8 November 2017
Held at Brooklands
Present: Chairman F. Warburton, Secretary R. Kavanagh, Treasurer G. Tonge, and delegates from all teams except Beech House.
The chairman welcomed all delegates. He thanked the officers and those clubs that had made their greens available for league events. He especially mentioned Sale Excelsior, not members of the league, who had allowed us to use their green at a moment’s notice.
The meeting stood for a few moments in memory of colleagues who had passed away. These included: Steve Ball (Fallowfield), Roland Beeley (Trinity) and Alf Lamb (Beech House).
The Beech House delegate went to the wrong venue, and subsequently apologised for his absence.
The minutes of the previous AGM had been circulated. They were taken as read and approved. There were no matters arising.
We had had only 14 teams for the 2017 season, Longsight Cricket having moved to the Cheadle & Gatley league on Tuesday nights. It was difficult to plan for this number. We had operated as two divisions of seven, playing a league programme and the five-home, five-away competition. This gave each team 14 or 15 matches over 17 weeks. It seemed a reasonable compromise, but he was aware that teams do meet the some opponents three times (and sometimes in quick succession). There was also the problem that for some teams the open dates can also come in quick succession.
A couple of years ago (with 15 teams) we had tried an arrangement of a larger first division and smaller second division. He thought this was worse, because the second division teams had only four possible opponents, which they faced many times.
So, other things being equal, he would suggest continuing with the present arrangement. If anyone can could up with a better idea he’d love to hear it.
In the first division, Fallowfield had won the title for the first time, with Quarry Bank reverting to their accustomed position as runners-up. These two were also first and second in the fives competition. John Davies of Fallowfield went through the season unbeaten to win the averages prize.
In the second division, Cringlewood had won everything. Legh Arms were runners-up, and look like a yo-yo team. Terry Banks of Cringlewood was also unbeaten.
In the Pride of Sale knock-out, the final was contested by two second division teams, Cringlewood beating SW Manchester Cricket.
We had 32 entries for the Merit - the highest since 2014. On a wet night, the venue was moved at the last minute and we are grateful to the Sale Excelsior club for making their green available at short notice. Peter Kelsall overcame Quarry Bank’s runner-up jinx to win the competition.
There were 12 entries for the Eric Dale pairs - an increase on last year. Terry Banks and Ray Barrow won it for Cringlewood, with a Quarry Bank pair in their usual spot.
Currently there was no news of resignations or new teams.
Greater Manchester county had had their AGM on the previous Monday. There were no significant rule changes, and no change to their fees. As planned, the BCGBA club levy goes up another £5 to £25. The club registration sheets were available for the relevant clubs. They are quite complicated! The county says that they should be given out at the last minute before the next season, because otherwise clubs will forget about them. But clubs could have them now if they promised to deal with them at the appropriate time.
We had had an informal approach from the Altrincham and South Manchester league, about a possible merger. Their area is similar to ours, but they play on Tuesday evenings. About half of our clubs already play in that league, so it wasn’t clear what could be achieved. The only other Wednesday night leagues known of around here are the Manchester Premier and Stockport Parks. The parks league is about our standard, but they stretch out to Woodley and nearly to Hazel Grove. If we didn’t mind the travelling it could be worth investigating, but it seemed a bit far. The secretary understood the Altrincham and South Manchester league had now made a formal approach to the Urmston league. Urmston is a complicated set-up. They have 12 second-division teams playing on Mondays and Wednesdays. If the first division teams go in with ASM, perhaps they would agree to merging the second division with us, and dropping the Monday night matches. After some discussion, it was agreed that the secretary should speak to the Urmston league with a view to discussing possible options.
The pre-season meeting was expected to be on 14 March. If necessary a special meeting will be called to discuss composition or more radical proposals.
The treasurer reported a small loss of £45. This was mainly because we had lost a further team. The balance was still healthy at about £500.
The auditor had reviewed and signed the accounts. He had written to the secretary reporting that he was satisfied.
The honoraria were unchanged: treasurer £100, secretary: £200.
To amend rule 1 of the Pride of Sale Team Handicap and of the President’s Cup rules: replace “league games” with “league and five home/five away games”.
Proposed by the secretary
The secretary reported that, with fewer league games available, it had been an informal practice to include the fives competition towards the required three qualifying games for the cup. This proposal formalised current practice.
The proposal was passed unanimously.
To amend match rule 16 to read “Registrations accepted in any form up to July 31st at £2 per registration.”
Proposed by the secretary
The current cut-off date of 21 June was considered rather early, and a later date would make it easier for clubs to recruit new players.
The proposal was passed unanimously.
The existing officers were re-elected en bloc.
The chairman thanked all delegates for attending. The meeting also expressed its thanks to the officers.
The meeting closed at 7.55pm.