Edition and 4th Edition of the 2000
Code of the Laws of Cricket

This document highlights the changes that have been made for the 4th Edition of the
2000 Code of the Laws of Cricket. Most of the changes do not materially alter the
outcome of the Laws. Where there is a change of policy, it is clearly marked.
The Spirit of Cricket
Point 4 – changed from respect for “the game’s traditional values” to “the game and
its traditional values”. It now includes respect for the game itself.
Law 1 (The players)
Law 1.1 (Number of players) – “less” changed to “fewer” – grammatical.
Law 1.3 (Captain) – for clarification that only a nominated player may act as deputy
for the captain.
Law 2 (Substitutes and runners; batsman or fielder leaving the field; batsman
retiring; batsman commencing innings)
Law 2.3 (Restrictions on role of substitutes) – cross reference to Law 1.3 added for
extra clarity.
Law 2.6 (Player returning without permission) – clarification that runs completed or
in progress (if batsmen have crossed) will count.
Law 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner)
· (c) – more detailed explanation of whether a batsman who has a runner is out
stumped or Run out.
· (d) – changed to batsman “who has” a runner – grammatical. There are
further instances of this change throughout the Laws which will not be
highlighted in this document.
Law 2.9 (Batsman retiring) – title changed from “Batsman leaving the field or
retiring” to “Batsman retiring”. Also a clarification that he may only retire when the
ball is dead.
Law 3 (The umpires)
Law 3.6 (Conduct of the game, implements and equipment) – the implements of the
game have been listed in sub-sections for ease of reference.
2
Laws 3.8 (Fitness for play) & 3.9 (Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable
conditions) – POLICY CHANGES
The changes to Laws 3.8 and 3.9 relate to the umpires suspending play as a result of
the fitness of the ground, weather or light. The main change is that the umpires will
no longer “offer the light” to the batting side. It was felt that, at present, the decision
to stay on or come off the field was often made on tactical grounds based on what best
suits the batting side, rather than on grounds of safety or visibility. In bad light,
umpires will now only suspend play when they consider it to be unreasonable or
dangerous. Unreasonable is to be regarded as being inappropriate, rather than
conditions simply not being very good. The new Law should result in less playing
time being lost, as has been evidenced through the playing regulation introduced by
the ECB in county cricket.
Law 3.10 (Position of umpires) - numbering changed from previous edition – also
“Both umpires” is changed to “Each umpire”. Also, “the umpire at the bowler’s end”
is changed to “the bowler’s end umpire”. This change, which is the same for the
striker’s end umpire, has been made throughout the Laws so that it is consistent. In
this explanation document, these changes will not be outlined on every occasion that
the change has been made. Also, in some cases, “the umpires” has been changed to
“the umpire” which, as explained in Appendix D, means the bowler’s end umpire.
Law 3.11 (Umpires changing ends)– change of reference to Law 12.3 (Completed
innings), as this covers forfeiture as well as other examples of completed innings.
Law 3.13 (Informing the umpires) – this is a new section which clarifies that captains
or players need only to inform one umpire of relevant information – the umpire so
told will inform the other umpire.
Law 3.14 (Signals) – there is a clarification of the signalling of Short runs at the end
of 3.14(a). The wording of sub-section (ii) has been altered to reflect this.
Law 3.15 (Correctness of scores) – adds the point that the umpires should check the
score throughout the match.
Law 5 (The ball)
Law 5.4 (New ball in match of more than one day’s duration) – when the new ball is
taken, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall inform the other umpire, as well as the
batsmen and scorers.
Law 6 (The Bat)
Law 6.8 (Contact with the ball) – clarification of the references by adding the word
“above” in b(iv)
3
Law 7 (The pitch)
Law 7.2 (fitness of pitch for play) – the umpires shall be the “sole” judges of the
fitness of the pitch. “sole” replaces “final”.
Law 9 (The bowling, popping and return creases)
Law 9.3 (The popping crease) – for clarity, it has been altered to refer to the centres of
the “two” middle stumps.
Law 10 (Preparation and maintenance of the playing area)
Law 10.1 (Rolling)
· (c) – there is a grammatical change over the choice of rollers.
· (e) – the wording has been re-phrased for clarity but the outcome remains the
same.
Law 10.2 (Clearing debris from the pitch) – the title of this section has changed from
“Sweeping”. The new version outlines when debris may be removed from the pitch
by sweeping or by hand. The times when this may take place have not changed.
Law 10.3 (Mowing) – the titles of the sub-sections have been re-ordered. The pitch
and the outfield are put into the same sub-section to improve clarity. In sub-section
(c), a reference to clearing debris has been added for additional clarity. The timings
of mowing have not changed.
Law 10.4 (Watering the pitch) – the title has been changed from “Watering”.
Law 12 – (Innings)
Law 12.1 (Number of innings) – an additional sentence has been added at the end to
clarify the need to determine the criteria for a result in games where agreements to
limit the innings by overs or by time have been made.
Law 12.3 (Completed innings) – “as appropriate” added at the end for extra clarity.
Laws 12.4 (The toss) & 12.5 (Decision to be notified) - POLICY CHANGES
The changes to Laws 12.4 and 12.5 involve the toss. In Law 12.4, it was felt that it
would be good practice to say that the toss should be made in the presence of one or
both of the umpires. Law 3.1 already states that the umpires shall be at the ground at
least 45 minutes before the scheduled start of play. Furthermore, Laws 1.2, 3.3 and
3.4 lay down a number of points that need to be agreed between the umpires and the
captains before the toss and MCC thought that having at least one umpire at the toss
