CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Barton Town Cricket Club will be holding its Christmas party and quiz night on Friday, December 11 at 7.30pm.
As a change from the usual festive season nibbles, mince pies and sausage rolls the club is offering something a bit more substantial to soak up the Marsh Lane clubhouse beer - pie and peas!
There's a very nice Christmas greetings 'card' on the Barton Town website, alongside details of the seasonal get-together. Well worth a visit, fellas. Just follow this link for a look at the Christmas cracker, who I can't remember seeing at any of their matches this summer. Still eyesight's not what it was!
CHRISTMAS CRACKER

TAKE YOUR MARKS

It's possible umpires throughout the Lincolnshire League will be marked next season.
Currently only those in the premier division are graded - but there's a move within the umpiring ranks to try to get additional marking introduced in divisions one, two, three and four from next season.
Another alternative is to grade officials in the premier, division one and division two - but not the lowest two sections.
It will obviously need all three associations representing umpires in the Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Lincoln areas to agree, or it's a non-starter. And one of those has yet to consider the matter.
The Lincolnshire League will also have to sanction whatever proposal the umpires collectively may decide to request.
The issue was raised, briefly, at the league's AGM last month by one of the umpires' representatives, who explained there was an idea to grade officials not only in the premier but also in divisions one and two - something which fitted in well with the national policy to help spot, and fast-track, up-and-coming officials.
The immediate response was very positive. Indeed, two club reps suggested it would be better, and simpler, if marking was done for all divisions - not just premier, one and two.
Should all three umpires' associations be in agreement, the proposal should re-appear at the Lincs League's mid-winter meeting in January at Market Rasen CC.
If the majority of clubs approve it - and it will be surprising if there's much, or any, opposition - the official league scoresheet will require only a slight amendment to bring the change into force from next April.
It's long been the practice to mark all umpires in matches in the North Lindsey League on Sundays - a trophy going to the official with the highest marks at the end of the season. The same applies in the Lincs League premier division.
So it is somewhat strange the other four sections of the Lincs League - that's the majority of games played in the competition - have not seen the marking of umpires in recent years.
It was the case some time ago, and for many years, that captains throughout the Lincs League were asked to comment on the scoresheet. But there was no marking system: We skippers made comments like "Very Good" or "Good" to sum up the match officials. Not very scientific, which is probably why it was dropped. However it did give at least a guide.
Currently, with no marking in divisions one to four inclusive, umpires have no idea what the teams really think of the way they have performed.
True, captains aren't usually qualified umpires but markings given collectively, and evened out over a full season, will offer a reasonable reflection of how officials have performed.
It will help those - and there may be only a few - who are considering moving up a level to begin umpiring in the Lincs League premier division. The marks will also assist those who make appointments to matches and also the people who oversee umpires' development - locally and at a higher level.

LINCS MEMORIES FOR CRICKET LOVERS

It was great to be offered a second chance this year (as late substitute) to talk about our favourite sport at a monthly meeting of the Lincolnshire Cricket Lovers at Chichester Road, Cleethorpes.
This time we wound the clock back 20-25 years to look at Lincolnshire Minor Counties cricket - grounds, players and performances. That was during the period when Geoff Robinson (Ross Sports, Grimsby) was just coming to the end of his stint as captain, to be replaced by fellow veteran Harry Pougher (Lincoln Lindum). Among the audience were two Meggies who played for Lincs during that period - Jeff Todd and Bob Leafe.
Highlight of this period for Lincs was the NatWest Trophy tie at Old Trafford, the Test ground, when our boys, Minnows of the competition, managed to bowl out the mighty Lancashire...after they'd topped 300!
There was also reference to some notable performances in local club cricket, including the 1,000th wicket taken for Caistor by Wes Allison, and ex-Grimsby Town wing-half Brian Clifton riding high in the South Humberside Alliance with SCM.
A few questions came from the floor at the end of the talk, with Howard Swain (Cleethorpes) and Chris Keywood (Hartsholme) among those raising their hands.
We also got in a quick "plug" for Lincs Cricket Latest and a few members of the audience who had not heard of the site might now pay us a visit. If you are one of them: A warm welcome aboard!
Last night's talk/discussion centred on my bulging scrapbooks packed with cuttings from the period. I was asked whether the information could be made available online.
Now that would be a labour of love!

