H. J. Stoner & Son(JEWELLERS)

CRICKET LEAGUE (MID-SUSSEX)Founded 31st Oct 1988 as Mid-Sussex Times Cricket League

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HANDBOOK 2013FROM 11 TEAMS FOR THE 1989 SEASON

Cuckfield III, Haywards Heath III, Horsted Keynes, Hurstpierpoint Lewes Priory III,Plumpton, St Andrews, St Francis, Staplefield, Streat, West Hoathly.

TO 61 TEAMS FOR THE 2013 SEASON

DIVISION 1.Ashdown Forest, Balcombe, Colemans Hatch, Crawley Down, Edenbridge, Palmers,

Poynings, Preston Nomads III,St Francis, Streat & Westmeston.

DIVISION 2.Balcombe II, Bolney, Chailey, Cuckfield III, Dormansland II, East Grinstead III, Horsted

Keynes, Hurstpierpoint, Smallfield, Staplefield.

DIVISION 3.Ardingly, Burgess Hill III, Copthorne, Cowden, East Grinstead IV, Haywards Heath III,

Lindfield III, Preston Nomads IV, Roffey III, Turners Hill.

DIVISION 4.Cowfold, Crawley Down II, Cuckfield IV, Ditchling, Edenbridge II, Lindfield IV, Lingfield III

Palmers II, SJM III, Streat & Westmeston II.

DIVISION 5Ansty III, Ardingly II, Balcombe III, Dormansland II, Forest Row III, Horsted Keynes II,

Hurstpierpoint II, Keymer & Hassocks III, Lingfield IV, Smallfield II.

CONFERENCE LEAGUEAnsty, Burgess Hill, Crawley Down, East Grinstead V, Forest Row,

Hartfield, Horsham Trinity, Keymer & Hassocks, Lingfield, Roffey, St Andrews, SJM.

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President: MARTIN STONER, c/o H.J.Stoner & Son, 14 Church Road Burgess Hill (01444 232237)

Chairman: MARK SMITH 8 Abergavenny Gardens, Copthorne (01342 716316) Secretary: BILL ANTHONY 67 Jobes, Balcombe (01444 819001 h, 07581 310965 mob) Treasurer: ROGER COLLINS 11 Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill (01444 248929)

Fixture Secretaries: JIM HEWITT (01342 717500 Off 01883 346451 DAVE PORTER (1444 243856, Off 01444 810088)

Conference Liaison: ROBBIE DIVALL 2 Woodview, Primrose Lane, Forest Row (01342 823855)

Welfare Officer: BILL ANTHONY (see above for details)

VICE PRESIDENTS Messrs: BRIAN CHRISTMAS, ROGER COLLINS,ROBBIE DIVALL, JIM HEWITT, DAVE LANCASTER, KELVIN SPEIRS, JOHN TOMLINSON, WAYNE VARNEY and NICK WISDOM

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2013PRESIDENT •CHAIRMAN • SECRETARY•TREASURER

ROBBIE DIVALL (Forest Row) (Conference Liaison) JIM HEWITT (Crawley Down) (Fixture Secretary)DAVE PORTER (Streat) (Fixture Secretary) GEORGE JARRETT (Dormansland) (Rep Team Secretary) MIKE NEWCOMBE (Lindfield) (Website Manager) NICK MAY (Ardingly) PETER MASTERS (SJM) PETER FOWLES (Ansty) DAVE PARSONS (Hurstpierpoint)

It is vital to record results as soon as reasonably possible. Jim Hewitt does a brilliant job, often at the expense of his Sunday mornings, and sometimes with minimal information. Please assist Jim in this task by supplying full details of all games played as early as possible and certainly before 10.00am of the following day as per the Constitution.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Mid Sussex District Council - Ben Toogood 01444 - 458166 Mid Sussex Times - Chris Francis 01444 - 452201 Sussex County Cricket Club - Tim Shutt 01273 – 827117Nick Wisdom 01444 - 451370 Jim Hewitt (Home) 01342 - 717500 Jim Hewitt (Work) 01883 - 346451Dave Porter (Home) 01444 - 243216 Dave Porter (Work) 01444 - 810088

CONSTITUTION 1. Title The competition shall be known as the H.J.STONER & SON (JEWELLERS)

CRICKET LEAGUE (MID-SUSSEX); shall formally affiliate, via the Sussex Cricket Board, to the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board); and shall formally adopt the ECB Disciplinary Model Rules, and “Safe Hands” policy. NB - All member clubs shall also affiliate and adopt as above. This is a condition of membership.

