CAISTOR MANAGE A MATCH

Caistor Town 2nds who managed to play Washingborough in division two of the Lincolshire League yesterday, but lost the game. Picture supplied by Wes Allison.

RAIN LASHES EBC AND SOUTH LINCS AND BORDER LEAGUES

By Ann Boulton

With all games rained off for the second week in succession and more rain forecast, clubs in the Readers
Lincolnshire ECB Premier League are now looking forward to next weekend with some apprehension.
While Saturday sees a full programme of league matches, Monday is the first round of the Winkworth Cup,
due to be played at Hartsholme, Lindum, Louth and Skegness.
Three teams are scheduled play a round robin of 20/20 format games with a view to finding winners for the
semi finals and finals at Sleaford on June 4th.
Should bad weather wipe out the fixtures, the cup rules allow for a bowl-out or toss of the coin in the case of abandonment.

SOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE & BORDER LEAGUE
Grantham and Stamford Town, who played on April 14, remain the only teams to have put bat to ball after the whole South Lincolnshire & Border League programme was washed out for the second weekend running.
With more rain forecast, the possibility of the unprecedented loss of a third successive week is becoming a real threat with groundsmen unable to get on to the grounds to prepare pitches.
Should the weather ease up, then Billingborough will now begin the defence of their title away at Bourne while Stamford will look to build on their early win when the entertain Moulton Harrox and newly promoted Skegness 2nd will test their strength against Lindum Ramblers.
In Division Two, Baston are at home to last season’s title contentders Cavaliers while Blankney and Moulton Harrox Sunday, both promoted with Baston, face each other on Sunday.
Division Three newcomers Friskney and Lindum Academy meet at Friskney while Welby 2nd are at home to Burgh & District.

FIXTURES 
(1.30pm start)
Saturday, May 5
Division One
Bourne 2nd v Billingborough
Lindum Ramblers v Skegness 2nd
Sleaford 2nd v Belton Park
Spalding v Grantham
Stamford Town v Moulton Harrox
Woodhall Spa 2nd v Market Deeping 2nd.

Division Two
Baston v Cavaliers
Billingborough 2nd v Welby
Boston 2nd v Heckington
Ropsley v Stamford Town 2nd
Thomas Cook v Spalding 2nd

Sunday, May 6
Blankney v Moulton Harrox Sun

Monday, May 7
Heckington v Welby

Division Three
Boston 3rd v Timberland
Friskney v Lindum Academy
Grantham 2nd v North Luffenham
Welby 2nd v Burgh & District

EAST LINDSEY LEAGUE DUE TO START TOMORROW

By Phil Burrell, Chairman – Cojos East Lindsey Cricket League


The 2012 Cojos East Lindsey Cricket League is due to get under way on Sunday 29th April (weather permitting). The league split into 2 divisions in 2011 and as a result of the high standard of cricket now being played, leg-side wides have been introduced to Division 1 for this coming season.
The league shall be made up of 17 teams, as we were joined by Holton le Clay 4th XI but then lost founder member Grainthorpe CC, the late withdrawal of Grainthorpe means an unbalance of 8 teams in Division 1 and 9 teams in Division 2.
The format of the league is 40 over a side cricket with bowlers limited to 8 overs per bowler. Each teams plays home and away and there are no charges made for teas, the home club is expected to provide teas for the visiting team and umpires, etc.
Division 1 favourites must be Skegness Sunday, they have won the league for 2 years running and they will be hoping to make it 3 on the trot this season. Other strong contenders will be Woodhall Wanderers, Alford Sunday XI and Tetford CC who all boast several ECB Premier League players. The promoted Freiston Leake and Leverton CC  and Holton le Clay 3rd XI will be looking forward to some giant killings this season after dropping very few points in 2011. Villagers Sutton on Sea CC who are progressing each season will be looking to challenge the top teams again. Graves Park CC with a mixture of young up and coming players and the more experience will provide a good combination as they look to secure Division 1 cricket for 2013.
Division 2 is expected to be wide open with 2011 relegated teams Louth Taverners and Friskney CC looking for an immediate return to Division 1, the youngsters of Cleethorpes Academy always produce strong cricket and will be difficult to beat, the new Holton le Clay 4th XI could be a handful as their youthful team could energise themselves to a promotion position. Brocklesby Park and Hainton will once again have a mixture of youth and experience, they will be hoping to get points in the bag before harvest as many players work in agriculture and therefore are unavailable during August. Keelby will be looking to improve their performances during 2011 as they enter their second year in the league. Both Grimoldby and Southbank will be looking to build on their mid table finish in 2011 and push for promotion again with a mixture of youth and experience.
Both divisions will take part in their own T20 competitions, with preliminary rounds taking place on 15th July (Div 1) and 19th August (Div 2) – this will be followed by a finals day for each division, Division 1 being Sunday 26th August at Alford CC and Division 2 on Sunday 2nd September at Skegness CC where two semi finals and the final will be played on the same day.
Results for matches will now be entered on play cricket as we move away from paper score sheets, admittedly we waiting to see how other leagues managed this before making the decision but it has to be the natural step as we move away from snail mail!
Once again we owe a big thanks to Cojos of Louth www.cojos.co.uk for sponsoring the league, and also for supplying the league balls in partnership with Readers to ensure our clubs gets the best possible deal on cricket balls. Please bear Cojos in mind when you require new equipment, they can access kit from all the leading manufacturers and will do their best to match any online price.
The league is always on the lookout for new umpires, if anyone would like to offer their services please contact Umpires Appointments Secretary John Stone at umpires2012@elcl.co.uk fees are currently set at £25 each when two umpires standing or £38 when a single umpire is present.
For up to date league information please visit www.elcl.co.uk or http://elcl.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp follow us on Twitter @elcricketleague 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL LINCOLNSHIRE LEAGUE CLUBS