DIV ONE CHANGES

Due to a clash of fixtures at Mulsanne Park on Saturday, May 29, when both Nettleham teams were allocated home games, it has been necessary to amend three Lincolnshire League division one fixtures.
On May 29, Nettleham 2nds v Outcasts will NOT take place but will be played at Nettleham on Saturday, June 12.
Louth 2nds v Nettleham 2nds, scheduled for Saturday, June 12, will now move to Saturday, September 18.
A date for the outstanding Scothern/Outcasts encounter has yet to be announced.
Thanks to league fixture secretary Glen Sands for the latest update. Please amend your personal/club list if you are keeping a check on the 2010 dates for division one. From the information posted on Lincs Cricket Latest over the past few weeks - for all divisions - maybe some people will have had their eyes opened over how much work - at club and league level - goes into ensuring we all get cricket to enjoy during the summer months.

FIRE ALARM STOPS PLAY

By Kevin White, Alford CC

There has been a further incident in the East Lindsey Indoor Cricket League following on from the ‘Rained Off’ match between Louth Cricket Club and Alford & District CC ‘B’ Team on 1st November, again involving the Alford Club.
The Alford & District Cricket Club ‘A’ against Graves Park match, due to take place after the ‘B’ team match against Louth on 1st November, was postponed and re-arranged for Sunday 8th November.
Alford batted first in the re-scheduled match and opener Dave Newman proceeded to hit the ball into the fire alarm, smashing the glass.
About 10 minutes later all the fire alarms in the building went off, causing a break in play as the teams had to go to the meeting point outside the building whilst the building was checked.
On confirming that there was no fire and that it would be safe to resume, players went back onto the pitch, but the sports hall staff were unable to switch the alarms off. Both teams were determined to finish this seemingly ‘fated’ match and play continued will alarm bells ringing. Luckily there were no thin edges to the keeper which the umpire had to decline through not being able to hear anything but the fire alarm bells!
For the record, Alford ‘A’ scored 190 for 1 off their 12 overs and beat the Boston side, who scored 100 for 5, by 90 runs.

FURTHER HONOURS

Two more pictures - courtesy of Andy Clay - from Alkborough Cricket Club's presentation night, with former England player Mike Watkinson doing the honours, as chief guest.
Above: Callum Render - most improved U17 (and also Lincs League fielder of the year).
Below: Ian Roden who claimed the first five-wicket haul of the season in a run out for the 3rd team in the North Lindsey League, to claim the Dave Newton Cup.

LINCS DIV ONE 2010 - PROVISIONAL FIXTURES

Watch out for divisions two, three and four later this week

Provisional, draft fixtures as sent out to clubs by Glen Sands for the Lincolnshire League. Important note: These are liable to change.

Lee Freeman's Louth 2nds look to stretch their magnificent 36-game unbeaten Lincs League home run on the opening day of the 2010 season when they debut in division one with a fixture against Alford, who are returning to the second tier after relegation from the premier.

SATURDAY APRIL 17TH
Hykeham v C Willingham
Louth 2nds v Alford
Nettleham 2nds v H L C

SATURDAY APRIL 24TH
Holton-le-Clay v Hykeham
Louth 2nds v Broughton
Nettleham 2nds v Cleethorpes 3rds
Outcasts v Alford
Scothern v C Willingham


SATURDAY MAY 1ST
Alford v Scothern
Broughton v Outcasts
* Cleethorpes 3rds v Louth 2nds (clashes with Yorkshire League)
Hykeham v Nettleham 2nds

SATURDAY MAY 8TH
H L C v Broughton
Nettleham 2nds v Hykeham
Outcasts v C Willingham
Scothern v Alford


SATURDAY MAY 15TH
Broughton v Alford
C Willingham v Scothern
* Cleethorpes 3rds v Scothern (clashes with Lincs Premier fix)
H L C v Nettleham 2nds
Outcasts v Louth 2nds

SATURDAY MAY 22ND
KO CUPS 1ST ROUND

SATURDAY MAY 29TH
Alford v H L C
C Willingham v Cleethorpes 3rds
Louth 2nds v Hykeham
Nettleham 2nds v Outcasts
Scothern v Broughton

SATURDAY JUNE 5TH
C Willingham v Broughton
H L C v Outcasts
Hykeham v Cleethorpes 3rds
Scothern v Louth 2nds

SATURDAY JUNE 12TH
Alford v C Willingham
Broughton v Hykeham
* Cleethorpes 3rds v H L C (clashes with Yorkshire League fixture)
Louth 2nds v Nettleham 2nds
Scothern v Outcasts