2. Objectives a) To promote and encourage the playing of competitive cricket in a friendly and

sportsmanlike manner in order that the game may flourish. b) To encourage each club to provide the best possible conditions under which to

play. All teams in all Divisions are encouraged to play their home games on grass wickets. All Division One games shall be played on grass wickets. However, each team outside Division One shall state at the start of the season whether its home games will be played on a grass or an artificial surface. Only in exceptional circumstances (not connected with the weather) shall a team be allowed to switch a league match to a different venue (whether an alternative ground of the same club or the ground of its opponents) from that indicated by the Club Information section. Any such switch must be requested to the Secretary, who may allow it at his absolute discretion provided the opposition agree.

3. Membership a) There shall be a minimum membership of 8 teams. b) There shall be no maximum limit. c) If necessary the competition shall be divided into two or more divisions. d) Promotion and relegation between divisions shall be decided by the Executive Committee, but the aim shall be to promote and relegate at least one between divisions, unless circumstances decree otherwise. If a team which would otherwise qualify for promotion is debarred because there is a higher team from the same club in the division immediately above, the next highest side shall be offered promotion (See also 3i below). e) Any side finishing at the bottom of the lowest division for two consecutive years shall apply for re-election if it wishes to retain its membership. That side SHALL lose membership if deemed appropriate by a minimum of 75% of votes cast at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting. f) New teams applying for membership shall be elected to the competition at an Annual or Special General Meeting provided a minimum of 75% of votes cast at that meeting are in agreement. g) After the 2010 AGM teams may now be elected into Division One. h) Teams may have their membership terminated at any time if at least 50% of the other teams in membership at the time are in agreement to the termination. i) Clubs with more than one team in the League. No club may have more than one team in the same division. If the normal channels of promotion or relegation would have produced this situation, the Executive Committee shall have the power to determine placing of the teams affected for the following season. (See also 3 d above). j) When a multi-team club is forced to scratch a fixture or fixtures through lack of availability, that scratching/those scratching shall start with its lower/lowest team(s) in the Stoner League.....i.e. its higher/highest team(s) shall be the last to scratch. k) No team shall participate in any game under the League’s control (League, Cup, SM Trophy, Stoner Conference fixtures, or RD Cup) until all monies due are in the Treasurers hands. If the Treasurer has not received such monies, the penalty for non-fulfilled fixture shall apply. (See Playing Conditions 4 i).

Monies due comprise 1) joining fee where applicable, 2) annual subscription, 3) Handbook contribution, 4) Affiliation fees 5) payment for cricket balls, 6) payment for previous winter’s Presentation Event, and 7) the previous seasons fines including any incurred due to a) non-attendance at the AGM, and b) failure to return the trophies by the specified time.

l) The League (or the Executive Committee if urgent) shall have the power to fine any team up to £50 for withdrawing from its competitions at any time between an A.G.M. and the end of the following season’s fixture’s.

4. Annual General Meeting

a) Any proposed changes to this Constitution or the Playing Conditions either by teams or the Executive Committee shall only be made at the A.G.M. and shall be in the Secretary’s hands no later than 7 days after the end of the League’s season. In exceptional circumstances changes to the Constitution only (not the Playing Conditions) may be made at a Special General Meeting provided that the criteria in rule (7) below have been observed.

b) The A.G.M. shall be held no later than 31st October each year, when each teamshall be allowed to send two delegates, only one of whom may vote.

c) Teams shall be given at least 14 days notice in writing. d) A quorum shall be no fewer than 75% representation of all teams. e) Each team shall be entitled to one vote only on any matter at the A.G.M: the

Chairman shall have the casting vote. f) Any proposed changes at an A.G.M. shall take effect provided more than 50%of teams in attendance are in agreement.

5. Officers and Conduct of the League’s Business a) The appointment of the President shall be made at the A.G.M. He shall have the option to attend all League meetings. b) The day-to-day running of all matters concerning the League shall be administered by an Executive Committee comprising the following, all of whom shall be elected where possible at the A.G.M.: President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and a minimum of ten others with ideally at least one from each division and ideally from ten different clubs. If any position is contested, it shall be decided by secret ballot and not a show of hands. c) This Executive Committee shall meet on a minimum of three occasions per year (pre season, in season and pre A.G.M) and additionally at the request of at least three of its members. A quorum of this committee shall be no fewer than ten. d) This Executive Committee shall have the power to enforce the Constitution and Playing Conditions of the League and to take disciplinary action via its Disciplinary Sub Committee against any team or player infringing them. It shall have the power to make a final decision (if it is impractical to wait for the A.G.M.) on any matter except i) election of new teams to the League ii) termination of an existing team’s membership,_ and iii) changes to the Constitution or Playing Conditions which may only be made at an A.G.M. or S.G.M. (see item 7). e) Each club shall nominate a contact person to whom all League notices shall be sent and who shall be responsible for ensuring his club is aware of their contents. f) If a team or player is suspended as a result of disciplinary action and/or financial

penalties, the Sussex Cricket Board and the Association of Cricket Leagues shall be informed, as any such suspension must apply across all leagues. In exceptional circumstances these meetings may be progressed by e-mail and the use of postal votes.

