There has been much discussion regarding the level at which a player/coach should be permitted to play in the Championship with concerns expressed by several clubs but the MSC have decided that as the matter is of considerable importance that it should be put to the member clubs to vote at the AGM.  It should be noted that to qualify to enter the UK on the International Sportsperson Visa, they would have to show that they had played a minimum of 5 matches at 1^st Class, ODI or List A  level during the previous 3 years – it does seem to the MSC incongruous that this could happen without restriction to such a player in our Division 9.  Thus:

From the start of the 2024 season:

No player/coach entering the country on an International Sportsperson Visa will be permitted to play in the Two Counties Championship at a level below Division 2.  This rule is subject to ratification at the AGM in October 2023

Just to let you know the above will take place at Sudbourne Church on Thursday 1st December at 11oclock.

Thank you for those that have booked your places for the awards evening for this Saturday, we are really looking forward to what should be an excellent evening and to listen to Geoff Miller once again. We have some last-minute details that we would like to make sure everyone is aware of.

We will be running an auction on the night with some fantastic prizes including:

• A bat signed by England’s greatest allrounder – Sir Ian Botham, by England’s leading Test bowler – Jimmy Anderson and by England’s leading Test run getter – Sir Alastair Cook. Half decent prize that…..!
• Several signed cricket bats from Essex current first team squad
• A signed Essex Eagle T20 Shirt
• A signed and framed picture of the best Test wicketkeeper at the moment, Ben Foakes

We will also be running a cash raffle on the night, with some superb prizes, we ask that you can all bring cash to be able to participate.

There is another function going on at Venue 16 on the night, so we ask that everyone follows the signs for the “Two Counties awards evening in the Willow Suite”.  Some of you have asked about the start and finishing time of the night.   We ask that people aim to arrive between 6:45pm -7pm, the finishing time is open ended, we suspect the after-dinner speech and auction/raffle to be finished around 11pm, We have an extended bar until 1am though, if attendees wish to stay and socialise.

For reference to everyone the venue address is:

Venue 16

312 Tuddenham Road

Ipswich, Suffolk

IP4 3QJ

Lastly, I hope everyone received their invoices for their orders and can ensure payment is made before the night to keep admin to a minimum during the event.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday – any questions please contact me.

Many Thanks

Scott Button

MSC Member

07985 668421

Excellent news here……………..

Robin Mills of Mistley CC has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement award.  This is well deserved as Rob has been with Mistley man and boy and has made an outstanding contribution to his club both as a player and administrator over many years.

We also understand that Copdock and OIs CC (having won the Regional Final) have been awarded the ECB National Award for Community Engagement and Eight Ash Green were runners up and highly commended in the Tackling Climate Change class.  These reflect considerable hard work by these two clubs and we wish to thank them on behalf of the Two Counties Championship.

Well done to all you guys…….it is your efforts and that of many other “unsung heroes” that make the Two Counties Championship as successful as it is!!

Peter Clift has died suddenly at home recently. He will be missed by family, friends and fellow cricketers at Sudbourne Hall CC who are in our thoughts.  Peter not only played for the club but also supported work on the ground.

He was also a very good footballer who played for the youth team at Ipswich Town FC with the likes of Kevin Beattie and Brian Talbot when the manager was Bobby Robson.

Peter had played for the Suffolk 60s 1^st team in 2013 and from 2020 – 2022 and  played for the 2^nd team on nine occasions and had one 3^rd team game too.  He recently said to me that he hoped to get back to playing again next season.

We are yet to know of any further details but we will keep you informed.  Peter will be sorely missed by many and may he rest in peace.

You are reminded that clubs should advise Fixture Secretary Stuart Coker of any dates on Saturday during the 2023 season when your ground is unavailable to play a fixture.  Requests for permission to ask for a “free” Saturday for a Tour, Weddings, Stag/Hen Do’s etc will not be given.

There is now a deadline of October 31st beyond which date the fixtures will be finalised and it will be the responsibility of the club to arrange an alternate venue or make other arrangements.  You have been warned …….

We have looked again at the structure for next season as a result of several comments raised at the AGM.  The structure below reflects all that can be done for season 2023 – the MSC will send out an information request to all clubs during the close season to sound out their thoughts so that a decision can be made for the season 2024.

Proposed Divisions for 2023

The AGM will take place at Colchester Rugby Club on Monday 10th October at 7.30pm.  Clubs are reminded that attendance by at least one voting member per club is compulsory.  Others may attend but as a spectator only ……  Full details have been sent to your Championship Representative.

The Two Counties Presentation Dinner with our guest speaker Geoff Miller will take place on Saturday 12th November at Venue 16 in Ipswich from 7pm.  Several items will be auctioned on the night including the bat shown below.  This is personally signed by Sir Ian Botham (England’s best all-rounder), Sir Alastair Cook (England’s Top Test run getter of all time) and Jimmy Anderson (England’s leading Test wicket taker of all time).

Now this surely is a prize well worth winning…….!