SATURDAY JUNE 19TH
KO CUP 2ND ROUND

SATURDAY JUNE 26TH
H L C v C Willingham
Louth 2nds v Cleethorpes 3rds
Nettleham 2nds v Alford
Outcasts v Broughton
Scothern v Hykeham

SATURDAY JULY 3RD
Alford v Outcasts
Broughton v Louth 2nds
C Willingham v Nettleham 2nds
* Cleethorpes 3rds v Nettleham 2nds ( clashes with Lincs Premier fixture )
Hykeham v H L C

SATURDAY JULY 10TH
C Willingham v Outcasts
* Cleethorpes 3rds v Broughton (clashes with Lincs Premier fixture)
H L C v Louth 2nds
Hykeham v Alford

SATURDAY JULY 17TH
Alford v Cleethorpes 3rds
Broughton v Nettleham 2nds
H L C v Scothern
Louth 2nds v C Willingham
Outcasts v Hykeham

SATURDAY JULY 24TH
Alford v Broughton
C Willingham v Hykeham
Louth 2nds v Outcasts
Scothern v Cleethorpes 3rds

SATURDAY JULY 31ST
C Willingham v Alford
H L C v Cleethorpes 3rds
Hykeham v Broughton
Nettleham 2nds v Louth 2nds
Outcasts v Scothern


SATURDAY AUGUST 7TH
Alford v Nettleham 2nds
Broughton v C Willingham
* Cleethorpes 3rds v Hykeham (clashes with Yorkshire League fixture)
Hykeham v Outcasts
Nettleham 2nds v Scothern
Louth 2nds v H L C

SATURDAY AUGUST 14TH
C Willingham v Louth 2nds
* Cleethorpes 3rds v Alford (clashes with Yorkshire League fixture)
Nettleham 2nds v Broughton
Outcasts v Cleethorpes 3rds
Scothern v H L C

SATURDAY AUGUST 21ST
Broughton v Cleethorpes 3rds
Hykeham v Outcasts
Louth 2nds v H L C
Nettleham 2nds v Scothern

SATURDAY AUGUST 28TH
Broughton v Scothern
Cleethorpes 3rds v C Willingham (no clash)
H L C v Alford
Hykeham v Louth 2nds
Outcasts v Nettleham 2nds

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH
Alford v Louth 2nds
Broughton v H L C
* Cleethorpes 3rds v Outcasts (clashes with Yorkshire League fixture)
Hykeham v Scothern
Nettleham 2nds v C Willingham

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
Alford v Hykeham
C Willingham v H L C
Scothern v Nettleham 2nds

ALFORD ground unavailable May 8th and May 15th. Fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 4.
BROUGHTON fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 3.
C WILLINGHAM ground unavailable until May 8th. Fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 3.
CLEETHORPES 3RDS' fixtures to be arranged with opponents due to 1st and 2nd team games at Chichester Road.
H L C fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 3.
HYKEHAM fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 4.
LOUTH 2NDS fixtures formulated against 1st team fixtures in ECB Premier League.
NETTLEHAM 2NDS fixtures formulated against 1st team fixtures in ECB Premier League.
OUTCASTS fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 2.

LINCS PREMIER 2010 - PROVISIONAL

Watch out for divisions one to four throughout next week

Provisional, draft fixtures as sent out to clubs by Glen Sands for the Lincolnshire League. Important note: These are liable to change.

Last season they were some distance apart - but on the opening day of the 2010 Lincolnshire League premier division season, on April 17, Caistor (relegated from the Lincs ECB competition) will visit Brumby Hall, Scunthorpe, to take on Appleby-Frodingham 2nds (newly-promoted from Lincs division one, as the third-placed team). Messingham first teamers, who have also come down from the Lincs ECB, open with a visit to Bracebridge Heath 2nds. The other promoted team from division one, Scunthorpe Town, trek down to Horncastle. Cleethorpes 2nds and Alkborough, who were both championship-chasers for much of last season, meet up at Chichester Road, on the opening day of the season. South Kelsey, who also came close to the 2009 title, visit Marsh Lane to take on Barton Town.