6. Finance a) There shall be a minimum joining fee (where appropriate) and annual

subscription for each team which shall be fixed at each A.G.M. b) A statement of accounts (audited by an independent financial adviser) for each

financial year 1st January to 31st December shall be sent by first class post to each team and League officials no later than 31st March in the following year.

c) League funds shall be lodged in an approved Bank or Building Society account. d) All teams shall be accountable for the cost of TWO Presentation Event places, whether attending or not (Conference teams: ONE place).

7. Special General Meeting

a) A Special General Meeting may be called at the request of i) a minimum of 4 teams, or ii) the Executive Committee. b) Business at such a meeting shall be restricted to items listed on the agenda. c) Teams shall be given at least 21 days’ notice in writing. d) A quorum shall be no fewer than 75% representation of all teams. e) Each team shall be entitled to one vote only on any matter at an S.G.M.; the Chairman

shall have the casting vote. f) Any proposed changes at an S.G.M, shall take effect provided

more than 50% of teams in attendance are in agreement.

8. Eligibility of Players a) Each club shall be trusted to play in all matches under the auspices of the league only players who are recognised as playing members or potential playing members of that club, by having paid a sub or having applied to it. To this end, team sheets shall be exchanged prior to each match held under the auspices of the League… b) No player may play for more than one club in the same season, except in exceptional circumstances and only with the prior agreement of both clubs and the Executive Committee (See Playing Conditions for Transfer System). c) No player joining or seeking to join a club after 31st July may play in any game under the league’s auspices during that season. To that end, each club shall provide a list of its TOTAL playing membership (including colts and with EVERY surname preceded by a first name) by 1st August. d) No player who has played in County 2nd XI/Minor Counties cricket (or equivalent) or above in the previous five years may play in the competition. (For date purposes, the cut-off point shall be the start of the English season five years previously). Exceptionally, this clause shall NOT apply to players under 18 at midnight on 31st August of the previous season. e) No payment, either direct or indirect, to any player will be allowed. The Executive Commit-tee shall have power to expel instantly from the competition any team found to have contravened this rule. f) A club with a team other than its 1st or only XI in the competition must be able to prove, if challenged, that anyone who had played previously in a higher side of the same club was selected for a game under the auspices of the league on merit. (Teams may challenge via the protest system in the Playing Conditions). g) No player who has played more than a total of two games for any club in the 1st XI section of the Sussex Cricket League or Cup (or equivalent county-wide, or region-wide, league or cup) may play in a game under the auspices of the league in the same season. (Teams may challenge via the protest system in the Playing Conditions). h) A club with more than one team in the League shall be trusted to select its teams on merit. (Teams may challenge via the protest system in the Playing Conditions).

9. Fines a) Failure of any team to be represented at a League meeting whether A.G.M, or S.G.M.) shall incur a fine of £5, with a further £5 fine for each successive occasion. b) Failure of the appointed team to report relevant match details as per the Fixture Secretary’s instructions shall incur a deduction of 10 points, even if the match has been abandoned or cancelled. c) Failure of the appointed team to record the result of a Cup or Trophy match shall also incur a 0 point league deduction. d) Fines must be paid by the end of the calendar month following the offence in question (except that in the unlikely event of games being played in early September, fine-able offences must be paid for by 30th September) otherwise they will be doubled, a further £10 per month shall be added thereafter until paid. No reminder will be issued. e) Failure to return trophies won the previous season to the League on or by 31st July will incur a £10 fine. (Trophies may be returned to the H.J.Stoner shop, the Secretary or the Treasurer, whichever is the most convenient). f) All fines incurred in a season must be paid by 30th September that year. Failure to do so will mean a team will be penalised, three points for every £ then owed, at the start of the following season (ie that team will begin the next season with a negative points tally)

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The Balcombe ClubStockcroft Road, Balcombe -Tel: 01444 811226

The Balcombe Club offers the following facilities for the use ofClub Members and their guests.

(see Club rules about signing in guests)

Large bar area: with seating and areas suitable for familiesFully stocked licensed bar: offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments

Snooker room: with 2 full size snooker tables, cues are available from the bar a small contribution towards lighting required. Regular snooker tournaments held, please contact the

Club if you are interested in joining the teamsPool tables: in the bar area with cues available, regular pool tournaments held, contact the

Club if you are interested in joining the teamsDart board: in bar area, regular dart tournaments held, please contact Club if you interested

in joiningThe Forest Room: is available for private functions, parties, clubs and groups, refreshments

can be providedGarden area: with seating open all year round, children’s toys available in the garden

Disabled access: and facilitiesRegular Entertainment Evenings: Comedy Nights,

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SPIRIT OF CRICKET (First incorporated in its Laws in 2000)

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains. 1 There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captain. Responsibility of captains The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Game as well as within the Laws. Player’s conduct In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decisions of an umpire, or showing dissent or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player’s captain, and instruct the latter to take action. 2 Fair and unfair play According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The umpires may intervene at any time and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required. 3 The umpires are authorised to intervene in case of: Time wasting.Damaging the pitch Dangerous or unfair bowling Tampering with the ball Any other action that they consider to be unfair

4 The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for: Your opponents Your own captain and team The role of the umpires The game’s traditional values

5 It is against the Spirit of the Game: To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance: (a) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out(b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing(c) to seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s side.

