So Alan Rogers has been trying to obtain changes to officials/captains/play cricket admins etc for this season…..

At today’s date one third of members clubs have not bothered to respond and this is very, very poor.

If those clubs have not responded to Alan by Monday 1st April, then I will publish a list on the website to “name and shame” so please do it.

The cricket balls for season 2024 have now been delivered to the UK.  You are reminded of the Ball Distribution Evening on Monday 8th April from 5pm to 7.30pm at Ipswich CC. 

It would make sense for clubs in the extremities of the Championship to arrange to for one club to collect the balls for other clubs in their area.  60 odd clubs  attending individually does very little for our carbon footprint!

Treasurer Andrew Barnes has sent out an invoice to all clubs on the 10th March requesting payment.  Bank Transfer is the recommended method of payment but a cheque on the night is also possible but please make sure that payment is made on or before the Ball Distribution Evening.

If this rain ever stops (!) and we do get a start to the season, then there are some changes to rules and playing conditions agreed for season 2024 of which clubs should be aware. Some of these are listed below.  Please read the Championship Rules and the Schedule of Standards to be found on the website for all the changes – all the changes for 2024 are in bold type…….

• In Divisions 1 – 3 white or blue marking lines to be painted 17 inches from the return crease to enable interpretation of off side wides. In interpretation the umpires shall only call a wide ball if the ball passes outside of the line when it passes the popping crease.
• In Divisions below Division 3, white or blue marking lines to be painted 17 inches from the return crease. These are to be used as guidelines for offside and legside wides in non- panel umpire matches.
• In Division 1 matches of 100 overs batting points shall be 1 point for 125 runs, 2 points for 150 runs, 3 points for 175 runs, 4 points for 200 runs and 5 points for 225 runs. If a Division 1 match is reduced to 45 overs or less for any reason then the points allocation shall be the same as for Divisions 2 and below.
• In Divisions One to Six there will be a 30 yard fielding circle, which shall be denoted by white discs placed at frequent intervals.
• Divisions 2-6 over restrictions are as follows:

45 overs per innings – maximum 9 overs per bowler. 40 overs per innings – maximum 8 overs per bowler. 35 overs per innings – maximum 7 overs per bowler. 30 overs per innings – maximum 6 overs per bowler, 25 overs per innings – maximum 5 overs per bowler. 20 overs per innings – maximum 4 overs per bowler

• The Schedule of Standards now make it mandatory for the home club to provide free of charge a range of drinks (hot or cold) in the break between the innings for visiting officials.
• The Schedule of Standards now make it recommended for the home club to provide free of charge a range of drinks (hot or cold) in the break between the innings.
• Panel Umpire’s expenses were confirmed at £50 for each umpire with an additional £5 for each umpire charged to the Home team where a Panel umpire is officiating and no tea is provided.

Slipped through the net this one……..

Abberton 2s V Mildenhall4s on Saturday 9th September featured an opening unbeaten partnership of 382 which is a new Championship record for Division 6.  Many congratulaions to Gregan Savill 198* and Kevin Grant 167*

It is worth noting that this is the highest opening partnership in any Division since the inception of the Championship and on the same day Abberton 1s also won their Division 3 match without losing a wicket!  Probably quite a day in the bar I would suggest…..!

The information below is sent via Elliot Spurling, Training Officer of Suffolk Association of Umpires and Scorers……………

Please note that this course is FREE

“The Association is going to hold sessions before the start of next season to teach the basics of umpiring.  A similar session has been held years previously and greater education regarding umpiring would be beneficial to lifting the quality of the game where there are no neutral umpires present.

These will be 2 hours long on a Sunday afternoon and are aimed at those who umpire the game as a member of the batting side. Typically, Two Counties Division 3 or below and Sunday League matches.  Those who are considering attendance but play at a higher level are still encouraged to come – this is an opportunity for you to see how our brains work during a match!

Although a portion would be spent towards the Laws of the game itself, time would also be dedicated towards more practical elements. This includes signalling, positioning, communication and game management.

The next date booked is 25/Feb at Chantry Park, Ipswich. The start time is 2pm.

The sessions are being put on for free – this is the Association giving back to the wider cricketing community and sharing our knowledge for all.”

Contact Elliot Spurling if you wish to attend:

ELLIOT SPURLING – 01284 760442, 07810 744213

The Ball Distribution Evening is set for Monday 8th April at Ipswich Cricket Club from 5pm.   It would make some sense for clubs to combine collection with other clubs in their area.  Treasurer Andrew Barnes will be in touch with payment details ……

We understand that the balls are on the container ready for the off, it would normally take 26 days to Felixtowe but if the they decide to come via the Horn of Africa then this will add a further fortnight.  Fingers crossed that all will be well ……..!

The latest information for Season 2024 can be found on the Overseas Player Information tab above ……..

There are certain minor amendments contained therein but the main issue to be aware of is that the qualifying length of time needed for a Category 3 player to be resident in the UK to claim Category 1 status has been reduced to a minimum of 210 days in the period between ist April 2023 and 31st March 2024.

The MCS will require written confirmation from the club and player that this criteria has been met for Category 1 status to be given.

We are  delighted to announce that there are several prospective new members of the Umpires’ Panel for next season.  As all are aware there has been a large reduction of numbers from the Panel over recent years, down to Covid of course but also down to reluctance of some to put up with the behaviour of a few players from a few clubs.

There has been a distinct improvement of late with behaviour on and off the field however and there is now a much closer link between the Umpire’s Panel and the MSC.   To this end there will be a pre season Zoom meeting with all skippers from Divisions 1 to 3 to look at application of new rules – watch this space for details when they are available.

Below is the picture of a very happy winner of the Reece Topley’s England Cricket shirt and other training items……. won by our very own Andrew Barnes (Maldon CC) Hon Treasurer of the Two Counties Championship…..

Our thanks to Reece Topley for the donation and to Don Topley for facilitating…..