SATURDAY APRIL 17TH
App Frodingham 2nds v Caistor Town
Barton Town v South Kelsey
B Heath 2nds v Messingham
Cleethorpes 2nds v Alkborough
Horncastle v Scunthorpe Town

SATURDAY APRIL 24TH
Alkborough v Cleethorpes 2nds
Barton Town v Messingham
Horncastle v Haxey
South Kelsey v B Heath 2nds

SATURDAY MAY 1ST
Barton Town v App Frodingham 2nds
B Heath 2nds v Caistor Town
Haxey v Scunthorpe Town
Horncastle v Cleethorpes 2nds
Messingham v South Kelsey


MONDAY MAY 3RD
App Frodingham 2nds v Alkborough
Barton Town v Cleethorpes 2nds
Haxey v South Kelsey
Messingham v Horncastle
Scunthorpe Town v B Heath 2nds

SATURDAY MAY 8TH
Alkborough v Caistor Town
App Frodingham 2nds v Horncastle
B Heath 2nds v Haxey
Cleethorpes 2nds v South Kelsey
Scunthorpe Town v Messingham

SATURDAY MAY 15TH
Caistor Town v Haxey
Messingham v Barton Town
Scunthorpe Town v Clethorpes 2nds
South Kelsey v App Frodingham 2nds

SATURDAY MAY 22ND
George Marshall Trophy 1ST ROUND

SATURDAY MAY 29TH
Alkborough v Horncastle
App Frodingham 2nds v Scunthorpe Town
Caistor Town v South Kelsey
Cleethorpes 2nds v B Heath 2nds
Messingham v Haxey

MONDAY MAY 31ST
App Frodingham 2nds v Messingham
B Heath 2nds v South Kelsey
Cleethorpes 2nds v Barton Town
Haxey v Horncastle
Scunthorpe Town v Caistor Town

SATURDAY JUNE 5TH
Alkborough v B Heath 2nds
Cleethorpes 2nds v Haxey
Messingham v App Frodingham 2nds
Scunthorpe Town v Caistor Town
South Kelsey v Horncastle

SATURDAY JUNE 12TH
Barton Town v Alkborough
Caistor Town v Horncastle
Messingham v Cleethorpes 2nds
Scunthorpe Town v Haxey

SATURDAY JUNE 19TH
KO CUP 2ND ROUND

SATURDAY JUNE 26TH
Alkborough v Scunthorpe Town
App Frodingham 2nds v Haxey
Caistor Town v B Heath 2nds
Cleethorpes 2nds v Messingham
South Kelsey v Barton Town


SATURDAY JULY 3RD
B Heath 2nds v Scunthorpe Town
Cleethorpe 2nds v App Frodingham 2nds
Haxey v Alkborough
Horncastle v Barton Town
Messingham v Caistor Town

SATURDAY JULY 10TH
App Frodingham 2nds v Barton Town
Caistor Town v Alkborough
Cleethorpes 2nds v Horncastle
Messingham v B Heath 2nds
South Kelsey v Scunthorpe Town

SATURDAY JULY 17TH
Alkborough v Barton Town
App Frodingham 2nds v South Kelsey
Cleethorpes 2nds v Scunthorpe Town
Haxey v B Heath 2nds
Horncastle v Caistor Town

SATURDAY JULY 24TH
Alkborough v App Frodingham 2nds
Barton Town v B Heath 2nds
Horncastle v Messingham
South Kelsey v Haxey

SATURDAY JULY 31ST
B Heath 2nds v App Frodingham 2nds
Cleethorpes 2nds v Caistor Town
Haxey v Barton Town
Messingham v Alkborough

SATURDAY AUGUST 7TH
App Frodingham 2nds v B Heath 2nds
Barton Town v Horncastle
Caistor Town v Scunthorpe Town
Haxey v Caistor Town
South Kelsey v Messingham

SATURDAY AUGUST 14TH
Alkborough v Messingham
Barton Town v Haxey
B Heath 2nds v Horncastle
Scunthorpe Town v South Kelsey

SATURDAY AUGUST 21ST
Caistor Town v Barton Town
Horncastle v App Frodingham 2nds
Scunthorpe Town v Alkborough
South Kelsey v Cleethorpes 2nds

SATURDAY AUGUST 28TH
B Heath 2nds v Cleethorpes 2nds
Haxey v Messingham
Horncastle v Alkborough
Scunthorpe Town v App Frodingham 2nds
South Kelsey v Caistor Town

MONDAY AUGUST 30TH
Alkborough v Haxey
App Frodingham 2nds v Cleethorpes 2nds
B Heath 2nds v Barton Town
Caistor Town v Messingham
Scunthorpe Town v Horncastle