would help to formalise the whole process. Some people have expressed concerns
over this new Law for certain games at amateur level where there are no formal
umpires but the Laws must set out what is best practice. Laws 1.2, 3.3 and 3.4 have
4
been in the Code since 2000 without drawing complaints. The new 12.5 forces the
captain winning the toss to notify his decision to bat or field to the other captain
straight away. The current Law states the notification could be delayed until 10
minutes before the scheduled start of play and MCC heard of examples where this
Law was being exploited as a means of gamesmanship to give the other team less
time to prepare.
Law 14 – (Declaration and forfeiture)
Law 14.1 (Time of declaration) – alteration from “batting side” to “side batting” and
clarification that the declaration can only be made during “the innings” instead of “a
match”.
Law 14.2 (Forfeiture of an innings) – clarification that forfeiture may only take place
before the commencement of that innings.
Law 15 (Intervals)
Law 15.4 (No allowance for interval between innings) – in (a), “there will be no play”
is changed to “there shall be no play”.
Law 15.5 (Changing agreed times of intervals) – rewording of this Law, for clarity,
about changing the agreed time of intervals without any change to the outcome.
Law 15.7 (Changing agreed time for tea interval) – “remain” changed to “remains” as
a grammatical change. In (a)(ii), “if conditions permit” has been added for clarity.
Law 15.8 (Tea interval – 9 wickets down) – a new sentence is added as clarification
that, for this Law, the retirement of a batsman is not to be considered equivalent to the
fall of a wicket.
Law 15.9 (Intervals for drinks) – in (b), “as permitted in 10 below” is added for clarity
that the drinks interval may be forgone. A batsman retiring is added to the moment
when drinks may be taken up to 5 minutes early.
Law 15.10 (Agreement to forgo intervals) – a new sentence is added to clarify that the
batsmen at the crease may deputise for their captain in making an agreement to forgo
a drinks interval. The right to deputise was previously included with decisions on
ground, weather & light – it is now stated here.
Law 16 (Start of play; cessation of play)
Law 16.2 (Call of Time) – reference to the new Law 23.3 added.
Law 16.5 (Completion of an over) – in (b)(i) “batsman is out” is changed to “batsman
is dismissed”.
5
Law 16.8 (Last hour of match – intervals between innings) – in (c)(iii), the wording
has been amended for added clarity, as has the wording at the end of (d)(iii).
Law 16.9 (Conclusion of match) – a new subsection (c) has been added to cater for
agreements made under Law 12.1(b) (Number of Innings). The previous subsection
(c) is now (d) and has had the word “thereafter” removed at the end.
Law 16.11 (Bowler unable to complete an over during last hour of match) –
clarification added that separate parts of an over where the bowler was unable to
complete the over shall count as one of the minimum to be bowled.
Law 17 – (Practice on the field)
POLICY CHANGE
Law 17 concerns Practice on the field. Law 17.1 has clarified the area that can never
be used for practice as being the pitch and the two strips either side of it. Laws 17.2
and 17.3 clearly outline when and what practice may take place on the rest of the
square (17.2) and on the outfield (17.3). A ban has been placed on fielders partaking
in practice with a coach or 12th man during play. MCC has noticed that such practice
is becoming more prevalent and felt it should not be allowed. With slow over rates
becoming an increasing problem, the fact that practice should not waste any time is
reinforced more strongly than before. It is also clarified that deliberately bowling the
ball into the ground in practice will contravene Law 42.3 (The match ball – changing
its condition).
Law 18 (Scoring runs)
Law 18.2 (Runs disallowed) – rewording, for clarity, on the disallowance of runs or
the non-award of penalties.
Law 18.3 (Short runs) – in (b), a minor change, for clarity, about the striker who sets
off from outside his popping crease.
Law 18.4 (Unintentional short runs) – changing of word order in (a).
Law 18.5 (Deliberate short runs)
· (a) – the procedure for warning the batsmen has been re-phrased and renumbered,
without any change to the outcome.
· (b) – there is a change of word order. In (b)(iii), the wording on the reporting
procedure has been changed. This new wording is now the same in all Laws
where a report is necessary and each instance will not be highlighted in this
document.
Law 18.9 (Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed) – re-wording and re-numbering
without any change to the outcome. This section is a combination of what previously
was in Laws 18.9 & 18.10.
6
Law 18.10 (Runs scored when the ball becomes dead other than at the fall of a
wicket) – title changed from the corresponding previous Law 18.11, with “other than
at the fall of a wicket” has been added. Re-wording and re-numbering without any
change to the outcome.
Laws 18.11 (Batsman returning to original end) and 18.12 (Batsman returning to
wicket he has left) – these sections were previously covered by just one section,
namely 18.12. For clarity, it has been split into 2 sections without any change to the
outcome.
Law 19 (Boundaries)
Law 19.4 (Ball beyond the boundary) – POLICY CHANGE
A new 19.4 has been created to clarify further when the ball is beyond the boundary.
In recent years, increasingly athletic pieces of fielding on the boundary have brought
this area of the Law into the spotlight. MCC felt that it would be wrong to allow a
fielder, seeing a ball flying over his head and over the boundary, to retreat beyond the
boundary and then to jump up and parry the ball back towards the field of play.
Consequently, Law 19.4(i) requires that the fielder’s first contact with the ball must
be when some part of his person is grounded within the boundary or, if he is airborne,
that his final contact with the ground before touching the ball was within the
boundary.
Law 19.6 (Runs scored) – in (a), the wording about runs awarded for penalties has
