Lincolnshire County Cricket League Official Handbook 2002

THE LINCOLNSHIRE E.C.B. PREMIER LEAGUE The revised League structure, which is headed by the ECB Premier league, is considered 10 be a major step towards raising the profile of Lincolnshire cricket. Ann Boulton was elected chairman of the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League, at the end of last year, taking over from Tony North. She is looking forward to working closely with the Lincolnshire County Cricket League to promote both leagues and to benefit Lincolnshire cricket as a whole. Over lhe past two seasons the Premier League has gone from strength to strength. It is noticeable that more young Lincolnsb.ire players who have come up through local leagues are being given the opportunity 10 play Minor Counties Cricke.t - these include Simon Webb from Grimsby, Jonathan Davies and Stuart Airey (Clcethorpes) and Matthew Rutherford (Market Rasen). Young players of particular note in the Premier League in 2001 were 17 year old Rutherford who took 46 wickets and Jonathan Miles (15) who made his debut for Sleaford with a wicket in his first over. Many clubs strengthened their squads, which in tum brought somt, excellent performances. Market Deeping's overseas signing Mohammed (Harry) Haroon hit 938 runs and topped the averages with 78.17. He also took most wickets in the season - 49 - to finish fourth in the bowling averages. This was won by David Christmas of Bourne who took 32 wickets at an average of 12.47 and helped his side to the league championship with seven wickets in the final match of the season. Of the teams with affiliations to the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, all held their own against very strong competition, Messingham finishing fourth, Market Rasen fifth, Caistor sixth and Allenby Stevenson Grimsby Town seventh. At the other end of the table, we have had the first Premier League promotion and relegation. Long Sutton fought hard and their contingent of young players put in some very good performances. Bui their efforts fell foul of Lhc weather in a couple of crucial games and they are now rejoining the South Lines & Border League who are restructuring their league to accommodate two relegated teams if required. In Long Sutton's place the Premier League welcomes Boston who have made gJeat effons in recent years to bring tl1eir facilities up to the required standard. Owmby, current Lincolnshire. County Cricket League Champions, did not meet the criteria for promotion - this hinged mainly on their lack of a junior set-up. Clubs are required to field teams at U13 and U15 level in local leagues and should the Premier League admit a club which does not meet this requirement, then it would lose its ECB accreditation. In most other respects, Owmby impressed the inspection panel as did Alkborough who, being in the running for promotion, were also inspected. The policy is that two members of the Premier League Development Sub-Committee visit the ground on the day of a home match and spend the afternoon there, meeting the committee, considering the club's development plan, inspecting facilities and equipment and watching how the pitch plays. Whilst, Howard Swain, the County Pitch Adviser, carries out pitch inspections. A copy of the full criteria for promotion is sent to all clubs in the top divisi.ons of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League and the SLBL. If any other clubs would like a copy please contact The E.C.B. Premier League, at the LCB offices, 27 The Forum, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8HW. As you know, tb.e Premier League operates a panel of umpires which has this year been reduced to 16, giving members the opportunity to officiate at more Premier League games than in previous seasons. Any umpire can apply to join this panel but obviously the league needs some indication of the standard he has reached, and the fact that Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division clubs have agreed to mark umpires is greatly appreciated. But it is not only the Premier League that is moving forward. To,t Area Development Groups around the county are bringing on young 1alenL while Active Spon, which is currently taking shape, will further promote cricket among youn·g people • boys and girls - throughout Lincolnshire. This is set to benefit all clubs, large and small, by bringing more junior players into the game and I hope that all clubs will involve themselves in these initiatives. Gail Clark, The E.C.B. Premier League's Secretary has details of assistance available to clubs, such as Sportsmatch which matches any new sponsorship pound for pound, and there are on occasions small grants to be bad from the LCB for specific purposes. 95