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH
Caistor Town v Cleethorpes 2nds
Haxey v App Frodingham 2nds
Horncastle v B Heath 2nds
Messingham v Scunthorpe Town
South Kelsey v Alkborough

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
Barton Town v Scunthorpe Town
B Heath 2nds v Alkborough
Haxey v Caistor Town
Horncastle

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
Alkborough v South Kelsey
Barton Town v Caistor Town

Explanatory notes from Glen
ALKBOROUGH fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 2.
APP FROD 2NDS ground unavailable Sat June 12th (Gala). Fixtures formulated against 1st team fixtures in Yorkshire League.
BARTON TOWN ground unavailable Sat July 31st (wedding). Fixtures formated against 2nd team in Lincs Div 3.
B HEATH 2NDS fixtures formulated against 1st team fixtures in ECB Premier League.
CAISTOR TOWN fixtures formulated against 2nd and 3rd teams in Lincs Div 2 and Div 4.
CLEETHORPES 2NDS fixtures formulated against 1sr team fixtures in Yorkshire League.
HAXEY ground unavailable Sat June 26th and Sat August 21st. Fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 2. Ground availability in April and Sept still being negitiated.
MESSINGHAM fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 2.
SCUNTHORPE TOWN requested no game Sat July 31st ( wedding ). fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 3.
SOUTH KELSEY fixtures formulated against 2nd team fixtures in Lincs Div 4.

NO INCREASE IN TEAM FEES

Lincs League costs stay same in 2010

By Mike Savage, general secretary, Lincs League
The Lincolnshire County Cricket League AGM was held at Market Rasen CC on Wednesday, October 21 at 7.30pm.
The roll call was taken, present being the president, all officials (except vice-chairman Preston Wallhead who was on holiday) and the ECB rep.
The minutes of the AGM in 2008 were received with no matters arising.
The chairman, Bob Welton, thanked all club officials, helpers and umpires for their contributiosn throughout the season, which had been blessed with good weather.
He congratulated all the winners and hoped Hartsholme would enjoy their elevation to the Lincs ECB League next year.
The general secretary thanked all the committee for their hard work and dedication that had helped the league run smoothly. He commented on cases of discipline which had made work that could have been unnecessary with goodwill - but most teams were playing within the Spirit of the Game.
The treasurer (Bryan Simpson) reported a surplus for the season of £83.13p and a balance in hand of £6,338.92p. He recommended that the handbook and registration fees remain the same for 2010, and that the league paid the ECB affiliation fees for clubs in this league. These recommendations were agreed and the report adopted, subject to audit.
The fixture secretary (Glen Sands) and results secretary (Nigel Fisher) reported on their work and commented on the success of the points deduction "fine" in getting results in on time. The Press were thanked for their reports, and clubs generally thanked for their help.
The statistician (Andy Sharp) was thanked for his detailed report presented to clubs. He commented on the fact all clubs should make scoresheet entries as clear as possible, with names and initials, to make his work a little easier.
All officers were thanked for their reports and efforts throughout the season.
The president and all officers offered themselves for re-election and were voted back en bloc by the meeting.
The general secretary gave 12 months' notice as to his position.
The following rule changes were voted on (see handbook for current rules):
Rule 6.2: September starts to be 12.30pm in the premier and 1pm in all other divisions. Carried 29-1.
Rules 4.1 and 4.4: Re-wording and addition to rules about strengthening teams with players of a higher standard - two motions carried 28-1 and 26-3.
Rule 4.5: No longer permit overseas players. Rejected 3-20.
Add Rule 11: Restrict overs for bowlers in all games. Rejected 5-20.
Ground inspection reports were received and noted by the meeting, Ron Borsberry and Gordon Turner (the inspectors) being thanked for their efforts.
After much debate and discussion the committee's recommendation for 11 teams in the premier division for 2010 - and 10 in all other divisions - was adopted.
This meant Scunthorpe 3rds, Market Rasen 2nds and Louth 3rds needed to make presentations of their cases for election/re-election, with a vote for two places out of three being made by secret ballot. This resulted in Market Rasen receiving 35 votes, Scunthorpe 3rds 23 and Louth 12 - the first named two being re-elected.
Clubs were reminded of the need to pay subscriptions by November 30, to bring to the January meeting match ball orders per half-dozen at £15 per ball, to send back the pro forma, make nominations for the most improved player under-21, bring along scorebooks, and make nomintions for secretary of the year.
Also at the January meeting, if possible, will be a presentation about the idea of introducing an online results/registration system.
Presentations of pennants to league winners will also be at that meeting, at which all trophies are to be returned in a clean state.
Fixtures for 2010 will be formatted for Saturdays, and clubs are asked to let Glen Sands know unavailable home dates so fixtures can be formatted as soon as possible.
Proposed dates for 2010 meetings: Wednesday, January 13; Wednesday, April 14; Wednesday, July 14; Wednesday, October 13 (AGM), all at Market Rasen CC (7.30pm).
The meeting closed at 9.53pm.