been simplified.
Law 19.7 (Overthrow or wilful act of fielder) – in (a), the wording about runs
awarded for penalties has been simplified. Also, change in reference to Law 18.12(b)
instead of 18.12(a).
Law 20 (Lost ball)
Law 20.1 (Fielder to call Lost ball) - change in reference to Law 18.12(b) instead of
18.12(a).
Law 20.3 (Runs scored) – in (a), the wording about runs awarded for penalties has
been simplified. A new sentence has been added at the end which replaces the
previous Law 20.4 (How scored).
Law 21 – (The result)
Law 21.1 (A win – two innings match) – change in the reference to Law 12.3
(Completed innings).
7
Law 21.2 (A win – one innings match) – change in the reference to Law 12.3
(Completed innings).
Law 21.3 (Umpires awarding a match) – at the start, reference is made to agreements
made under Law 12.1(b) (Number of innings)
Law 21.4 (Matches in which there is an agreement under Law 12.1(b)) is a new
section which refers to games limited by overs or time. Such agreements would cater
for, for example, a limited over game where the scores are level – an agreement may
have been made in playing regulations that the side losing the fewest wickets is the
winner. MCC does not wish to lay down what the criteria should be but felt that it
was important to recognise such agreements in the Laws.
Law 21.5 (All other matches – A Tie or Draw) – the Tie and the Draw have been put
into two sub-sections of this Law.
Law 21.6 (Winning hit or extras) –
· (a) – there is an additional reference to 5(a) above.
· (b) – there is a change of wording for clarity.
Law 21.7 (Statement of result) – the words “without having scored a total of runs in
excess of the total scored by the opposing side” have been added for clarity.
Law 21.9 (Mistakes in scoring) – in (a)(ii), there is a rewording of “finishing time” for
clarity and there are further minor changes in wording in (a) and (b) without any
change to the outcome.
Law 22 (The over)
Law 22.2 (Start of an over) – “delivery action” is changed to “action”.
Laws 22.3 (Validity of Balls) and 23.4 (Call of Over) – these sections have been
swapped, with the new 22.3 also being re-named to “Validity of balls”. There has
been re-numbering, re-wording and new references added but the outcome of the Law
has not changed. 22.3(c) introduces the description “valid balls” for those that are to
count in the over.
Law 22.5 (Umpire miscounting) –
· (a) - “an umpire” has changed to “the umpire”.
· (b) – a new (b) has been added to clarify that an umpire who has miscounted
may call Over at any time when the ball is dead. For example, a seventh ball
is bowled but it is a No ball – if the umpire then realises that he has
miscounted and that there have already been 6 valid balls, he may call Over.
Law 22.6 (Bowler changing ends) – minor alteration of wording for added clarity.
Law 22.8 (Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over) – minor alteration of
wording for added clarity.
8
Law 23 (Dead ball)
Law 23.1 (Ball is dead) – in (vi), “a member of the fielding side” has been changed to
“fielder”. Appendix D makes a clear distinction between a member of the fielding
side and a fielder and alterations to wording have been made throughout the Laws to
be consistent with these definitions. Further examples of it will not be highlighted in
this explanation document. The wording in (vii) and (viii) has been altered slightly
for added clarity.
Law 23.3 (Call of Over or Time) – this is a new section which simply clarifies that
neither Over nor Time may be called until the ball is dead. Subsequent sections are
re-numbered accordingly.
Law 23.4 (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball)
· (b)(iv) - “he” has been changed to “the striker” for clarity.
· (b)(v) has been re-worded and clarifies that such balls shall not count as one of
the over.
· (b)(vii) this new sub-section is added in relation to deliberate attempts to
distract the striker or obstruct the batsman, which are covered by Laws 42.4
and 42.5. Their reference here is for added clarity and is not a change in
policy.
· (b)(x), the words “not included above” have been added for clarity.
Law 23.6 (Dead ball; ball counting as one of over) – this is a new title for this section
and there is re-wording and additions to provide clarity without changing the
outcome.
Law 24 (No ball)
Law 24.2 (Fair delivery – the arm) – the wording “umpire to ensure the fairness of a
delivery” has been changed to “umpire to assess the fairness of a delivery”.
Throughout this section, there is clarification on which umpire should call and signal
the No ball and who should make the appropriate cautions. There are also changes to
the wording without altering the outcome of the Law. A new sub-section (d) has been
created, which contains what was previously in (c)(iii).
Law 24.5 (Fair delivery – the feet) – POLICY CHANGE
Law 24.5 (Fair delivery – the feet) has been amended in relation to the landing of the
bowler’s front foot. It became apparent that some slow bowlers were bowling with
their front foot going right across to the other side of the stumps. This meant that a
bowler could, for example, say that he was bowling over the wicket but release the
ball as though bowling round the wicket. MCC felt that this is not fair, particularly
taking into account the positioning of the sight-screen, and consequently altered the
Law so that the bowler’s front foot must land with some part of his foot, whether
grounded or raised, on the same side as an imaginary line joining the two middle
stumps as the side of the wicket on which he has stated he will bowl.
9
Law 24.8 (Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws), minor changes to word
order in the first sentence.
Law 24.9 (Revoking a call of No ball) – “revoke his call of No ball” changed to
“revoke the call of No ball”.
Law 24.13 (Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored) – minor alteration by adding
the word “stated” in the second sentence.
Law 24.14 (No ball not to count) – change of reference required.
Law 25 (Wide ball)
Law 25.5 (Penalty for a Wide) – reference changed to “see 3(b) and (c) above” and
