Ribblesdale League Saturday round-up (From Lancashire Telegraph)

As an Earby member i was somewhat disappointed with the Saturday postponement of their fixture with Gt.Harwood. The ground at GH is in a state i believe after some drainage work and they are having to rely on using other clubs grounds for their home fixtures. Saturday we should have played them on Lowerhouse, but we received a call mid morning advising us that Lowerhouse had withdrawn the offer after the wet week and the game was off!! understandable from Lowerhouses point of view, but leaves us wondering how this works with the league rules stating that both skippers and the umpires should be present when a match is abandoned and that the decision cant be made more than 30 minutes before start time!!!, does this fall into the category of un-fulfilled fixture??

Unfortunately Harwood are in a position where they cant really dictate to other grounds who offer their services and would be harsh for the League to even consider a breach of rules.Knowing that the new League structure will begin next season it may be worth bringing in league reserve dates. Not welcomed by all but given recent complaints about the League structure and less games being played it might be worth considering.Just looked at Read-Clitheroe scorecard, did Clitheroe shut up shop?

Great point made by Earby Ash, clear breech of the rules covering cancellation of fixtures. Will the league take any action?
Not a chance.

Good to see my old mate Chucker back on here after a long absence, very disappointed Cherry v Ossy game did not go ahead, was looking forward to seeing how your clash with your old mate and former skipper Tosh went following his move in the Transfer Window.

Thanks for the kind welcome back Pinch.
I too was disappointed and keen to play as where the Ossy lads and Tosh. Just a shame it was unfit but we gave it a chance. Where did you end up on Saturday Pinch?

chucker wrote:
Unfortunately Harwood are in a position where they cant really dictate to other grounds who offer their services and would be harsh for the League to even consider a breach of rules.Knowing that the new League structure will begin next season it may be worth bringing in league reserve dates. Not welcomed by all but given recent complaints about the League structure and less games being played it might be worth considering.Just looked at Read-Clitheroe scorecard, did Clitheroe shut up shop?

I agree it isnt ideal for Gt Harwood, but neither is it fair on Earby! Its not their fault the work at GH has not gone as planned, if this happened next year and Earby were in the bottom 'Drop Zone' by 2 points, would that seem right or would the league accept the excuse?? just a thought

Pinch Hitter wrote:
Great point made by Earby Ash, clear breech of the rules covering cancellation of fixtures. Will the league take any action? Not a chance. Good to see my old mate Chucker back on here after a long absence, very disappointed Cherry v Ossy game did not go ahead, was looking forward to seeing how your clash with your old mate and former skipper Tosh went following his move in the Transfer Window.

As i make the point to chucker ... next season what would the outcome be, when relegation into the 2nd tier is possible??, and you're right the exec won't take any action whatsoever

Further to my comments above, it would have been more questionable had Gt Harwood played yesterday, thanks to using St.Anns as home venue with the rest washed out!!!

Looks like read could be the favourites not clitheroe with clarks performances of late. Dont see baxenden up there using only 3 bowlers. could be read clitheroe and barlick and bash. since Mcintosh left baxenden havent looked like bowling a team out. However clitheroe and read was a exciting match with a excellent pro on view, looking forward to season ahead.

I feel I must comment here to set the record straight.

I received a call freom Lowerhouse CC early morning (approx 9 am) to come and lok at the ground as it was very wet, and the groundsman didnt think it could be got into a state where it would be fit for play. His words were 50/50 at best come 4 p.m. and a lot of work.

He therefore said the game was not going to go ahead, and we have to abide by the 'ground authorities' in accordance with league rules.

We then attempted to contact the Earby 1st XI captain, but could only get hold of the secretary, who said he would speak to Peter Bairstow, Earby's captain.

One of the standing umpires attended at around 11.30 and confirmed this view about the state of the pitch.

I suppose Ossy Immanuel have also failed to fulfil their fixture too as their ground wasnt fit?!?!?

I suppose as a club we should be punished for having the termerity to try and improve our facilities for the next 20 years.............

I suppose you would have had the captain travel from Earby to deal with this? The ground simply wasnt fit for play, and we are thankful to both Lowerhouse and St Annes for trying to get games on for us this weekend, as well as Rishton previously and Brooksbottom and potentially Padiham to come in the next 2 weeks.

Thanks for setting the record straight.

So the game was called off more than 30 minutes before the start time; by the Lowerhouse Groundsman; without the Earby captain present.