MINOR COUNTIES REMEMBERED

Trip down memory lane with Lincs

"Yours truly" has just been confirmed as guest speaker at the Lincolnshire Cricket Lovers' monthly get-together on Thursday, November 12, 7.30pm, at Cleethorpes CC.
My topic this time will be Minor Counties Cricket - Home and Away, Players and Grounds. Non-members are welcome at the Chichester Road venue, and you can pay the small entrance fee required on the night.
The talk will focus on my years spent covering Lincolnshire's Minor Counties games - home and away - from 1984-90. For some of that time, overseas stars were permitted, and a number of Test players appeared against Lincs. In our own line-up at the time were the likes of Geoff Robinson, Harry Pougher, Dave Marshall, Pete Wood, Bob Leafe, Dave Allen, Jim Quincey, Paul Butler, Nigel Dobbs (pictured), Rick Burton, Neil Priestley, Steve Braithwaite, Mark Fell, Paul Todd, Dave Gilbert, Tim Hopper...and many, many more.
Among the away grounds was Bignall End (try SatNav on that one!) and Knypersley (where we were offered a trip round a coal-mining museum), while home fixtures were then played regularly at the incredibly rural Burghley Park (right on the border with Cambridgeshire).
This will be the second time I've been called in to substitute for the Cricket Lovers this year, following unexpected unavailability of the original speakers.
My earlier talk looked at Characters of Lincolnshire Club Cricket.
If you want to know more about the Cricket Lovers, or to take out membership, follow this email link to Ann Boulton LCL INFO