All clubs need to follow the guidance given below by the ECB Play Cricket Helpdesk for entering results online through Play Cricket.

 ECB INSTRUCTIONS
 When a club enters a result from their site it does not set their confirmed flag - they must do this for
 themselves by clicking on the X that they see to turn it into a tick. Likewise the other club must
 physically confirm the result from their viewpoint by doing the same to their confirmed flag. 

RUTHERFORD'S RETURN SPARKS PROMOTION TALK AT RASE PARK

Matt Rutherford

From Andrew Richley

Whilst the weather pushed back the start of the cricket season in Lincolnshire back a week, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of Market Rasen Town Cricket Club, with the town’s cricketers receiving a timely boost to their hopes of consecutive promotions in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League.
Last week saw the signing of ECB star, and home-grown Rasen player, Matt Rutherford who will slot into the 1st XI’s top order and bolster their bowling attack as they look to build on last year’s Division Two title.
Rutherford has been playing for Rasen’s Sunday 1st XI, Captaining the side on the park and being
instrumental in their success over the last couple of seasons.
Getting the Minor Counties all-rounder to return to the Lincolnshire League from Lindum is a major coup for the club and coupled with the signing of Dale Christie, also from Lindum’s ECB side, strengthens a team that already looked well equipped at this level.
The 1st XI have also been boosted by the return of pace option Ryan Penniston, who has moved back to the area from the North West and the continued career revival of top-order batsman Liam Scales.
When the 1st XI finally manage to get on the park – which sadly now won’t be until May – the trio of
Graeme Bell, Christie and Rutherford, who have made nearly 400 appearances at ECB Premier level between them, will hope to use their experience and ability to contribute to the side’s push for Premier Division cricket at Rase Park.
This weekend Mark Robinson’s 2nd XI hope, weather permitting, to become the first Rasen cricketers to
step onto the sward in anger this season, as his youthful side take on Keelby 2nds in Division Four of the Lincolnshire League this Saturday.  With all of the Division’s fixtures washed out last weekend, the 2nds will be hoping that their second attempt at starting the season not only sees them manage to play some cricket, but also get their season off to a victorious start.
Robinson has been able to pick from a strong squad for the side’s first outing this season, with only Ryan Penniston and Simon Atkinson unavailable.  A number of the players will be looking to put their names into the frame for 1st XI selection with strong starts to the season, including the Brothers Fussey and Will Bradford. Hardy 2nd XI perennials Ivan Nash and Andy Richley will be keen to make their fourth successive year in Division Four their last for some time.
The vast, unforgiving, plains of Keelby were where the 2nds’ hopes of promotion crumbled to ashes last
season, as the visitors choked away what had appeared to be a comfortable victory whilst collapsing like
a pack of particularly cheap cards.  It is to be hoped that the side will have learned from that experience and seven of the players who folded here last year have an opportunity to make amends.
Keelby 2nds will again be relying on the nous of their sizeable pool of veteran talent and will hope to provide Andy Sharp (259 runs @ 24) with more support than he received last year.  The only other batsman who passed 200 runs for the year was Dan Mawer, who managed just six appearances with the 2nds during the
season.
With the ball; Udi Sheikh will again be the danger man.  The veteran spinner has bagged 65 wickets over the last two seasons with his flight and guile and will again be looking to lure batsmen to their doom with his looping deliveries.  Mark Wade and Bruce Roberts will provide knowing seam options, although Keelby will miss the knowledge and experience of Jim Cowie and Jerry Slater.
Twenty points are vital if either of these two sides are to look to make a run for promotion in a division that, at this time, is difficult to call.
Sunday will hopefully see cricket at Rase Park for the first time this summer, with the Sunday 2nd XI
hosting Bardney in a Major Hoult Cup group game.  Whilst the weather forecast for Sunday isn’t
tremendous, the young Rasen development side will be keen to demonstrate the lessons that they took on  board from last year’s campaign in the McKinnell’s Lincoln Sunday League.

board from last year’s campaign in the McKinnell’s Lincoln Sunday League.