6 Violence: There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play. 7 Players: Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

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LEAGUE PLAYING CONDITIONS 2013 1. Matches a) Matches shall consist of a maximum of 90 overs, the team batting first facing a maximum of 47 overs, the team batting second having available the remaining overs. NB - an unfinished over, in the first innings, will be considered to be a full over in terms of the match, so that the total of 90 overs cannot be exceeded. (Clarified at 2012 AGM) b) Two identical quartered new balls (one for each innings) and two reasonable quality spare balls (not new) to be provided by the home side, and viewed by both captains before the match.

2. Scoringa) 20 points minimum for win. b) A team will get a maximum of 10 points for what they do in the first inningsas follows: i) Win toss and bat - 2 points at 100, 125, 150, 175, 200ii) Win toss and bowl - 2 points at wickets 6,7,8,9, & 10iii) Lose toss and bat - 2 points at 100, 125, 150, 175, 200iv) Lose toss and bowl 2 - points at wickets 2,4,6,8,10 c) A team will get half the points in the second innings, as follows: i) Batting second innings - 1 point at 100,125, 150, 175, 200ii) Bowling second innings - 1 point at wickets 2, 4, 6, 8 NB - The maximum score for a draw is 15 points. Second innings points are not relevant if you win. The total points are calculated as first innings bonus points plus 20 points for a win. d) A tied match earns 15 points each, no bonus points are kept. e) A player retired hurt counts as a wicket if unable to return by the time his side has no other batsman; but is a side is numerically short the absentee(s) shall not count as a wicket unless that side has no other batsman available. f) Cancelled or abandoned games -10 points or bonus points gained. NB: If 10 points exactly have been gained, they must be shown in the batting/or bowling column, not the abandoned column. g) Failure to fulfil a fixture (including not being able to play 15 minutes after the scheduled start) 15 points to be deducted from the guilty side and 30 points to be awarded to his opponents. The guilty side shall be deemed to have lost the game, and his opponents have won it. h) A team shall be deemed to consist of a minimum of 8 players. Any team that defaults more than twice for League games in any one season shall be automatically expelled from the League and from competing in the Cup or Trophy should it still be involved; its record shall be expunged from the appropriate League tables, and any points gained from games against the offending team shall be withdrawn. NB Visiting teams who notify their opponents, after 10pm on the Thursday prior to the fixture that they are unable to fulfil it are liable to refund all reasonable expenses the home side has incurred (tea, wicket preparation, phone calls) up to a maximum of £75 (receipts where possible and if the home side having attempted to do so have failed to find an alternative fixture.

i) Any side found to have fielded one or more ineligible players shall obtain no points from the game or games concerned and be deducted 30 points for ach offence. Further regardless of the actual result, the side offended against shall have its points for that match increased to the maximum it could have obtained.

League PlacingsThe side with the most points to be declared champions. Further places shall be awarded in decreasing order of points scored. If points are equal, first place in the final table to be determined in descending order of preference,by;

The side with the most earned wins (I.e. not obtained on default)If still equal, the side with the most batting pointsIf still equal, the side with the most bowling points If it is still impossible to separate the sides, first place shall go to the side(s)gaining most points in the game(s) between them.

Fitness and/or availability of grounda) If in doubt, the away side are to be contacted prior to their departure to discuss the situation before a decision is made to cancel. The away side to ensure it has a contact available. b) If both sides arrive at the match the umpires, if available or the captains are to agree on whether the game should be played. If agreement cannot be reached the game is to b e cancelled or abandoned. Under no circumstances may a League game be switched from the nominated ground to another ground for reasons of weather. Umpires and Scorersa) Umpires and scorers are to be provided where possible. If only one umpire is available, he may stand permanently at the bowlers end.b) If a player(s) is/are required to umpire he/they should ideally be cricketers who have knowledge and experience of the laws of cricket regardless of age.c) If no score is available it is recommended that scoring be done in one book only and the details copied into the other book later to avoid an discrepancy.d) Although there are no time limits, the fielding captain is responsible for ensuring that overs are bowled at a reasonable rate.e) The batting side are responsible for ensuring the ball is changed at least at the end of each over.

