All clubs in Divisions 1 to 9 should by now have received a copy of their fixtures and we thank Ros and Stuart Coker for their superb efforts on your behalf.  Whilst there still some issues to iron out this was inevitable considering nearly 1300 fixtures have been allocated and the constraints of football, ground share and the Queens Jubilee.  Our thanks once again……

The “straw poll” at the recent AGM clearly indicated that the historical precedent for Two Counties clubs to provide a tea between innings must be reconsidered.  These views cannot be disregarded but nor can the views of those clubs who wish to retain the status quo with regard to the provision of teas.  It should also be pointed out that there is no actual Championship rule on this – it has just developed over time into an accepted norm.

The MSC discussed the matter in some detail and the following will apply from the start of the 2022 season:

1. The default will be for there to be no provision for teas by the home team in the break between the innings.
2. If a club wishes to provide teas for all participants, they must contact the opposition by the Tuesday of the week of the match to confirm that this is what they wish to do.  They should also inform at the same time any paid official, such as an umpire or scorer. Any cost will be the responsibility of the home club. There will be no requirement for the opposition to provide reciprocal facilities in a reverse fixture.
3. Whenever a home club decides that they would not provide a tea in the break between the innings but would instead provide catering facilities of any type after the match for the participants and officials then all should be advised by Tuesday of the week of the match. The cost for this will be met by those who participate.
4. It will be a requirement for all home clubs (regardless of a decision on the above) to provide tea, coffee or soft drinks for all players in the match in the break between innings.  This cost will be the responsibility of the home club.

As this is a matter of considerable importance which changes the way that catering in cricket matches has traditionally operated, we would ask that all clubs discuss this issue and advise Rick Jones of their intentions with regard to catering for the 2022 season in respect of 2 and 3 above.

We would ask that your answers, together with any other observations you wish to make, would be returned by Friday 14^th January.  This narrative has also been sent to all Championship Representatives.

The MSC is delighted to appoint Jeremy Jayasuriya from Easton CC to fill the vacancy as a Suffolk Representative.  Jerry is well known in local cricketing circles and we are confident that he will take a full and active part in the decision making process.  His contact details can be found under the Manangement Committee tab above……

Still a couple of days for final orders for the Annual Presentation Dinner on Saturday 20th November.  Details in a previous posting – please contact Alan Rogers ASAP.

There have been a few alterations to the structure of the Championship over the past few weeks (particuarly in Division 9) and a final version can be found below.  The MSC wishes to thank Long Melford, Eight Ash Green, Stowmarket, Harwich and Dovercourt, Worlington and Stowupland for their constructive help in the formation of the modified structure.  But as stated before, it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time.

The Fixture Secretary’s team are already hard at work ………….  it is an onerous and thankless task so please be patient …..

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Final numbers and orders are needed ASAP and certainly by the end of this week for the Annual Dinner on Saturday 20th November……..

This invitation includes all trophy winners but also includes members (and their partners) of all other clubs as well as those in the Ladies Competitions (and their partners).

This event is to be held at Venue 16 (formerly Greshams), Tuddenham Road, Ipswich IP4 3QH – 7 for 7.30 at a cost of £30 per person.

This year we have had a change to the structure and the evening will consist of the Dinner, prepared by top chef Jamie Smith of JLS Catering and then Presentation of Awards, hosted by David Mann of Radio Suffolk fame from Hadleigh Cricket Club.

This will be followed by an excellent rock and roll band – The Lockerbillies – and there is a bar extension until 1 am. It would be good to see as many lady cricketers as well as wives and partners present and we hope the change of emphasis will promote this new approach. We can assure you that you will not be disappointed with the music on offer…….

Please forward your completed order form below (the deadline has been extended) to Alan Rogers as a matter of urgency by the end of this week. The menu can also be found below……

We encourage you to support this new initiative……

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MSC have been made aware of an error in the preparation of the structure of the Championship for 2022.

Kelvedon and Feering CC 1s were incorrectly relegated to Division 3 when in fact, owing to the withdrawal of Ipswich CC 1s, only one team should have been relegated from that Division.  This has now been corrrected and they will take their rightful place in Division 2.  We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this error to Kelvedon and Feering CC

We also apologise to Stowmarket CC whose recent promotion to Division 2 has now been rescinded and they will now play in Division 3 next season…..

With sadness Witham CC have announced the passing of their President Margaret Keeble. Wife of long standing member Barrie, she was part of the club for many years staunchly supporting Barrie and then grandson Jake. Our thoughts go to the family at this time.