CORRECT YOUR MOBILE LIST

The mobile number in the Lincs League handbook 2012 for Holton le Clay's 1st XI Contact should read 07849 171819. Amend your records accordingly, is the advice.

The number for Alford's Fixture Secretary is 07702198419 

LET'S ALL HAIL THE GREAT BRITISH WEATHER

Picture and report from Graham Hackney

Cleethorpes 1st X1's opening Yorkshire League encounter at Scarborough became an early victim of the wet weather when the league took the unprecedented step of cancelling the whole league programme.
With groundstaff struggling to prepare wickets, all Yorkshire league fixtures that had been planned for last Saturday have now been re-scheduled for Saturday Sept 15.
Cleethorpes now have to wait until this coming weekend when they will open their campaign at Hull before travelling to Goole Town in the first round of the National Knockout on Sunday.
Cleethorpes 2nd X1's opening Lincs League Premier Division clash with Nettleham was also washed out, while the 3rd X1 saw their matches at Horncastle on Saturday and the home clash with Louth 2nds on Sunday wiped out with big puddles on the Chichester Road outfield.
Cleethorpes 4th X1's match at Alford 2nds was eventually cancelled with a massive hailstorm halting proceedings as the match was about to start.

GRAINTHORPE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

From Phil Burrell

Following the sad demise of Grainthorpe CC weekend cricket XI, the club have the following items for sale as they are no longer needed, we would like to offer the equipment to Lincolnshire clubs first before it all goes on eBay.

• Ransomes 180 mower – 11 hp petrol engine – 6 ft cut - runs well would cut our outfield in a hour – only issue is exhaust silencer is broken so a bit noisy, but iPod drowns out noise
•  Slip Catching Cradle – probably 10 year old but not damaged at all – they cost £350 new
•  Handmade wooden storage box – ideal for storing stumps, boundary flags, etc – 162cm long x 75 cm deep x 63 cm high

Please email me at phil.burrell@syngenta.com for details and pics.

DUCKS APLENTY AT THE CAISTOR AGGERS 'DO'

Eric Jagger Sales and Marketing Director of Cherry Valley Ducks Caistor (left) talks to Test Match Special commentator Jonathan Agnew, guest speaker at the sportsman's dinner at Forest Pines.

REPORT AND PICTURES 

COURTESY OF PETER THOMPSON RURAL NEWS

pthompson@ruralnews.orangehome.co.uk

You had a few ducks and we have thousands.
That was the conversation between BBC Test Match Special Commentator Jonathan Agnew and Eric Jagger, Sales and Marketing Director of Cherry Valley Ducks in Caistor, when the two met up at a sportsmans dinner held at Forest Pines and hosted by Caistor Town Cricket Club.
Cherry Valley are known throughout the world for their ducks and 'Aggers,' as he is affectionately known to all cricket lovers, admitted that he had tasted the product at his local Chinese in Melton Mowbray.
The fundraising event was in aid of the Caistor Youth Cricket Academy this year sponsored by Paul Wiseman Electricals in Caistor.
Cherry Valley also sponsor the club and My Agnew admitted that he had never had a pair - ducks in both innings of the same match.
"No I never bagged a pair but Geofrey Boycott did, "Mr Agnew declared, referring to his fellow radio commentator.
Mr Agnew enthralled his audience with tales from both his playing career and the commentary box.

Caistor Cricket Club officials pictured before the start of the Sportsmans Dinner hosted by the club at Forest Pines. From the left MC Reg Percival, Caistor Cricket Club Secretary Mark Gowshall, guest speaker BBC Radio 4 Test Match Special Commentator Jonathan Agnew, Chairman of Caistor Town Cricket Club David Gowshall, and 1st team captain Liam Wood.

