PRESIDENT’S REPORT - 2018 - A UNIQUE YEAR
Date: 22nd December 2018
The first of a series of Officer's reports (all in the AGM papers) to be featured over the holiday period.
2018 was already destined to be a unique year with two finals for the Ray Digman Trophy, our senior knock-out competition. But who could have forecast the terrible April weather, the complete cancellation of the first week’s programme and the ensuing chaos with so many cup matches being transferred to Sundays. Let us hope we can avoid this in 2019.
We had quite an increase in conceded matches mainly at 3rd XI, especially during school examination and summer holiday periods. However, at the 3rd XI SGM, some clubs were not prepared to have breaks in the fixture lists during these periods when clubs struggle for players. I hope their decision is respected by all teams and that many more matches are played.
2018 saw the highest level of fines ever, £8,250, and it is a matter of regret to me that only half of all clubs bothered to ask for a list of their fineable offences. Failures in reporting and checking results led to over £3,500 of these fines, this is more than 700 individual omissions. However, this money is returned to clubs in many ways, such as subsidising the Player Development Programme and representative matches at all levels so it’s good news for some.
Whatever administrative failings clubs might have, playing standards in our league continue to be amongst the best in the country. Congratulations to all those winning trophies and promotion and especially those of our clubs playing in National and County knock-out competitions, especially Northern and Ormskirk who again reached the latter stages of both. Our three Welsh clubs came top of their respective division’s Spirit of Cricket marks as scored by the umpires – congratulations to Colwyn Bay, Prestatyn and Northop Hall.
I can’t thank enough all the officials of our league who continue to work tirelessly on your behalf.
We were delighted that our major sponsors, Liverpool Gin, in the second year of a three-year deal, as well as our other sponsor Icon Sports, continued to support us. This is greatly appreciated and is invaluable to the running of our league.
Skelmersdale CC regrettably found themselves unable to field two teams each week and will join S&DCL in 2019. We are pleased to welcome Norley Hall CC as a full Member Club in their place. We continue to have an excellent relationship with the S&DACL. Our joint venture of a dual registration system in 2018 with S&DCL worked very well, helping clubs in both leagues to fulfil fixtures.
Our Chairman has again worked tirelessly throughout 2018 organising the several representative teams some of which have achieved great success..
2019 will be my eleventh year as your President and I hope I can continue to serve in various capacities. The workload never seems to reduce but your Management Committee is looking forward to the support from many volunteers who will join the expanded management structure.
Finally, I wish all clubs, officials and players a most enjoyable season in 2019.
Eric Hadfield
President Liverpool Gin L&DCC
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