At the recent I'Anson Competition ADM, treasurer Keith Mayson was critical of what he considered to be the unhelpful attitude of some clubs in respect of the sales of "A Century Not Out", the book published to mark the centenary of the competitions.
Graham Collyer, the author, stressed that sales would benefit clubs financially. "I'm not taking a penny from what was a labour of love. You, the clubs, will benefit, so go out and sell it. It's a book for all ages: old players, current players, children and grandchildren. It's packed with names and I'Anson Cup feats. Anyone who has had any connection with the I'Anson Cup should have a copy."
Mr Mayson reported a satisfactory financial position despite rising costs, and praised the "prudent management of affairs by a dedicated committee." Talks with a local sports company are expected to lead to sponsorship of the competitions and he thanked Charles Kemp of the Lindford-based company Altis Tools for his continued support.
Payment outlawed
All but one of the 25 clubs present voted in favour of outlawing payment to players in the competitions.
The management committee put forward two proposals seeking to stress that the competitions fostered and encouraged amateur cricket and that no player shall receive any payment either in the form of remuneration or expenses.
Tony Cheeseman, whose I'Anson Cup connections go back to the early 1950s, was elected a vice-president.
There were no applications to join the competitions and all 30 clubs were re-elected. Fixtures secretary Ian Webster said the divisional format would remain unchanged. Divisions One-Three teams would begin the 2003 season on April 26, and sides in Divisions Four and Five a week later.
Cyril Crawte, re-elected secretary of the umpires' pool, said he would "give it one more year" and painted a dismal picture in his report. He said there were few umpires willing to officiate on a regular basis. There was no encouragement for him to continue and he urged clubs to think seriously about the future of the pool before the start of next season. The situation was in their hands.
From next season, a league fixture can be switched to an alternative ground up to 24 hours before the fixture is due to be played. Chiddingfold's proposal was seconded by the management committee, and agreed unanimously.
A new rule was unanimously agreed concerning evening knockout fixtures. Provided both sides agree, a fixture postponed due to rain may now be played on any day in the next seven days. However, if the clubs cannot agree, the tie must be re-scheduled for the day following the original fixture.
Frensham chairman John Stuttaford said his club felt strongly that the presentation of trophies should take place at the climax of the season, however difficult that might prove to be logistically. "We do not mind which official makes the presentation, but what has occurred tonight should not become a precedent," he said. "Point taken," responded president Norman Disney.
Keith Mayson (treasurer), Cyril Crawte (umpires' secretary) and Ian Webster (fixtures secretary) were all re-elected.