DEL BOY ON RIGHT TRACK

'Cushty' point about away game SatNav

Lincolnshire cricket's very own Del Boy - Scunthorpe Town's Del Crabb - doesn't drive a yellow three-wheeler van, but he did make what the TV character might well call a "cushty" point about travelling to away matches during the Lincs League AGM in Market Rasen.
Our Del stressed the postcodes of all member clubs' grounds should be included in the 2010 league handbook - and be correctly listed - for the benefit of those Lincs League players using modern SatNav technology to get to away games.
During this summer, Lincs Cricket Latest reported how a SatNav-assisted contingent from Cleethorpes CC - heading for a ground in the Lincoln area - found themselves at the wrong location after a slight mix-up over the postcode.
League general secretary Mike Savage replied to Del's point by revealing some clubs had failed to update their handbook entries for up to three years, despite reminders. He urged everyone to check their entries and let him know any changes required.
Del's SatNav suggestion set me thinking about locating grounds under the old-fashioned system. Quite often, with Brigg having a young team of relative newcomers (plus one or two veteran exceptions), we'd meet up in the car park of the Black Bull and the designated car drivers would assume I knew the way. "We'll just follow Scoop," they'd say.
Sometimes it might have been 10, or even 20, years since I last visited a particular ground - but the lads still expected you to know the way.
I wonder how SatNav - clearly a wonderful invention - will cope with locating Brocklesby Park's ground. The nearest residence, with postcode, to that rural outpost will belong to a certain Peer of the Realm - the Earl of Yarborough, long-serving club president, who has made some appearances in friendly games (see their impressive website, administered by Richard Bedwell, for details).
Next season, if you play at Brocklesby, use SatNav for directions and find yourself drawing up outside a very impressive and historic mansion, don't disturb His Lordship - the ground's in the other direction!
Up to this season you might have had a little difficulty locating East Halton's home venue - past the silo, over the cattle grid, in a field at Townside Farm; but now the villagers have moved to play at Blossom Way, Immingham. So no problems there.
Whenever I go to Grimsby or Cleethorpes, I always remember the location of grounds while driving along. Like Carr Lane, once the home of Grimsby BRSA; Littlefields; Lucarly's/Findus/Club CC; Tioxide (near the big chimney). Plus what's now Stamford Homes, which many will remember in decades gone by as Laporte's and then SCM.
It's the same with Grimsby/Cleethorpes school grounds, some of which I'd have played on almost 40 years ago for Brigg Grammar.
Visits to an elderly relative on the outskirts of Lincoln take me within a few yards of Lincoln Lindum (where I covered so many Lincolnshire Minor Counties matches), and bring back memories of away games against Claytons, Southcliffe, St John's and Rustons. Auntie lives not far from Hykeham's ground, and back in the late 1970s Brigg had a trip or two round the outskirts of Lincoln to Waddington, when they were in Lincs div three.
Those of us on the Scunthorpe umpires' panel have to get ourselves to many locations, especially in the North Lindsey League, where our association covers almost all the matches in a 60-mile stretch from Grimsby Town and Cleethorpes on the east coast to Wheatley (near Retford) in the west.
I always like the drive across country from Brigg to Gainsborough, passing close to the grounds of Kirton Lindsey (no longer playing league cricket), and Blyton, who were stalwart members of this Sunday competition for many years.
Roses pulling out of the North Lindsey League this season was a shame, but Marshalls remain to fly the flag for Gainsborough, together with Morton, who have just enjoyed their first season in Lincs div three.
Occasionally, Scunthorpe umpires 'help out' neighbouring associations who are short of officials. So we may be offered unexpected games in the Bassetlaw League, or in the Lincoln area. In the latter category, two or three seasons ago, I went to Saxilby with Mick Walker, our fixture secretary, who fortunately was driving, as I'd never been there before, although they did have a team in the top half of the Lincs League back in the 1970s.
My biggest nightmare on the travel front to date has been trying to find Upton-Cum-Kexby (pictured here). AA Route Finder was little use once you got beyond Caenby Corner - it tries to send you by A-roads of motorways where possible. I covered mile after mile of single-track minor roads until finally - more by luck than good judgment - locating the ground.
Returning to the Lincs League, there was always a warm welcome and an enjoyable game to be had when visiting Skegness 2nds, when they were in the league, and Alford 2nds.
Both long drives south, but we never minded.
For a few years in the Humberside Alliance (now defunct) much interest was generated by the election of BP Aces and BP Chemicals, who shared a ground at Saltend on the far side of Hull and provided some very, very impressive cricket teas. Bridge tolls, for a time, were paid by Humberside County Council, under a sponsorship agreement, as the authority was keen to encourage integration of the North and South banks.

MORE OVERS FOR UNDER-15s

ECB eases restrictions for 2010

Young bowlers throughout Lincolnshire will benefit from changes in the restrictions placed on them by the ECB.
Club representatives attending the Lincs League AGM this week received the news from Lincoln umpires' representative Steve Massingham.
The Lincolnshire League, and clubs, had yet to be told by the governing body in London.
Steve reported the new limits, coming into effect at the start of next season, will be:

Under-13s: Five overs a spell (10 maximum per match).

Under-14s/under-15s: Six overs a spell (12 in a match).

Under-16s, under-17s, under-18s, under-19s: Seven overs a spell (18 in a match).

These so-called 'fast bowling' directives do not apply to spin/slow bowlers, for whom a keeper of his age group could comfortably stand up to the stumps.
The ECB says the fast bowling directives have changed following a two-year consultation process. The outcome is that bowlers up to under-15 level are now able to bowl longer spells and more overs in a day.
Under the new guidelines bowlers at under-16 and under-17 level are now permitted to bowl an extra over per spell, but those in the under-18 and under-19 category have had the total number of overs they can deliver per day reduced from 21 to 18.
These guidelines will come into effect for the start of the 2010 season.
The fast bowling guidelines are designed to raise awareness of the need to nurture and protect young fast bowlers through their formative years. Research has shown that fast bowlers are by far the most likely players to be missing playing and training time due to injury.
Lincs Cricket Latest has located the relevant information on the ECB website, and here's a helpful link to take you straight there, if you wish to read more
Fast bowling directives

SMALL SURPLUS

Five games conceded during season

The Lincolnshire County Cricket League showed a surplus of £83.13p on the year, treasurer Bryan Simpson (Brougton) told the AGM, held in Market Rasen.
His written report/balance sheet showed five matches conceded during the season, resulting in fines (and point deductions).