also a change from “any other penalties awarded” to “runs awarded for penalties”.
Law 25.6 (Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored) – “a five run penalty” is
changed to “5 penalty runs”.
Law 26 (Bye and Leg Bye)
Law 26.1 (Byes) – minor changes for clarification.
Law 26.2 (Leg byes) – a new sub-section (b) has been added to contain what was
previously in part of (a). The re-numbering and re-wording are done to create clarity.
The new (c) is similar to the previous (b), with one addition saying “unless credited to
the striker”.
Law 26.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded) – “penalties arising from that delivery” has
been added for clarity. In (b)(i) there is a change of word order.
Law 27 (Appeals)
Law 27.5 (Answering appeals) – this section has been re-worded for clarity without
any change to the outcome.
Law 27.6 (Consultation by umpires) – “his decision” changed to “the decision”.
Law 27.8 (Withdrawal of an appeal) – “only with the consent of the umpire” has been
changed to “if he obtains the consent of the umpire”. There is a further minor change
where the first sentence has been split into 2 sentences.
Law 28 (The wicket is down)
Law 28.1 (Wicket put down) – POLICY CHANGE
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Law 28.1 (Wicket put down) has been amended so that any part of the striker’s bat is
capable of putting the wicket down. Although it is a rare occurrence, MCC is aware
of situations where the bat has broken while hitting the ball and a part of the bat has
hit the stumps, putting the wicket down. MCC felt that, whilst this would be an
unfortunate method of dismissal for a batsman, a part of a bat that has broken off
should be treated in the same way as a bat that has fallen out of the batsman’s hand.
There are also minor changes to the formatting of this section.
Law 28.3 (Remaking wicket) – “the” has been removed from the title and there are
minor changes in wording to add clarity.
Law 28.4 (Dispensing with bails) – change in word order in first sentence for clarity.
In (a), there are changes to the references.
Law 29 (Batsman out of his ground)
Law 29.1 (When out of his ground) – POLICY CHANGE
Law 29.1 (When out of his ground) has been amended so that a batsman who has
been running to make his ground will be considered to be in his ground if, having
grounded some part of his foot behind the popping crease, and still with continuing
forward momentum, he loses contact with the ground. This will particularly be useful
in televised games where a player has clearly made his ground but, at the moment that
the wicket was put down, he is not in contact with the ground because he is running
and, for example, his bat has flicked up off the ground after passing through a
bowlers’ foothole. It is in the nature of running that in every stride, both feet are
simultaneously not in contact with the ground. It would therefore be unjust if a
batsman were to be out in such circumstances. This new Law is added as a new subsection
(b).
Law 31 (Timed out)
Law 31.1 (Out Timed out) – change of word order.
Law 32 (Caught)
Law 32.3 (A fair catch)
· in (a), words have been added for clarification of when the act of making a
catch shall start.
· In (d), “touched the ground” has changed to “been grounded”.
· In (e), “previously” has been added and the 2nd sentence has been split into 2
sentences.
· In (f), there is a change of reference.
· In (g) there is a minor change of wording which does not alter the outcome.
11
Law 32.4 (Fielder within the field of play) - there is a minor change of wording which
does not alter the outcome.
Law 32.5 (No runs to be scored) - there is a minor change of wording which does not
alter the outcome.
Law 33 (Handled the ball)
Law 33.1 (Out Handled the ball) – this has been split into 2 sections, (a) and (b). The
new section (b) makes it clear that a batsman will be out under this Law if he uses his
hand or hands not holding the bat to return the ball to any fielder without the consent
of a fielder. This reverses the earlier change from Handled the ball to Obstructing the
field.
Law 33.3 (Runs scored) - there are minor changes of wording which do not alter the
outcome and changes in the references.
Law 34 (Hit the ball twice)
Law 34.2 (Not out Hit the ball twice) - there is a minor change of wording which does
not alter the outcome.
Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once) - there are minor changes of wording
which do not alter the outcome.
Law 34.4 (Runs scored from ball lawfully struck more than once) - there are several
minor changes of wording, to add clarity to this complicated Law, which do not alter
the outcome.
Law 34.5 (Ball lawfully struck more than once – action by the umpire) “runs are to be
allowed” is changed to “runs are to be permitted. In (b)(i), the order of the last two
sentences has been swapped.
Law 35 (Hit wicket)
Law 35.2 (Not out Hit wicket) – “the batsman” is replaced by “the striker” in the first
line.
Law 36 (Leg before wicket)
Law 36.1 (Out LBW) – the word order in section (d)(ii) has been changed for clarity.
Law 36.3 (Off side of wicket) – a reference to Appendix D has been added.
Law 37 (Obstructing the field)
12
Law 37.1 (Out Obstructing the field) – there are a few minor word changes. There is
also a new sentence at the end, which states “This shall apply whether or not there is
any disadvantage to the fielding side”.
Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a fielder) – there is a change in the title and also the
insertion of the words “other than a hand not holding the bat” to allow for the change
in Law 33.1 (Out Handled the ball) as explained above.
Law 37.5 (Runs scored) – minor changes to the wording for clarity that do not alter
the outcome.
Law 38 (Run out)
Law 38.1 (Out Run out)
· In (a)(ii), “fairly put down by the opposing side” has been changed to “fairly
put down by the action of a fielder”.
· In (b), there is a change of reference.
Law 38.2 (Batsman not Run out)
· In (a), there is a new reference to Law 29.1(b) (When out of his ground).
· In (c), “helmet” has become “protective helmet” – this occurs throughout the