The AGM took place on Wednesday at the palatial surroundings of the new Colchester Rugby club. Many thanks to all who attended and for your thoughts and input.

Social Media:

Chairman Geoff Eveling stated strongly that there is a seeming increased use of Social Media to openly have a go at other players or clubs. The MSC do not like this unpleasant trend we are seeing and encourage it to stop or more serious action will be taken.

Decisions taken:

A revision of the Championship structure was agreed – although there were some misgivings it is simply not possible to please all of the people all of the time. There are considerable changes for the 2022 season reflecting a new approach by the MSC, particularly at the “lower” end and a listing is attached. If any club has misgivings about their club’s ability to cope at a higher level then please email Rick Jones with your thoughts by Thursday 21^st October.

As a result of a unanimous vote by First Division clubs the ball used in Division 1 next season will be the higher quality Supreme Test from our existing supplier Super County. This will retail at £15.50 inc.  The existing ball will be used for all other Divisions and will retail at £12.50 inc. Our thanks to Peter Corke for the negotiation of an excellent three year deal.

It was decided that the MSC would look again at the thorny issue about the return to the provision of teas in all Championship matches and details will follow.

We welcomed Acton CC and Real Oddies CC to our ranks and we wish them success in their association with the Championship.

The Sunday League will adopt a system of 40 overs per side and 8 overs limit on bowlers and no fielding circle for season 2022.

Treasurer Andrew Barnes reported a healthy picture of our finances.  His usual quality set of accounts were distributed at the meeting.

We welcome the appointment of Ros Coker to the position of Fixtures Secretary who, ably assisted by Stuart Coker, will soon start on the compilation of the fixtures for 2022 – that should keep them busy for a couple of days!!

We were able to formally welcome Marc Fox of Abberton CC and Richard Polley of EAG to their position as Essex County Representatives and we look forward to their much valued input. There is currently a vacancy for a third Suffolk County Representative and we would appreciate any application from any candidate affiliated to a Suffolk club be forwarded to Rick Jones.

The position of Secretary was given to Rick Jones so that the large work load undertaken by Alan Rogers can be reduced.  Alan will still be involved in work as Assistant Secretary as well as the onerous task of Results Secretary.  As there are several changes in personnel, it would be appreciated in the early stages whilst a working structure can be developed, if anyone wishes to contact the MSC would email both Rick and Tex who will either deal with the matter or distribute to the relevant Committee member.

We would like to record our thanks to all other Officers who were reappointed at the AGM to their continuing roles.  A full list of Officers will be updated on the website shortly.

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Sad to report the passing of Ken Sparkes at the weekend.  Ken played for Mistley in his early years before returning to the club in the 80’s and 90’s.  He continued to support the club when he stopped playing and was a regular member of the Two Counties Over50s and 60s in both playing and scoring roles in his later years.  His funeral is on the 9th November at Colchester Crematorium.  Thoughts are with his family at this time.

Unable to hold our golf day in April, we were rewarded with a warm, dry day in October.    Sixteen players took part, with Tex Rogers, as usual keeping a sharp eye on one of the four balls.    We welcomed four newcomers: my guest John Elliott, a fellow team-mate at Essex Seniors and who travelled from his home in Canvey Island;   Tony Locke from Hadleigh Cricket Club;  Richard Holman, guest of Stuart Berger;  and John Sexton (brother-in-law of Simon Rippingale).  Vicki Khan (guest of Rupert Haxell) was again the lone lady in the field

The results of the 18 hole competition were:

John Stuck 41 points (handicap 18) – host

Tony Locke 37 points (19) – 1st prize & nearest the pin on 17^th hole

Richard Holman 36 points (12) – 2^nd prize

John Kemp 36 points (21) – 3^rd prize

Jason Nottage 36 points (22)

Ian Robinson 35 points (19)

Stuart Berger 34 points (34) –  nearest the pin on 7^th hole

Vicki Khan 34 points (21)

John Elliott 31 points (26)

John Sexton 31 points (20)

David Barbour 31 points (17)

Rod Cook 31 points (35)

Simon Rippingale 28 points (14)

Rupert Haxell 27 points (24)

Phil Smith 25 points (41)

Gary Smith 22 points (26) – booby prize.

The Over 50s captain Pat Patel, joined us for dinner, and presented the prizes.

By popular request we will be running two competitions next year, with the usual pre-season competition in early April (or late March) and another post-season competition in early October.

John Stuck – Organiser and Host