Times and intervals a) Before 1st August 1.30pm is the latest start time, for the remainder of the season, 1.00pm will be the latest start time. (agreed at 2012 AGM) If both teams agree start times may be earlier.b) 30 minutes will be allowed for the tea interval (or 20 minutes if not taken between innings, a 10 minute additional interval between innings thus gives total 30 minutes break) Tea is to be taken between innings if possible, unless the first innings ends before it is ready or a delay makes it expedient to take tea before play commences. c) There shall be a standard £40 fee for the provision of teas for every visiting club. d) There shall be no more than one drinks interval per innings except in extreme temperatures.e) If a side has not provided an umpire, the captain of that side shall act as umpire in any dispute; but, if there is only one umpire he shall not be over-ridden by the other side(s) captain.

Weather interveninga) Allow up to 30 minutes for any time lost.b) If there is any further delay in the first innings, the match shall be reduced by one over per each side for every 7 minutes lost (see overs reduction chart)c) In the second innings every effort shall be made to complete the overs but if the umpires (or captains if none) decide the weather makes this impossible the match shall be abandoned. d) Once the match has started it shall continue regardless of time or light unless the umpires (or captains if none) decide the weather makes this impossible.

Individual players arriving lateIn the event of late arrival, the captains must discuss the matter before the start of the game, and, if they fail to reach agreement the offending player or players must be available to play within one hour of the scheduled start.

Substitute fielder If a fielder is injured during the course of the game and has to leave the field, and the side concerned has no 12th man, the batting side shall provide a substitute fielder at the request of the fielding captain for as long as is reasonably required. The substitute fielder may not keep wicket. (This shall not preclude the injured fielder from batting in his normal position).

Protest Any protest concerning a game/or the eligibility of a player or players involved must be in writing to the Secretary with a postmark no later that the Tuesday after the match. An electronic mail message shall be deemed to be acceptable as a means of transmission if received by the Secretary by the same dead line as above. It must be accompanied by £5 protest fee, which may be forfeited if the protest is not upheld when the Executive Committee discuss the issue.

Laws of Cricket Except where otherwise stated in these Playing Conditions the Laws of Cricket apply.

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OVERS DECUCTION GUIDANCE CHART

First InningsDeduction before play starts Match Interrupted Second innings deduction

Time Lost (Mins)

Overs Now Available

Time Lost (Mins)

Overs for1st Inns

Overs for 2nd Inns

Total Overs Left

Time Lost (Mins)

Overs Lost

7 88 7 46 42 88 3.5 114 86 14 45 41 86 7 221 84 21 44 40 84 10.5 328 82 28 43 39 82 14 435 80 35 42 38 80 17.5 542 78 42 41 37 78 21 649 76 49 40 36 76 24.5 756 74 56 39 35 74 28 863 72 63 38 34 72 31.5 9

70 37 33 70 35 1077 36 32 68 38.5 1184 35 31 66 42 1291 34 30 64 45.5 139 33 29 62 49 14

105 32 28 60 52.5 1556 16

59.5 1763 18

66.5 1970 20

MSCL T/20 COMPETITION-PLAYING CONDITIONS The Laws of Cricket (including the size of bat, ball and wicket and length of pitch) will apply, with the following exceptions:

1. FORMAT a) The length of the innings shall be 20 overs. The Final will be of 20 overs per side. b) Each side must face 5 overs to constitute a match. c) The home side shall provide as match balls two good quality new or used cricket balls to be inspected and agreed with the away captain. d) No player may bowl more than 4 overs. No bowler may bowl more than one fifth of the total overs allowed unless such a number has been exceeded before the interruption. e) If a bowler breaks down, the remainder of the over will be bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over when working out each bowler’s limit. f) The side which scores the most runs shall be the winner. g) If the scores are level, the side which has lost the least wickets shall be the winner. h) If the scores continue level, the winner shall be the side, in order:

(a) which has the higher score over the first 5 overs of the innings. (b) which loses the least number of wickets in the first 5 overs of the innings (c) if still equal, take an over off each time, with higher scoring rate taking precedence over losing fewer wickets;

i) If the scores are still level a bowl out will take place. Toss of a coin by Captains will be a last option.

2. PLAYER QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY a) The same rules shall apply for Mid-Sussex Cricket League games except for the purpose of the Cup. “No player shall play in the Semi-Final unless he has previously played in at least two matches FOR THE SAME TEAM OR LOWER under the auspices of the League (ie League, Cup and SM Trophy); no player shall play in the Final unless he has previously played in four such matches. b) Abandoned Cup and Trophy matches (ie matches started but not finished) do not count as appearance qualifications for the semi-finals and finals. c) Any side found to have fielded an eligible player shall be deemed to have lost the tie concerned.