new Laws and such changes will not be highlighted in other instances in this
document.
· In (e), the word order has been changed to provide more clarity.
Law 38.4 – (Runs scored) – there are several minor changes to the wording to provide
more clarity.
Law 39 (Stumped)
Law 39.1 (Out Stumped) – the word order of (a) has been altered for clarity. There is
also a new reference to Law 2.8(c) (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has
a runner).
Law 39.2 (Ball rebounding from wicket-keeper’s person) – “his person” has been
changed to “wicket-keeper’s person” for added clarity.
Law 39.3 (Not out Stumped)
· In (a), the words “Notwithstanding 1 above” have been added.
· In (b), the wording has been altered and reference is made to Law 38.2(e), as
mentioned above.
Law 40 (The wicket-keeper)
Law 40.5 (Restriction on actions of wicket-keeper) – there is a necessary change of
reference to Law 23.4(b)(vi) due to the renumbering of that Law. Also, “the umpire
13
concerned” is changed to “either umpire” and the word “also” is added for clarity near
the end of the section.
Law 41 (The fielder)
Law 41.2 (Fielding the ball) – the wording but not the intent of the procedure the
umpires should follow after an act of illegal fielding has been altered and indeed
standardised with other warning procedures that follow in Law 42.
Law 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) – there are some minor
changes in wording in the first paragraph. For convenience, a new paragraph is added
to clarify what is already laid down in Law 18.10 (Runs scored when the ball becomes
dead other than at the fall of a wicket).
Law 41.4 (Penalty runs not to be awarded) – a new sentence has been added at the end
which refers to the procedure laid down in Law 26.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded).
Law 41.6 (Fielders not to encroach on pitch) – “the bat or person of the striker” is
changed to “the striker’s bat or person”. “Either umpire” is changed to “the bowler’s
end umpire”.
Law 42 (Fair and unfair play)
In sections 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 16 of Law 42, the warning and reporting
procedures have been altered to improve their clarity. Once the unfair play has been
noticed by either umpire, it will be for the bowler’s end umpire to take all the
necessary steps in warning the players.
Law 42.3 (The match ball – changing its condition
· (a)(iii) – “ a towel” is changed to “a piece of cloth”
· (b) – minor alterations to the grammar.
· (d) – further clarification on deterioration of the ball.
Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker)
· (a) – there is an alteration to the formatting.
· (b) – similar changes to those made in (a) above.
Law 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman) - there is an alteration to
the formatting and the word order.
Law 42.6 (Dangerous and unfair bowling) – for clarity, “upright at the crease” has
been changed to “upright at the popping crease”.
Law 42.7 (Dangerous & unfair bowling – action by the umpire) – there are minor
alterations in grammar for clarity and the formatting has changed slightly.
14
Law 42.8 (Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls) – there are minor alterations
in grammar for clarity and the formatting has changed slightly.
Law 42.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side) – there are minor alterations in grammar
and wording for clarity and the formatting has changed.
Law 42.10 (Batsman wasting time) – in (a), the warning is to both batsmen. The
formatting has changed slightly.
Law 42.12 (Bowler running on protected area after delivering the ball) – there are
alterations in wording for clarity and the formatting has changed.
Law 42.13 (Fielder damaging the pitch) – there are minor alterations in wording for
clarity and the formatting has changed slightly.
Law 42.14 (Batsman damaging the pitch) POLICY CHANGE
Law 42.14 (Batsman damaging the pitch) has been amended so that the batting side
receives one less warning than under the current Law. Currently, on the first offence
the side is warned; on the second offence, there is a further warning and any runs
scored are disallowed; on all subsequent offences, any runs scored are disallowed, 5
penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side and a report is lodged with the
appropriate Governing body. In the proposed new version, there is a warning on the
first offence but any repetition will see any runs scored disallowed, 5 penalty runs
awarded to the fielding side and a report being lodged with the appropriate Governing
body. This is consistent with Law 42.13 (Fielder damaging pitch), where there is only
one warning before penalty runs are issued.
Law 42.15 (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery) – the words
“whether the attempt is successful or not” have been added and the word order of the
last sentence has been changed without altering the outcome.
Law 42.16 (Batsman stealing a run) – in (i) there is a minor change in word order.
Law 42.17 (Penalty runs)
· (c) “either” is changed to “any of” and the references to Law 41 have been
made more specific.
· (d) “to the score” has been added for clarity in the last sentence.
Law 42.18 (Players’ conduct) – the list of breaches has been put onto separate lines
for ease of reference. The reporting procedure has also been standardised.
Appendix D
New sections for the following definitions have been added:
· The outfield
· Behind (new 2nd paragraph)
15
· Original end
· Wicket he has left
· Over the wicket / round the wicket
· Fielding side
· Member of the fielding side
· A protective helmet
· Hand
· Held in batsman’s hand
Furthermore, minor changes have been made to the following definitions:
· In front of the line of the striker’s wicket
· Behind the wicket
· Umpire
· Fielder
· External protective equipment
· Clothing
Appendix E
In “Categories of bat” (and thereafter), “Grade” has been changed to “Type”. This is
because the public was confusing the quality of the willow or the bat with its
category.
In “Adhesives”, “minimal in quantity” is changed to “in minimal quantity”.
In “Commercial identifications”, “cover” is changed to “occupy”.