FIRST DUCKS OF SEASON RECORDED AT MARKET RASEN

Despite the hosepipe ban being in place within the Anglian Water region, the heavy rain of recent days has left many cricket grounds sodden and wet.
We took this picture prior to the Lincs League meeting on Wednesday at Rase Park, the home of Market Rasen CC. Ducks waddling across the outfield is not a good omen!
We understand the Yorkshire League has already cancelled scheduled games tomorrow and re-arranged them en bloc for Saturday, September 15.
Lincs League chairman Bob Welton has reminded clubs that games cannot be called off before 10am on a match day. And if the visiting team is unhappy with the cancellation, it has the right to travel.
If things get as far as the teams being duly assembled on the ground, it's in the Laws of Cricket that umpires are the sole judges of whether conditions are fit for play. Not all players/captains may be aware of that fact.
If your club does decide to call off a match and the opposition is agreeable when the call comes through, please inform your Umpires' Association (Grimsby/Scunthorpe/Lincoln) as soon as possible so they can do their best to inform match officials before they get in their cars and set off for the ground.
Clubs are also reminded that they need to inform the Lincs League of cancellations due to weather with a message left on 01652 655134. It's also a requirement for the home team to enter the No Result (5pts each) on the Play Cricket website before the deadline, though that's not a Saturday morning requirement.

IMPORTANT DECISIONS MADE BY LINCS LEAGUE

A couple more important decisions from the Lincolnshire County Cricket League's pre-season meeting, held on Wednesday night:
HYKEHAM: Due to a shortage of players within the club, Hykeham have been forced to drop a side for 2012, with much regret. Through a letter read to the meeting, they requested to be allowed to "pull" their side from division one and keep a team in division four. The matter was thrown open to the floor by chairman Bob Welton for club delegates to have their say. Comments were made in support of Hykeham's request, while other delegates argued they ought to carry on in division one (this being the higher-ranked team). It went to a vote which came down very heavily in favour of Hykeham's remaining team playing in division four.
CLEETHORPES 4ths: It has been agreed that the Meggies can play home games at Brocklesby Park CC for one season only, the playing area being regarded as acceptable. This is a one-off situation caused by Cleethorpes losing their scheduled venue in Grimsby at short notice.  Wednesday's meeting heard they were already exploring alternatives for 2013.

CHECK BEFORE YOU WATER GROUNDS

At last night's Lincolnshire County Cricket League pre-season meeting in Market Rasen, chairman Bob Welton (above) advised all clubs to check with their local water company before undertaking any watering of grounds, in view of the hosepipe ban.
Bob said it was much better to check with the company before watering than to undertake the task and discover some person, perhaps living nearby, had spotted what was going on and reported it to the authorities.
The chairman made reference to watering of sportsgrounds for health and safety reasons and pointed out to club delegates that Martin Deans, of the groundsmen's association, had posted online advice on the topic.

MONEY FOR OLD ROPE? Graham Hackney told the meeting that Cleethorpes CC now had a boundary rope available to any club that was interested.

CRIME VICTIMS: South Kelsey and Morton both reported suffering at the hands of unwanted visitors to their grounds. A sad sign of the times we live in!

RESULTS: "Yours truly" reminded clubs that it's still a requirement to call 01652 655134 after the game to report the scores on the doors. Just as important - the "year's grace" has now ended (no fines were imposed for online results last year as it was our first season in the digital age). Most clubs were efficient in 2011 so we don't expect many problems this time. But please ensure you stick to the deadlines applying to home and away matches, when it comes to supply information.

LEAGUE TABLES: Glen Sands will continue to compile Lincs League tables every Sunday and email them to clubs who've requested them. These also go to the local Press. Glen's tables will be the official tables. Play Cricket will generate its own, based on the points fed in, and all clubs are asked to check the online tables carefully and report to the league any errors spotted.  Come the end of the season, the league will be able to report on the accuracy of the online tables.

REGISTRATIONS: It's 10am Thursday 19th and I've just been into the management console of the Lincolnshire League's Play Cricket site and approved 20-plus further registrations. Please don't leave registrations to the very last minute. I recall being in London this time last year, taking a weekend family break, and having to log on to son-in-law's computer to deal with some player registrations that came through on the Saturday morning when the season began.

50th ANNIVERSARY: Having started in 1963, the Lincolnshire League is approaching its half-century and clubs were asked, some time ago, to come up with ideas on how they wanted the league to celebrate the major milestone. Not a single thought or observation was passed to the league, which chairman Bob said he found disappointing. He's now suggesting a month's further period of consultation. Ideas put forward "from the floor" last night included an exhibition of memorabilia/old pictures, a special game (perhaps including players of the past or a League Select X1) and a celebratory dinner.

More snippets to follow from the pre-season meeting when we get a minute!