3. REDUCING THE MATCH FORMAT DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER a) The objective of reducing overs is to give the greatest opportunity for a match of equal overs without reverting to a bowl out. If in the view of the match umpires bearing in mind the prevailing ground, weather and light conditions - it is considered to be most unlikely that the full quota of overs will be bowled in any match; it is recommended that a pre-emptive decision is made to reduce overs in both innings equally. The level of the reduction will be made at the discretion of the umpires. b) Match with delayed start - the captains must agree on a match of shorter duration,

with the maximum overs per bowler of more than 1/5 of the agreed total. c) Rain affected overs. Overs will be deducted at the rate of one per 3 minutes to a minimum of 5 overs per side. d) If rain curtails a match, the winner shall be the side scoring most runs in the first 10 overs of the innings, or 9,8,7,6 down to 5.

4. REARRANGEMENT OF MATCH DATE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Match unable to start or finish on designated ground on scheduled day. In order precedence: (a) The side drawn at home may provide an alternative ground which must be accepted by the away side. (b) The side drawn away may provide a ground which must be accepted by the home side. (c) Two further dates, which must not take precedence over any Mid-Sussex Cricket League game may be mutually agreed between the captains. These games must be played before the next round. Any game re-scheduled thus to take place on the ground originally designated where possible. (d) The captains may mutually agree on any other method of skill to determine a result. (e) If a result cannot be produced from the above, the match shall be decided by a Sub-Committee consisting one of the League’s elected officers and the League contact from two other clubs not involved. (this Sub-Committee would almost certainly have to “meet” by telephone, and it is hoped that common sense would prevent it having to do so).

5. SETTLEMENT OF FIXTURE IF NOT PLAYED DUE TO CLUBS NOT BEING ABLE TO AGREE A DATE.

If both clubs are unable to agree on a suitable date(s) the home side’s choice of date shall take precedence. If this is not suitable to the away side the home side shall be deemed to have won the tie.

6. DRINKS BREAK / TEAS (a) Drinks shall be provided by the home side. (b) Teas will be provided at the discretion of the home side and taken at a time agreed by both captains.

H. J. Stoner & Son (JEWELLERS)

Sponsors since 1992 of your localCRICKET LEAGUE (MID-SUSSEX)

hope that its 25th season of competition is enjoyable, successful, and sunny.

Main agent forCITIZEN ECO-DRIVE WATCHES

Now supplyingSEKONDA and PULSAR WATCHES FALABELLA EQUESTRIAN JEWELLERY

Estimates given for engraving, remounting and repairs

14 CHURCH ROAD, BURGESS HILL Telephone 01444-232237 Less than 200 yards from Railway Station

MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOLDSMITHS

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LEAGUE FIXTURES 2013 - DIVISION ONE Week 1 – 4th May Week 2 – 11th May Colemans Hatch v Ashdown Forest. Edenbridge v Ashdown Forest Crawley Down v Palmers Balcombe v St Francis Edenbridge v Balcombe Colemans Hatch v Crawley Down Poynings v Streat Streat v Palmers St Francis v Preston Nomads 3 Preston Nomads 3 v Poynings

Week 3 – 18th May Week 4 – 25th May Ashdown Forest v Streat Ashdown Forest v Poynings Crawley Down v Poynings Crawley Down v Balcombe Palmers v Balcombe Edenbridge v Colemans Hatch Preston Nomads 3 v Colemans Hatch St Francis v Palmers St Francis v Edenbridge Streat v Preston Nomads 3

Week 5 – 1st June Week 6 – 8th June Edenbridge v Crawley Down Ashdown Forest v Preston Nomads 3Palmers v Poynings Balcombe v Poynings Preston Nomads 3 v Balcombe Colemans Hatch v Palmers St Francis v Ashdown Forest Crawley Down v St Francis Colemans Hatch v Streat Streat v Edenbridge

Week 7 – 15th June Week 8 – 22nd June Balcombe v Ashdown Forest Balcombe v Streat Edenbridge v Palmers Colemans hatch v St Francis Poynings v Colemans Hatch Crawley Down v Ashdown Forest Preston Nomads 3 v Crawley Down Palmers v Preston Nomads 3 St Francis v Streat Poynings v Edenbridge

Week 9 – 29th June Week 10 – 6th July Ashdown Forest v Palmers Balcombe v Edenbridge Colemans Hatch v Balcombe Ashdown Forest v Colemans Hatch Crawley Down v Streat Palmers v Crawley Down Edenbridge v Preston Nomads 3 Preston Nomads 3 v St Francis Poynings v St Francis Streat v Poynings

Week 11 – 13th July Week 12 – 20th July Ashdown Forest v Edenbridge Poynings v Crawley Down Crawley Down v Colemans Hatch Edenbridge v St Francis Poynings v Preston Nomads 3 Colemans Hatch v Preston Nomads 3 Palmers v Streat Balcombe v Palmers St Francis v Balcombe Streat v Ashdown Forest

