Jakob Kelly has been issued with a Level 2 four week ban for foul/abusive langauge to an opposition player after the completion of the Division One match beween Wivenhoe CC and Mistley CC on Saturday 18th May.  Jakob had already served a one match ban during the 2023 season.

This ban will run from 25th of May for four weeks.

As yet another set of fixtures is likely to be rain affected tomorrow, please note (yet again) that Rule 14c states:

“For matches without appointed panel umpires, the home team must speak to an official and or the captain of the visiting team and give them the opportunity to visit the ground before calling the match off. To call a match off by text message or leaving a voicemail is NOT acceptable.”

Where one or more Panel Umpire is appointed Rule 14b states:

“In matches where panel umpire(s) have been appointed, the match may NOT be cancelled before the start time without permission of any panel umpire.”

Any complaint from member clubs on this or any other matter should come from the Championship Rep, Chair or Secretary by email to the Two Counties Secretary.

Well that was a really cold day on Saturday and well done to all who survived and managed to complete a match……

There were however one or two issues with play-cricket results where clubs fielded ineligible players because they were not registered.  Clubs are reminded that according to Rule 13b severe penalties will be imposed.  In the interests of some leniency when all clubs were striving to get grounds ready and put sides with the difficuties many clubs have faced that Rule 13c will be imposed this week which will allow clubs to get their house in order before the unregistered players represent their club again.

If a player has not represented the club yet this season then they are a free agent to join another club of their choice.  However play-cricket does impose a two week delay to give the “old” club a chance to object if, for example, money is owed or there is an outstanding disciplinary issue.  After that two weeks has elapsed the registration will become valid.  In the two week period however the “new” club can approach the”old” club and ask them to expedite.

It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Alan Cooke after a short illness. Alan was a stalwart of The Seniors, playing many games over a number of years. Alan and Sue were also important supporters of the tours and events. Alan had a distinguished playing career with a variety of clubs. Alan will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. Our thoughts are with Sue and the family.

John Gallant

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.