SOUTH LINCS AND BORDER OPENS

By Ann Boulton

Billingborough begin their campaign for the 2012 South Lincolnshire & Border League title with a visit to Belton Park. But the champions are expected to face a real challenge from Spalding who have strengthened their squad through the winter particularly in the bowling department where Michael Kearns has moved from
Market Deeping to join his brother Charlie.
Spalding should have started their league season on Saturday but the game at Market Deeping was rained off.  However, play was possible at Grantham were Stamford got their challenge for the top off to a good start with an eight wicket win.
New Grantham skipper Gareth Bennett fell just one short of the season’s first half century but saw his side slip to 115 all out.
This weekend, Spalding are at home to Lindum Ramblers while Stamford entertain Market Deeping 2nd
and newly promoted Skegness 2nd are away to Sleaford 2nd.
Skegness replaced Boston 2nd whose aim is an instant bounce back into Division One.  However, their
first Division Two game is likely to be a tough one as they take on 2011 title challengers Cavaliers at the Mayflower Ground.
All Division Three, all the newcomers are in action in the first week of the season with Friskney
entertaining newly formed Welby 2nd and Lindum Academy away at Spalding 3rd on Sunday.

Division One
Belton Park v Billingborough
Bourne 2 v Grantham
Sleaford 2 v Skegness 2
Spalding v Lindum Ramblers
Stamford Town v Market Deeping 2
Woodhall Spa 2 v Moulton Harrox

Division Two
Boston 2 v Cavaliers
Spalding 2 v Heckington
Welby v Stamford Town 2
Sunday April 22
Moulton Harrox Sun v Thomas Cook

Division Three
Claypole v North Luffenham
Friskney v Welby 2
Sunday April 22
Spalding 3 v Lindum Academy

AMEND YOUR NORTH LINDSEY LEAGUE HANDBOOK

From Glen Sands

Just to make you aware that there is a misprint in the new handbooks regarding the Div One fixture on Sunday, August 26th. It should read Outcasts 3rds  v  Broughton 3rds and NOT Grimsby Town 3rds, which is correctly formatted for Sunday, June 10th.

CAISTOR'S NEW CHANGING ROOMS OFFICIALLY OPENED

From Wes Allison

Here is a photo of the opening of the new changing rooms yesterday (Sunday). It shows Dave Gowshall,  the Caistor club chairman, handing the keys to  Mayor John Burns Salmon,  with Reg Percival (left) and Gerry France (right), and the Caistor team who played Broughton in the background.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY SCORES
Caistor  104-8 in 30 overs,  Broughton  105-4 in  29 overs.

VOLLEY OF SHOTS SEES GRIMSBY TOWN HOME

By Ann Boulton

Despite two breaks for rain, Grimsby Town Cricket Club and Fenner completed their pre-season match at Augusta Street on Saturday and produced a thrilling game.  Fenner made what seemed respectable 153 for eight off their 40 overs and at 83 for seven Grimsby looked well beaten.  Then 18 year old Brendan Volley came in and launched an attack on the bowling that brought him 50 off about 34 balls - including several mighty sixes that saw two balls lost - and helped Grimsby to a three wicket win with two overs to spare.
Very good day despite the cold - and a really nice tea!

NEW MEGGIES 'PRO' SCORED FIRST CLASS TON BATTING AT NINE

Report and pictures from Graham Hackney

Ben Peacock and LucyRollinson help erect the nets.

Cleethorpes'new professional, South African Graham Hume, is a blossoming talent.
Having represented South Africa during the last U-19 world cup, Hume joins Cleethorpes having had an excellent domestic campaign that saw him leading wicket-taker for Johannesburg side Geutang as well as hitting his maiden first class century, batting at number nine.
Cleethorpes are looking to build on last season’s third place finish in the Yorkshire League that also saw good cup runs in the league trophy and National knockout.
They have retained the nucleus of that side that saw Bill Kirby, Charlie Tomlinson, Rory Osmond and Alex Osmond all hitting over 500 league runs to form a formidable top order.
Alex Osmond and Harry Clewett have both completed successful seasons in Australia for Victorian club sides and provide a dangerous spin option.
Cleethorpes’ Yorkshire League season begins on Saturday with a tough trip to Scarborough (April 21st).
Their first home fixture sees them face Sheffield Collegiate on May 5th. In between they travel to Goole in the first round of the National knockout.
Cleethorpes 2nd X1 are this year led by Any Haith and they entertain Louth 2nds at home this Saturday (1pm start).
A week later Nettleham provide the opposition at home in their opening Lincolnshire Premier Division clash.
Cleethorpes participated in the national Cricketforce day, sponsored by Natwest bank.
Some 60 volunteers helped with the annual spring clean of the Chichester Road ground that saw the nets assembled while sightscreens and dressing rooms were given a coat of paint.
Amongst the volunteers were staff from the local Natwest branch, while a number of the clubs Junior section also lent a hand. Margaret Ferrier provided refreshments in a day that always signals the start of the cricket season.