Week 13 – 27th July Week 14 – 3rd August Balcombe v Crawley Down Ashdown Forest v St Francis Poynings v Ashdown Forest Balcombe v Preston Nomads 3 Palmers v St Francis Crawley Down v Edenbridge Preston Nomads 3 v Streat Poynings v Palmers Colemans Hatch v Edenbridge Streat v Colemans Hatch

Week 15 – 10th August Week 16 – 17th August Preston Nomads 3 v Ashdown Forest Ashdown Forest v Balcombe Poynings Balcombe Crawley Down v Preston Nomads 3 Palmers v Colemans Hatch Colemans Hatch v Poynings

Edenbridge v Streat Palmers v EdenbridgeSt Francis v Crawley Down Streat v St Francis

Week 17 – 24th August Week 18 – 31st August Ashdown Forest v Crawley Down Palmers v Ashdown Forest Edenbridge v Poynings Streat v Crawley Down Preston Nomads 3 Palmers Balcombe v Colemans Hatch Streat v Balcombe St Francis v Poynings St Francis v Colemans Hatch Preston Nomads 3 v Edenbridge

LEAGUE FIXTURES 2013 - DIVISION TWOWeek 1 – 4th May Week 2 – 11th May Balcombe 2 v Chailey Staplefield v Balcombe Cuckfield 3 v Staplefield Bolney v Cuckfield 3East Grinstead 3 v Bolney Dormansland v Chailey Hurst v Horsted Keynes Horsted Keynes v East Grinstead 3 Dormansland 2 v Smallfield Smallfield v Hurst

Week 3 – 18th May Week 4 – 25th May Chailey v Hurst Hurst v StaplefieldCuckfield 3 v Balcombe 2 Bolney v Smallfield Smallfield v East Grinstead 3 Dormansland v Balcombe 2Bolney v Horsted Keynes 2 East Grinstead 3 v ChaileyDormansland 2 v Staplefield Horsted Keynes v Cuckfield 3

Week 5 – 1st June Week 6 – 8th June Balcombe 2 v Hurst East Grinstead 3 v Balcombe 2Cuckfield 3 v Dormansland Bolney v Staplefield Chailey v Bolney Dormansland 2 v Hurst Horsted Keynes v Smallfield Horsted Keynes v ChaileyStaplefield v East Grinstead 3 Smallfield v Cuckfield 3

Week 7 – 15th June Week 8 – 22nd June Balcombe 2 v Bolney Balcombe 2 v Horsted KeynesCuckfield 3 v Hurst Dormansland v Bolney East Grinstead 3 v Dormansland Chailey v Cuckfield 3Horsted Keynes v Staplefield East Grinstead 3 v Hurst Chailey v Smallfield Staplefield v Smallfield

Week 9 – 29th June Week 10 – 6th July Balcombe 2 v Smallfield Chailey v Balcombe 2Staplefield v Chailey Bolney v East Grinstead 3Cuckfield 3 v East Grinstead 3 Smallfield v Dormansland Bolney v Hurst Horsted Keynes v HurstDormansland v Horsted Keynes Staplefield v Cuckfield

Week 11 – 13th July Week 12 – 20th July Chailey v Dormansland Balcombe 2 v Cuckfield 3 Cuckfield 3 v Bolney Staplefield v DormanslandEast Grinstead 3 v Horsted Keynes 2 Horsted Keynes v Bolney Hurst v Smallfield Hurst v Chailey Balcombe 2 v Staplefield East Grinstead 3 v Smallfield

Week 13 – 27th July Week 14 – 3rd August Balcombe 2 v Dormansland East Grinstead 3 v Staplefield Smallfield v Bolney Bolney v Chailey Cuckfield 3 v Horsted Keynes Dormansland v Cuckfield 3 Chailey v East Grinstead 3 Hurst v Balcombe 2 Staplefield v Hurst Smallfield v Horsted Keynes

Week 15 – 10th August Week 16 – 17th August Balcombe 2 v East Grinstead 3 Bolney v Balcombe 2Staplefield v Bolney Hurst v Cuckfield 3 Cuckfield 3 v Smallfield Dormansland v East Grinstead 3Hurst v Dormansland Staplefield v Horsted Keynes Chailey v Horsted Keynes Smallfield v Chailey

Week 17 – 24th August Week 18 – 31st August Cuckfield 3 v Chailey Chailey v Staplefield Smallfield v Staplefield Hurst v Bolney Hurst v East Grinstead 3 Horsted Keynes v Dormansland Horsted Keynes v Balcombe 2 East Grinstead 3 v Cuckfield 3 Bolney v Dormansland Smallfield v Balcombe 2

