Welcome to the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Cricket Championship
New Championship Opening Partnership Record in Division 6
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…..!
Suffolk Association of Umpires and Scorers – PLEASE SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE
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
Umpire’s Course – A reminder – Sunday March 3rd
Ball Distribution Evening set for Monday 8th April
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 ……..!
Overseas Player Information for Season 2024
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.
Prospective New Members of the Umpire’s Panel
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.
Winner of the Reece Topley England Shirt won at Auction at the Two Counties Dinner
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…..
Edie Bradley (wife of ex TC Treasurer John Bradley)
Edie Bradley’s Funeral arrangements…….
This is on Friday January 5th at 1.30 at the Seven Hills Crematorium and afterwards at Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall, IP5 2PU.
Any donations to St Elizabeth’s Hospice ………..
Suffolk Association of Umpires and Scorers
The information below is sent via Elliot Spurling, Training Officer of Suffolk Association of Umpires and Scorers……………
Please note that these courses are 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 dates booked are 11/Feb at the Victory Ground, Bury St Edmunds and also 25/Feb at Chantry Park, Ipswich. The start time would be 2pm in both cases.
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
Suffolk Association of Umpires and Scorers – Umpires Course
This course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required before attending the course.
Whether you plan to support Junior Softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics:
– Understanding the role of the umpire
– Gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game
– Answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal
– How to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game
– Judging whether or not it is safe to play
The course is split into classroom and practical learning, so we recommend learners to come dressed appropriately.
Learners will be asked to complete some e-learning prior to attending the course, which will take no more than 90 minutes to complete in total. Pre-learning can be completed via multiple visits or in one go.
Pre-requisites:
Learners must be 14 years of age at the time of the course.
Cost £70.00
Post course, learners will have the confidence and competence to go and umpire at appropriate levels within recreational cricket.
Venue: St Joseph’s College, Belstead Road Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 9DR
Date: Sunday 3rd March
Booking is arranged via the ECB – to book for the full course at St Jo’s and the e-learning course : Click Here
Edie Bradley (wife of John Bradley)
It is with regret that we inform you that Edie Bradley passed away recently in hospital. John Bradley, husband of many years, was Treasurer of the Two Counties for several years from 1987 and is an Honorary Vice President. Edie was a friendly, popular and efficient Health Professional for very many years and will be sorely missed by John and the rest of the family. We send our condolences to them. Further details will be posted when they are available.
The David Gower Interview……
As promised the link to the Radio Suffolk interview with David Gower conducted by Nick Garnham of Suffolk Cricket is below:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gqd9mb
You will need to scroll to 1hr 8 minutes