CONGRATULATIONS IF YOU'VE READ ALL THE WAY TO THE END.
Now spare a thought for your umpires who have to implement all that!

FROM RUN-MAKER TO INTERNATIONAL RUNNER

By Matt Gleadell, Morton CC, Gainsborough

David Hughes, representing England in the 400m hurdles tomorrow in the Commonwealth Games, is a former Lea Park CC and Rose Leisure CC junior player. I attended secondary school with David and played a lot of school and club cricket with him. David is from Laughton, near Gainsborough. My main cricketing memory of David is him scoring 70-odd not out in an U13s semi-final cup match against Hykeham at Hykeham. The match was significant as Rob Cook and Paul Cook opened the batting for Hykeham against our Roses U13s 11-a-side team and scored about 170 between them in their side's either 16 or 20-over innings (I can't remember which). We didnt take any of Hykeham's wickets and thought the game was as good as over. Up stepped David Hughes who smashed 70 odd not out in quick time and we just knocked off the runs for the loss of 6 or 7 wickets. We went on to win the final against Lindum, which was also played at Hykeham. I think the year was 1997. At the time Lea Park was also running an 8-a-side team which was made up of the better lads that also played for Roses' 11-a-side team. Both teams won both their league and the cup that year in the Lincoln & District Youth Cricket League. For those involved it was a season to remember.