Stu Maher wrote:
I feel I must comment here to set the record straight. I received a call freom Lowerhouse CC early morning (approx 9 am) to come and lok at the ground as it was very wet, and the groundsman didnt think it could be got into a state where it would be fit for play. His words were 50/50 at best come 4 p.m. and a lot of work. He therefore said the game was not going to go ahead, and we have to abide by the 'ground authorities' in accordance with league rules. We then attempted to contact the Earby 1st XI captain, but could only get hold of the secretary, who said he would speak to Peter Bairstow, Earby's captain. One of the standing umpires attended at around 11.30 and confirmed this view about the state of the pitch. I suppose Ossy Immanuel have also failed to fulfil their fixture too as their ground wasnt fit?!?!? I suppose as a club we should be punished for having the termerity to try and improve our facilities for the next 20 years............. I suppose you would have had the captain travel from Earby to deal with this? The ground simply wasnt fit for play, and we are thankful to both Lowerhouse and St Annes for trying to get games on for us this weekend, as well as Rishton previously and Brooksbottom and potentially Padiham to come in the next 2 weeks.

No I applaud you for trying to improve facilities, and for trying to sort an alternative venue. I just asked how it would look if a side playing on a pitch which they have no say over, needed 6 points to win the league on the last match, and the same happened to them as a visiting side.? I am not saying it was your fault at all, merely that it is not really a satisfactory outcome.

Stu Maher wrote:
I feel I must comment here to set the record straight. I received a call freom Lowerhouse CC early morning (approx 9 am) to come and lok at the ground as it was very wet, and the groundsman didnt think it could be got into a state where it would be fit for play. His words were 50/50 at best come 4 p.m. and a lot of work. He therefore said the game was not going to go ahead, and we have to abide by the 'ground authorities' in accordance with league rules. We then attempted to contact the Earby 1st XI captain, but could only get hold of the secretary, who said he would speak to Peter Bairstow, Earby's captain. One of the standing umpires attended at around 11.30 and confirmed this view about the state of the pitch. I suppose Ossy Immanuel have also failed to fulfil their fixture too as their ground wasnt fit?!?!? I suppose as a club we should be punished for having the termerity to try and improve our facilities for the next 20 years............. I suppose you would have had the captain travel from Earby to deal with this? The ground simply wasnt fit for play, and we are thankful to both Lowerhouse and St Annes for trying to get games on for us this weekend, as well as Rishton previously and Brooksbottom and potentially Padiham to come in the next 2 weeks.

.....oh and to drag Ossy into the equation is plain silly, i expect they had both captains and umpires there to make the decision, but enough from me, it won't make any difference.

Maybe planning improvement work earlier may also help! Good luck with your improvements

EarbyAsh wrote:

Stu Maher wrote:
I feel I must comment here to set the record straight. I received a call freom Lowerhouse CC early morning (approx 9 am) to come and lok at the ground as it was very wet, and the groundsman didnt think it could be got into a state where it would be fit for play. His words were 50/50 at best come 4 p.m. and a lot of work. He therefore said the game was not going to go ahead, and we have to abide by the 'ground authorities' in accordance with league rules. We then attempted to contact the Earby 1st XI captain, but could only get hold of the secretary, who said he would speak to Peter Bairstow, Earby's captain. One of the standing umpires attended at around 11.30 and confirmed this view about the state of the pitch. I suppose Ossy Immanuel have also failed to fulfil their fixture too as their ground wasnt fit?!?!? I suppose as a club we should be punished for having the termerity to try and improve our facilities for the next 20 years............. I suppose you would have had the captain travel from Earby to deal with this? The ground simply wasnt fit for play, and we are thankful to both Lowerhouse and St Annes for trying to get games on for us this weekend, as well as Rishton previously and Brooksbottom and potentially Padiham to come in the next 2 weeks.

.....oh and to drag Ossy into the equation is plain silly, i expect they had both captains and umpires there to make the decision, but enough from me, it won't make any difference.

Maybe planning improvement work earlier may also help! Good luck with your improvements

The works were meant to start in September and be finished by October, but as it has barely stopped raining since last July it was only suitable to do the bulk of the works in early April. The club took the very difficult decision to carry out the works for the future of the club and losing vital home games at ths stage.

Hopefully we will be back playing at the Cliffe in mid-May

Don't know what field of law the Harwood skipper specialises in but as he can't spell, construct any kind of salient argument or write a simple explanation without recourse to playground name-calling other clubs I think I'll give his firm a pass if I ever need counsel.

Pinch Hitter wrote:
Thanks for setting the record straight. So the game was called off more than 30 minutes before the start time; by the Lowerhouse Groundsman; without the Earby captain present.

If this right and looking at rules 6 and 7; ground fitness, then all sorts of rules were broken, and despite the argument of improving facilities, rules should be accepted.
Games may only be called off with BOTH captains and BOTH umpires present, and may NOT be called off more than 30 minutes before the scheduled start. I'm not bothered what action is or isnt taken, but to try to defend his actions by refering to another match called off within the rules is somewhat pathetic.

I don't remember there ever being this much debate regarding improvements to cricket grounds a few years ago when Barlick were having their square relaid? (probably because these comment boards, twitter and the like didn't exist or were rarely used!). Was it Ossy that had to play in Cheshire early in the season? and I remember GHCC having to travel all the way to Whalley to play there away fixture against Barlick!