Ben Marris gives the sightscreens a lick of paint.

JUNIOR COACHING TO START IN CLEETHORPES

From Paul Hewstone

Cleethorpes Cricket Club's highly successful Junior Section are delighted to confirm their summer coaching programme  will start the week commencing Monday 23 April
This year will see the under 15s train on a Tuesday between 18.00 and 20.00, the under 13's will be on a Wednesday night between 18.00 and 20.00, whilst the highly successful Friday night sessions for the under 11's will start at 18.30, with registration from 18.00.
Children from as young as 7 are welcome on a Friday night and the first session will be on Friday 27th April, the bar tuck shop and BBQ will all be open and all the sessions are open to everyone
Season tickets for the Friday sessions can be purchased in advance for a reduced price of £ 25.00 whilst the cost per session has been reduced to £ 2.00 per session
All coaching sessions will be led by one of Cleethorpes qualified ECB Level 2 coaches and will also involve the club's South African overseas professional Graham Hume.
The club are also looking to encourage more girls of all ages to attend the coaching sessions with plans already in  place to have specific girls sessions and the formation of an under 13 girls' team
For more information please contact Stacy Jackson (Junior Administrator) at the club on 691271 or via e mail on staceyswaine@yahoo.co.uk
Alternatively, simply turn up on the night and ask for Stacy.

LINCS LEAGUE PRE-SEASON MEETING

All clubs should be represented on Wednesday night (April 18) at the pre-season meeting of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League. It's at Rase Park, Market Rasen (7.30pm).
A few inquiries about the date, received recently, reflect the usual change of personnel within some clubs. Hence the reminder from Lincs Cricket Latest.

SUNDAY FRIENDLY CALLED OFF

Sunday's pre-season friendly at Brumby Hall, Scunthorpe, between Appleby-Frodingham Cricket Club and Goole Town, has already been called off.

SATURDAY'S FRIENDLY CANCELLED

Hibaldstow v Appleby-Frodingham 2nds, due to be played at the villagers' ground this coming Saturday, has been cancelled.

IT ALL ADDS UP FOR CAISTOR CRICKETER

Caistor cricketer Dominic Bishop has been demonstrating his maths skills.
Read the full story through this link

PRE-SEASON PREVIEW OF NEW LINCS CRICKET CAMPAIGN

The 2012 season opens with pre-season friendlies on Saturday and Sunday. Read a full preview, with a round-up of cricket news and meetings, by following this link to THISISSCUNTHORPE
Above is the App-Frod team from the pre-season friendly with Goole that opened the 2011 campaign at Brumby Hall.

BROCKLESBY PARK'S ANNUAL MEETING

Brocklesby Park Cricket Club's AGM will be on Tuesday, April 17 at 7.30pm in the Black Bull, Wrawby Street, Brigg.

SEVENS IN GRIMSBY

There are a couple of spaces left for this year's Sevens competition at The Linden Homes Ground, played on a Friday evening,  Mick Barton tells Lincs Cricket Latest that anyone interested in entering a team, or requiring further details, can contact Mel Pratt on (01472) 277547.

WATERING CRICKET SQUARES DURING HOSEPIPE BAN

From Marin Deans, Groundsmen's Association

Please see the latest advice from Anglian Water (below in bold type) on the watering of cricket squares. Hardly seems relevant at this particular time, does it? But at some point we will need to water in the weeks to come. It is a commonsense stance taken by the water companies and in no way is it being treated as a victory of any sort by the ECB or clubs that have mounted their own challenge to the ban.
It is also not a licence to water as we probably did in previous years.
We need to address the way we water, where we source that water from, and how best to preserve the moisture in the soil profile that we will create and what nature will allow us this season.
Cover management, keeping the height of the grass on the square a lot longer than normal, watering for the purpose of health and safety early morning or very late evening and watering, where possible, under covers, altering rolling practices...these are just some of the ways in which we can help conserve water.
It's now time for clubs to be proactive, rather than reactive, and look at alternative sources of water supply. Below is the statement from the Anglian Water website:
General sports playing areas are not exempt. However, where Health & Safety issues are identified the playing area in question can be watered. Best practice should be adopted to minimise watering. Examples of where Health & Safety issues may exist are Cricket, Football and Rugby. 
Bowls and Golf would not present significant risks. 

OUTCASTS CONTINUE IN SNAITH EVENING LEAGUE

Here are the Snaith & District Evening League fixtures for 2012 - courtesy of Glen Sands.
Outcasts (Crowle) continue to fly the flag for North Lincs.
The Cup draws will be made on Wed April 11th when the AGM takes place at Carlton Towers.