PACKED WITH ITEMS OF INTEREST

Lincs Cricket Latest has been known to throw a little criticism the ECB's way when we feel it merited, and we've gone on record as stating, quite openly, that we did not hesitate to vote against the "take over" of the previously independent governing body of umpires (ACU&S) and the formation of the ECB's own organisation, the Association of Cricket Officials (ACO).
However, credit where credit's due. After something of a slow start, the glossy and colourful newsletter produced by the ACO has now turned into something well worth reading. Indeed, the 20-page September issue (number six), just received through the post, is full of interest, almost from cover to cover (no cricketing pun intended!).
This issue reveals that, at long last, the ACO is to start addressing the thorny topic of standard expenses for umpires in leagues across the country, rather than the current system where local associations/branches merely ask the leagues in question for a quid or two more each year which is generally approved without comment through a sort of gentlemen's agreement.
In our opinion, this should have been Item One on the agenda when the ACO was established.
It's certainly not going to prove an easy task for them. In our part of Lincolnshire, for example, umpires receive a 'flat' expenses fee for officiating in the Lincs League (Saturdays) and the North Lindsey, on Sundays. However, in many other, or even most, areas of Britain there's a fee PLUS mileage; 30p per mile is quoted by the ACO Senior Executive Officer as a "reasonable figure" while in Devon their equivalent of our Lincs League pays 21p per mile.
We know of one league not far from our county boundaries where umpires' expenses are considerably higher than what's paid in Lincs.
ACO officials nationally are now asking members/associations for their comments and suggestions on the issue of expenses. They seem determined to take some positive action during the close season.
It's highly unlikely anything will be drawn up to affect the 2011 season, so we are likely to see the three associations in the north of the county being asked to suggest levels of expenses to be paid by clubs in our leagues.
However, for 2012 it could be the ACO will have drawn up its own standard set of expenses to apply in the UK.
They will, of course, need to consider local issues. In rural counties, like ours, the distance between clubs (and mileage involved for umpires) can be great, compared to leagues in heavily-populated areas with large towns and cities.
Meanwhile, the ACO says a number of league chairmen have asked if a "simple table" can be published showing what the premier leagues pay "so they can make some informed decisions." The ACO says it will do this as soon as possible.
We presume the reference to Premier League, in this context, means ECB Premier Leagues and not competitions like the Lincolnshire League's Premier Division.

GRIMSBY LEAGUE MEMORIES

A glance at the final league tables for the six-team Grimsby and District Saturday League shows villagers Cuxwold to be champions, but my eye was taken by North Thoresby still being in the competition - which has prompted a trip down memory lane.
I recall playing home and away against Thoresby in this competition in 1975 - yes, 35 years ago - when the Robinsons were stalwart members. One of those games was in late August - I think on a bank holiday Monday - at Brigg Rec. Brigg had two teams in the competition that season - in divisions one and three. I played for both at various times.
We took on teams like Findus, Unispeed, National Dock Labour Board, South Kelsey, Bird's Eye and dear old East Halton, when they were at Townside Farm.
The following year, 1976, Brigg Town successfully applied to join the Lincolnshire League, in division three - then the basement section. This involved playing against some teams from the Grimsby area, but quite a number in and around Lincoln for the first time.
My next contact with North Thoresby was when they joined the Humberside Alliance, later to become division five of the Lincolnshire League before that fell by the wayside. Ron and Paul Farmery, Tony Marfleet and Rob Bain were with stalwart members of the village team at the time.
It's good to see the long-established Saturday League is still on the go in Grimsby. Long may it continue!

John Pettit Grimsby Saturday League
FINAL STANDINGS 2010
P W L T Pts
Cuxwold 10 7 3 0 14
Harvest Moon 10 6 4 0 12
Post Office Milan 10 5 5 0 10
Phoenix 10 5 5 0 10
Rose & Crown 10 5 5 0 10
North Thoresby 10 2 8 0 4

LEARN FROM GREAT CHARACTER OF CRICKET

By Martin Deans, Lincolnshire Groundsmen

Through your website please inform all past, present and future groundsmen - or those involved in some way with the ground work at their clubs - that the autumn and winter programme for our association will begin on 7th of October at 6pm at the Lincoln Lindum ground, Lincoln, were we shall be holding an outside workshop looking at all aspects of the autumn and winter regime on the cricket square.
This will be conducted by Len Smith, the former Glamorgan head groundsman at Sophia Gardens (now known as the Swalec Stadium). Len has kindly agreed to come up from his Welsh base and pass on his wealth of knowledge from some 30 years on the frontline, so to speak, of cricket groundsmanship. He has been involved in every aspect of the game from recreational to the international stage and we are fortunate to have secured his services for the meeting.
Len is currently the I.O.G/E.C.B regional advisor for the Wales and south west region and after the outdoor session he has kindly agreed to take questions indoors on his past and present careers.
So please, if you have any interest in the "grounds industry" please come along and enjoy an evening with one of the game's great characters. The admission is £5, which gives access to the season's other speakers which include another Test match groundsman and the tour of a county and Tmatch venue.
Further details can be obtained through Martin Deans - email martindeans@btinternet.com or call 07971087891.