Stuart has explained the circumstances very clearly and I'm sure, knowing him like I do, he and the committee will have discussed the matter at great length before going ahead with the improvements. I am equally sure that they would not have carried out the improvements if they could have foreseen the weather/rain we have had in the last few weeks. The reason it was done last month, as he has explained, was because the ground was too wet at the end of last season to get the machinery on the ground.

I have only played 1 game of cricket this season so far, the last game being cancelled on the Thursday, let alone Saturday morning (the league committee cancelled all games in all divisions).

blueette- I'm sure you can forgive Stuart a few grammatical errors within his essay! and Paul Houldswoth is the captain this year.

NB. I do feel for the teams that may have had to travel further and are disappointed that they haven't played last week but I know the lads at GHCC are feeling the same!

arms1 wrote:
I don't remember there ever being this much debate regarding improvements to cricket grounds a few years ago when Barlick were having their square relaid? (probably because these comment boards, twitter and the like didn't exist or were rarely used!). Was it Ossy that had to play in Cheshire early in the season? and I remember GHCC having to travel all the way to Whalley to play there away fixture against Barlick! Stuart has explained the circumstances very clearly and I'm sure, knowing him like I do, he and the committee will have discussed the matter at great length before going ahead with the improvements. I am equally sure that they would not have carried out the improvements if they could have foreseen the weather/rain we have had in the last few weeks. The reason it was done last month, as he has explained, was because the ground was too wet at the end of last season to get the machinery on the ground. I have only played 1 game of cricket this season so far, the last game being cancelled on the Thursday, let alone Saturday morning (the league committee cancelled all games in all divisions). blueette- I'm sure you can forgive Stuart a few grammatical errors within his essay! and Paul Houldswoth is the captain this year. NB. I do feel for the teams that may have had to travel further and are disappointed that they haven't played last week but I know the lads at GHCC are feeling the same!

and if the weather was unfit to do the works in Sept, im sure it could have waited until this end of season.

HecticBigBoy wrote:

arms1 wrote: I don't remember there ever being this much debate regarding improvements to cricket grounds a few years ago when Barlick were having their square relaid? (probably because these comment boards, twitter and the like didn't exist or were rarely used!). Was it Ossy that had to play in Cheshire early in the season? and I remember GHCC having to travel all the way to Whalley to play there away fixture against Barlick! Stuart has explained the circumstances very clearly and I'm sure, knowing him like I do, he and the committee will have discussed the matter at great length before going ahead with the improvements. I am equally sure that they would not have carried out the improvements if they could have foreseen the weather/rain we have had in the last few weeks. The reason it was done last month, as he has explained, was because the ground was too wet at the end of last season to get the machinery on the ground. I have only played 1 game of cricket this season so far, the last game being cancelled on the Thursday, let alone Saturday morning (the league committee cancelled all games in all divisions). blueette- I'm sure you can forgive Stuart a few grammatical errors within his essay! and Paul Houldswoth is the captain this year. NB. I do feel for the teams that may have had to travel further and are disappointed that they haven't played last week but I know the lads at GHCC are feeling the same!

and if the weather was unfit to do the works in Sept, im sure it could have waited until this end of season.

There will be a reason why it could not wait until the close of this season or else they would have delayed the works until then. As I am not on the committee at GHCC it is not for me to give an answer.

arms1 wrote:

HecticBigBoy wrote:

arms1 wrote: I don't remember there ever being this much debate regarding improvements to cricket grounds a few years ago when Barlick were having their square relaid? (probably because these comment boards, twitter and the like didn't exist or were rarely used!). Was it Ossy that had to play in Cheshire early in the season? and I remember GHCC having to travel all the way to Whalley to play there away fixture against Barlick! Stuart has explained the circumstances very clearly and I'm sure, knowing him like I do, he and the committee will have discussed the matter at great length before going ahead with the improvements. I am equally sure that they would not have carried out the improvements if they could have foreseen the weather/rain we have had in the last few weeks. The reason it was done last month, as he has explained, was because the ground was too wet at the end of last season to get the machinery on the ground. I have only played 1 game of cricket this season so far, the last game being cancelled on the Thursday, let alone Saturday morning (the league committee cancelled all games in all divisions). blueette- I'm sure you can forgive Stuart a few grammatical errors within his essay! and Paul Houldswoth is the captain this year. NB. I do feel for the teams that may have had to travel further and are disappointed that they haven't played last week but I know the lads at GHCC are feeling the same!

and if the weather was unfit to do the works in Sept, im sure it could have waited until this end of season.

There will be a reason why it could not wait until the close of this season or else they would have delayed the works until then. As I am not on the committee at GHCC it is not for me to give an answer.

Unfortunately it could not have waited until the end of this season. If we didnt commence the works when we did, GHCC would have lost £17,000 of funding. And (sic) the works would never have been done.