THURSDAY MAY 3RD
DIVISION ONE
Burn  v  Pollington
Fishlake  v  Askern Welfare
Hensall  v  Sykehouse
Hurst Courtney  v  Goole Town

DIVISION TWO
Airmyn  v  Howden Town
Drax Village  v  Outcasts
Eggborough  v  Carlton Towers
Goole Firemen  v  Thorne Colliery

THURSDAY MAY 10TH
DIVISION ONE
Askern Welfare  v  Hurst Courtney
Goole Town  v  Fishlake
Pollington  v  Hensall
Sykehouse  v  Burn

DIVISION TWO
Eggborough  v  Goole Firemen
Howden Town  v  Drax Village
Outcasts  v  Airmyn
Thorne Colliery  v  Carlton Towers

THURSDAY MAY 17TH
DIVISION ONE
Burn  v  Askern Welfare
Fishlake  v  Pollington
Hensall  v  Goole Town
Hurst Courtney  v  Sykehouse

DIVISION TWO
Airmyn  v  Thorne Colliery
Carlton Towers  v  Outcasts
Drax Village  v  Eggborough
Goole Firemen  v  Howden Town

THURSDAY MAY 24TH
DIVISION ONE
Goole Town  v  Pollington
Hensall  v  Fishlake
Hurst Courtney  v  Burn
Sykehouse  v  Askern Welfare

DIVISION TWO
Carlton Towers  v  Airmyn
Drax Village  v  Goole Firemen
Eggborough  v  Howden Town
Outcasts  v  Thorne Colliery

THURSDAY MAY 31ST
DIVISION ONE
Askern Welfare  v  Hensall
Burn  v  Goole Town
Fishlake  v  Sykehouse
Pollington  v  Hurst Courtney

DIVISION TWO
Airmyn  v  Eggborough
Goole Firemen  v  Outcasts
Howden Town  v  Carlton Towers
Thorne Colliery  v  Drax Village

THURSDAY JUNE 7TH
DIVISION ONE
Fishlake  v  Hurst Courtney
Goole Town  v  Sykehouse
Hensall  v  Burn
Pollington  v  Askern Welfare

DIVISION TWO
Airmyn  v  Drax Village
Carlton Towers  v  Goole Firemen
Eggborough  v  Outcasts
Thorne Colliery  v  Howden Town

THURSDAY JUNE 14TH
DIVISION ONE
Askern Welfare  v  Goole Town
Burn  v  Fishlake
Hurst Courtney  v  Hensall
Sykehouse  v  Pollington

DIVISION TWO
Drax Village  v  Carlton Towers
Eggborough  v  Thorne Colliery
Goole Firemen  v  Airmyn
Outcasts  v  Howden Town

THURSDAY JUNE 21ST
DIVISION ONE
Askern Welfare  v  Fishlake
Goole Town  v  Hurst Courtney
Pollington  v  Burn
Sykehouse  v  Hensall

DIVISION TWO
Carlton Towers  v  Eggborough
Howden Town  v  Airmyn
Outcasts  v  Drax Village
Thorne Colliery  v  Goole Firemen

THURSDAY JUNE 28TH
DIVISION ONE
Burn  v  Sykehouse
Fishlake  v  Goole Town
Hensall  v  Pollington
Hurst Courtney  v  Askern Welfare

DIVISION TWO
Airmyn  v  Outcasts
Carlton Towers  v  Thorne Colliery
Drax Village  v  Howden Town
Goole Firemen  v  Eggborough

THURSDAY JULY 5TH
DIVISION ONE
Askern Welfare  v  Burn
Goole Town  v  Hensall
Pollington  v  Fishlake
Sykehouse  v  Hurst Courtney

DIVISION TWO
Eggborough  v  Drax Village
Howden Town  v  Goole Firemen
Outcasts  v  Carlton Towers
Thorne Colliery  v  Airmyn

THURSDAY JULY 12TH
DIVISION ONE
Askern Welfare  v  Sykehouse
Burn  v  Hurst Courtney
Fishlake  v  Hensall
Pollington  v  Goole Town

DIVISION TWO
Airmyn  v  Carlton Towers
Goole Firemen  v  Drax Village
Howden Town  v  Eggborough
Thorne Colliery  v  Outcasts

THURSDAY JULY 19TH
DIVISION ONE
Goole Town  v  Burn
Hensall  v  Askern Welfare
Hurst Courtney  v  Pollington
Sykehouse  v  Fishlake

DIVISION TWO
Carlton Towers  v  Howden Town
Drax Village  v  Thorne Colliery
Eggborough  v  Airmyn
Outcasts  v  Goole Firemen