DIVISION FOUR RECORD UPDATE

By Andy Sharp, Lincs League Statistician

Better Late than Never! After a trip to my scoresheet archive, I have discovered the match mentioned in my previous article. The date, 12 June 2001; the place, Littlefields CC; the opponents, Bottesford. Littlefields 2nds batted first and were struggling at 90-9. Enter brothers Will & Tom Boulton, who then proceeded to bat out the remainder of the innings to acheive a winning total of 151-9 - an unbeaten stand of 61.
Slightly belatedly, Tom & Will's efforts will be recorded in the next LCCL handbook.

DON'T MISS THIS IMPORTANT MEETING

The Lincolnshire County Cricket League's annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 13 at Rase Park, the home of Market Rasen CC, starting at 7.30pm.
All clubs must be represented.
Various rule change proposals are to be presented, copies of which have now been circulated by general secretary Mike Savage. Some of these are from member clubs, others from the league management committee. This will be Mike's last AGM, as he gave many months' notice of his intention to step down at the AGM.
League officers will, as always, recommend a format of teams for the five divisions for the AGM to consider. Ground inspections, where necessary, have already been carried out and the information made available.
However, this year there are no applications from "new" teams wishing to join as members of division four. Brigg Town's resignation has already been received and accepted from the basement section, while premier division champions Messingham have declined an invitation to be promoted back to the Lincs ECB Premier League for 2011.
The AGM will be asked to consider whether to discontinue the current, traditional system of registering players with paper forms and filling in scoresheets to be posted, faxed or scanned and emailed. There is a proposal to "go digital" and use the ECB's Play Cricket system to register players and input scorecards online, starting next April. This affects a number of existing league rules and will therefore require changes to be agreed by the majority of clubs. Full details have been sent to clubs, well ahead of the meeting.

THIS WEEK'S VISITORS

Lincs Cricket Latest visitors for the past week by country (top 10 only listed):

United Kingdom 1,063
India 70
United States 62
Netherlands 44
Russia 29
Kuwait 21
Singapore 21
Ukraine 17
France 16
Philippines 15

Source: Google.

RECORD YEAR IN LINCS LEAGUE

By Andy Sharp, Lincs League Statistician

The Lincs League Records Book has been re-written in 2010, as weekend after weekend of good weather saw very few games cancelled. Bat certainly won over ball, with the Premier Division leading the way.

Premier Division

Pride of place must go to Sajin Wijerathne of Caistor Town who broke Asif Mohammed's 16 year old record for most runs in a season, overhaulling Asif's 1206 total in the final game , to finish with an aggregate of 1238 runs, at the fantastic average of 112.55.
The record stands for the 3rd, 5th, 9th & 10th wicket were demolished. Andy Cook & Nick White of Messingham took the 3rd Wicket record up to 211 from 203, whilst Rob Young & Ollie Tonks of Haxey improved the 39 year old 5th wicket stand of 166 up to 246. The 9th wicket stand was upped to 81 by Billy Wright & Will Yates of Barton, and Barton also took the 10th wicket record, as Alex Shreeve & Nathan Jones made 71 against Scunthorpe Town.
Messingham's Wicket-Keeper Callum Fletcher received many plaudits in 2010 and he managed to take Matt Allison's record of 35 dismissals, with 25 catches & 12 stumpings for a total of 37.

Division 1
Just one record was broken in Division 1 as Alford's Wayne Garlick & Andrew White piled on 266 for the first wicket against Outcasts to overtake Wayne Reed and Matt Hammond's 235.

Division 3
A batting and a bowling record in Division 3. The 2nd Wicket record was upped to 227 by Hibaldstow's Jon Taylor & Mark Nicholson, in their match at Cherry Willingham, at the expense of Barton's Will Yates & Paul Goodhand's 195 from 1994. Hibaldstow also took the 5-for bowling record as Mel Oades took 5-2 versus Cherry Willingham, to break the 30 year old previous best of 5-3.

Finally, nothing in Division 4 in 2010 but there might be a change to the 10th Wicket record of 40, currently held by Willie McVey and and James Fussey. It has been suggested that this was beaten some 10 years ago in a match involving Littlefields 2nds.
A further update on this one shortly .............

AVERAGES ON THEIR WAY

Lincolnshire League statistician Andy Sharp (Keelby CC) has sent provisional end-of-season averages to all clubs for their comments/observations - just in case they challenge any of the figures (highly unlikely!). Andy has set clubs a deadline of this coming Sunday.
Once that has passed we will be running the list on Lincs Cricket Latest.