PERFECT TENS

Scunthorpe umpire stands in most matches

A Scunthorpe and district umpire stood in more Lincolnshire League premier division games than anyone this summer.
Mick Stothard, the former Broughton CC all-rounder, officiated in 10 matches - one more than fellow Scunthorpe panel colleagues Paul Goodhand and Brian Creasey.
Some 44 umpires - drawn from the Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Lincoln associations - handled premier division games during the 2009 season.
We don't have a mandate to publish the average marks gained by each official but can reveal 'perfect 10s' were awarded to umpires on six occasions by delighted captains.
The highest average over the season was 9.00 and the lowest 6.50, with 18 umpires averaging 8.0 or better, which reflects a pretty high standard.
Lincolnshire League statistician Andy Sharp has compiled a comprehensive table showing each umpire's marks in the top flight - copies going to the respective associations.

ERN IS CAISTOR'S TOP SPORT

Great night at Stallingborough Grange

Veteran Ernie Allison (extreme left on the group picture) was named club person of the year at Caistor Cricket Club's dinner, held at Stallingborough Grange on Saturday night.
With him are Harry Boulton, who collected the club's North Lindsey League batting trophy; Dave Gowshall, 3rd XI batting; Pete Briggs, first XI batting; Will Broughton, most improved under-15; Henry Brewster, under-17 bowling; Dan Healy, 2nd XI bowling; James Wright, Gowshall Trophy winner; James Rock, 3rd X1 bowling; Andy Pearson, 2nd X1 batting and most boundaries; Liam Wood, North Lindsey League bowling.
The second picture shows Will Broughton with the most ducks award.
Thanks go to Caistor stalwart Wes Allison for the images and information.

TROPHY TIME

The North Lindsey Cricket League AGM will be on Thursday, October 29 at Appleby-Frodingham's Brumby Hall cricket pavilion, off Ashby Road, Scunthorpe (7.30pm).
First business of the evening will be to present trophies to the individual winners.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Lincs League fixture secretary Glen Sands is asking all clubs to let him know at Wednesday's AGM in Market Rasen if there are any Saturdays when their ground is unavailable so he 'can factor that into the fixture-making process.'
Glen says: "I am currently awaiting the Yorkshire League fixtures (involving Cleethorpes and Appleby-Frodingham first teams) and once received I will then set about organising the 2010 games (for the Lincs League)."

JUST GOT BACK...

Apologies for the disruption in the usual flow of daily cricket news but I've been away for a long weekend in Blackpool - holidays (however brief) not being an option during the season, for obvious reasons.
I did glimpse Fleetwood CC's ground from a tram - but apart from that it was a complete break from cricket for the long-suffering Mrs F.
Normal service, as they say, has now been resumed.

GEORGE IS TOPS

Scotter official umpire of year

Many congratulations to George Housam, from Scotter, who was last night revealed as umpire of the year for Sunday performances in the North Lindsey League during the 2009 season.
It's the second time he's taken the accolade in recent years.
Unfortunately, George was unable to make last night's annual meeting of the Scunthorpe and District Umpires' Association - but Steve Dixon, who lives near him, is to deliver the trophy.
Umpires are marked out of 10 by each team after games in the three divisions of the North Lindsey League, and at the end of the season Glen Sands tots up the marks and works out averages to find who's rated number one by the clubs.
Last night's umpires' AGM was held at Appleby-Frodingham CC's Brumby Hall pavilion, in Scunthorpe - and it was good to see president Rex Bell in attendance and giving us the benefit of his experience on several topics.
The chief officers were all re-elected - Mick Knapton (chairman), Peter Douce (vice-chairman and welfare officer); Jo Walker, general secretary; Mick Walker fixture secretary; Bryan Simpson (treasurer).
It was a fairly brief meeting, as Scunthorpe umpires' AGMs often are - helped by the fact no rule changes were put forward for consideration.

EAST HALTON JUST MISS PROMOTION

East Yorks Alliance Division Three

TEAM	PLAYED	POINTS
Hessle CC 2nd XI	22	382
Cherry Burton 1st XI	22	297
EAST HALTON 1st XI	22	294
North Ferriby 3rd XI	22	280
Humbleton 2nd XI	22	280
BRIGG TOWN 2nd XI	22	246
Cottingham Academy XI	22	219
Hull & YPI 4th XI	22	206
Sutton-on-Hull 3rd XI	22	166
Roos - 2nd XI	22	155
Humberside Police 1st XI	22	154
Hull Ionians Coal Exporters 3rd XI	22	145

View the full table with a breakdown of wins, draws, no results, etc through this link EYCA DIV 3