THURSDAY JULY 26TH
DIVISION ONE
Askern Welfare  v  Pollington
Burn  v  Hensall
Hurst Courtney  v  Fishlake
Sykehouse  v  Goole Town

DIVISION TWO
Drax Village  v  Airmyn
Goole Firemen  v  Carlton Towers
Howden Town  v  Fishlake
Outcasts  v  Eggborough

THURSDAY AUGUST 2ND
DIVISION ONE
Fishlake  v  Burn
Goole Town  v  Askern Welfare
Hensall  v  Hurst Courtney
Pollington  v  Sykehouse

DIVISION TWO
Airmyn  v  Goole Firemen
Carlton Towers  v  Drax Village
Howden Town  v  Outcasts
Thorne Colliery  v Eggborough

 

ERNIE REACHES 50 NOT OUT FOR CAISTOR

Ernie Alison is how in his 50th year as a player with Caistor Town CC, who start the 2012 season next weekend.
He started in 1962, playing friendlies for the second team,  and made the first team as a left-hand opening batsman the following year. He also kept wicket for a number of years  before turning to slow bowling, taking over  800 wickets and scoring more than 14,000 runs.
He has scored  two centuries - one being against Lincoln Claytons when brother Wes also took 7-34.
Ernie captained the first team  from 1971-73, 1975-78, 1985-87 and  1991-94.
These days he is captain of the third team (Lincs League division four) to pass on his experience to the young players of the club. He also tends the ground, which is renowned as one of the best in the county.
NF adds: Very few cricketers achieve 50 years as a player, never mind with the same club. Having
played against Ernie in his prime, when he was a notable batsman, it's been interesting to see him coming in very low down the order in recent years. Clearly it's with the intention of giving the young players in Caistor 3rds an opportunity to bat. Similar to what's happened for years at first class county level, when experienced first team batsmen are retired from duty and made 2nd X1 captains - generally taking up slots in the order below number eight.

LAST CHANCE TO SNAP UP 'AGGERS' TICKETS: Caistor stalwart Wes Allison has asked Lincs Cricket Latest to remind everyone to get their last-minute ticket orders in for Caistor CC's An Evening with "Voice of Cricket" Jonathan Agnew on Friday, April 13 at Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton. For details call 01652 678839 or email reginald.percival@which.net

GRIMSBY TOWN TO HOST FENNER

Another pre-season friendly for the list, courtesy of Ann Boulton:

Grimsby Town v Fenner, Saturday, April 14th, 1pm, Augusta Street

GET WELL SOON, DALE

Haxey first team wicketkeeper/batsman Dale Coy suffered a knee injury last night while playing in goal during the TSW Printers Scunthorpe Saturday Football League Challenge Cup final, resulting in him having to be substituted. 

We hope it's not a lasting injury and does not stop the man once described by an imaginative Scunthorpe Telegraph headline writer (not me!) as The Coy Wonder from taking his place in the Haxey starting line-up on the opening day of the new season.

'HEARTBREAKING' WITHDRAWAL BY GRAINTHORPE

By Phil Burrell

Today marks a sad day, as Grainthorpe Cricket Club have taken the decision to withdraw from the East Lindsey Cricket League, with immediate effect.
This decision has left a considerable degree of sadness in the hearts of those people (including myself) who over the years have put so much time and effort into keeping the club going.
Unfortunately the general level of apathy that has emerged over the last few years has eventually taken its toll.
Grainthorpe CC came into existence in 1977 and were co-founders of the ELCL in 1978, and our long heritage within the ELCL makes this decision even more heart-breaking.
This should be a warning to all cricket players out there not to take your club for granted. In 2007 the club lost its junior section and this has to been seen as the start of the decline, once again showing the importance of junior cricket.
The club has been beaten by those who felt it not their responsibility to take the club forward and have just left it for others and this is the result.
Just remember because Joe Bloggs turns up every week to cut the grass, mark the pitch, coach the juniors, make the tea, update the website, attend meetings DO NOT take them for granted, give them the support and thanks they need as when the are gone they are not easy to replace.

NF adds: This statement has been circulated to other clubs by Phil, who asked Lincs Cricket Latest to give it a wider audience. His thoughts are worth bearing in mind - what he has to say is applicable in many other cases.

CAISTOR TAKE ON BROUGHTON

Caistor will host Broughton on Sunday, April 15 in a pre-season friendly, Wes Allison advises us.

HAXEY OPENERS BOTH AWAY

Two further pre-season friendlies have been notified to us involving Haxey, whose first team enjoyed such a successful season in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division and are now preparing for life back in the Lincs ECB Premier.

Sunday, April 15
Retford v Haxey 1sts
Tickhill 2nds v Haxey 2nds