LEAGUE FIXTURES 2013 - DIVISION THREEWeek 1 – 4th May Week 2 – 11th May Ardingly v East Grinstead 4 . Roffey 3 v Ardingly Cowden v Lindfield 3 East Grinstead 4 v Cowden H Heath 3 v Turners Hill Lindfield 3 v H Heath 3 Roffey 3 v Burgess Hill 3 Burgess Hill 3 v Preston Nomads 4 Preston Nomads 4 v Copthorne Turners Hill v Copthorne

Week 3 – 18th May Week 4 – 25th May Ardingly v Preston Nomads 4 Burgess Hill 3 v Ardingly Lindfield 3 Turners Hill Lindfield 3 v Copthorne East Grinstead 4 v H Heath 3 Turners Hill v East Grinstead 4 Cowden v Roffey 3 Roffey 3 v H Heath 3 Copthorne v Burgess Hill 3 Preston Nomads 4 v Cowden

Week 5 – 1st June Week 6 – 8th June East Grinstead 4 v Lindfield 3 Cowden v Ardingly Burgess Hill 3 v Cowden Copthorne v East Grinstead 4 H Heath 3 v Preston Nomads 4 H Heath 3 v Burgess Hill 3 Turners Hill v Roffey 3 Roffey 3 v Lindfield 3 Copthorne v Ardingly Preston Nomads 4 v Turners Hill

Week 7 – 15th June Week 8 – 22nd June Ardingly v H Heath 3 Turners Hill v Ardingly Cowden v Copthorne Burgess Hill 3 v Lindfield 3 Burgess Hill 3 v Turners Hill Copthorne v Roffey 3 Roffey 3 v East Grinstead 4 H Heath 3 v Cowden Lindfield 4 v Preston Nomads 4 Preston Nomads 4 v East Grinstead 4

Week 9 – 29th June Week 10 – 6th July Ardingly v Lindfield 3 East Grinstead 4 v Ardingly East Grinstead 4 v Burgess Hill 3 Lindfield 3 v Cowden H Heath 3 v Copthorne Turners Hill v H Heath 3 Preston Nomads 4 v Roffey 3 Burgess Hill 3 v Roffey 3 Turners Hill v Cowden Copthorne v Preston Nomads 4

Week 11 – 13th July Week 12 – 20th July Ardingly v Roffey 3 H Heath 3 v East Grinstead 4 . Cowden v East Grinstead 4 Roffey 3 v Cowden H Heath 3 v Lindfield 3 Turners Hill v Lindfield 3 Preston Nomads 4 v Burgess Hill 3 Burgess Hill 3 Copthorne Copthorne Turners Hill Preston Nomads 4 v Ardingly

Week 13 – 27th July Week 14 – 3rd August Ardingly v Burgess Hill 3 Ardingly v Copthorne Copthorne v Lindfield 3 Cowden v Burgess Hill 3 H Heath 3 v Roffey 3 Lindfield 3 v East Grinstead 4 East Grinstead 4 v Turners Hill Roffey 3 v Turners Hill Cowden v Preston Nomads 4 Preston Nomads 4 v H Heath 3

Week 15 – 10th August Week 16 – 17th August Ardingly v Cowden. East Grinstead 4 v Roffey 3 Lindfield 3 v Roffey 3 Copthorne v Cowden East Grinstead 4 v Copthorne H Heath 3 v Ardingly Burgess Hill 3 v H Heath 3 Turners Hill v Burgess Hill 3 Turners Hill v Preston Nomads 4 Preston Nomads 4 v Lindfield 3

Week 17 – 24th August Week 18 – 31st August Ardingly v Turners Hill Lindfield 3 v East Grinstead 4 . Cowden v H Heath 3 Cowden v Turners Hill East Grinstead 4 v Preston Nomads 4 Burgess hill 3 v East Grinstead 4 Lindfield 3 v Burgess Hill 3 Roffey 3 v Preston Nomads 4Roffey v Copthorne Copthorne v H Heath 3

LEAGUE FIXTURES 2013 - DIVISION FOURWeek 1 – 4th May Week 2 – 11th May Cowfold v Lingfield 3 Crawley Down 2 v Lingfield 3 Ditchling 3 v Edenbridge 2 Cuckfield 4 v Edenbridge 2 Lindfield 4 v Cuckfield 4 Lindfield 4 v Cowfold Streat 2 v Crawley Down 2 Palmers 2 v Streat Palmers 2 v SJM 3 Ditchling 3 v SJM 3

Week 3 – 18th May Week 4 – 25th May Cowfold v Crawley Down 2 Lindfield 4 v Crawley Down 2 Edenbridge 2 v Lindfield 4 Cuckfield 4 v Streat 2 SJM 3 v Cuckfield 4 Ditchling 3 v Lingfield 3 Streat 2 v Ditchling 3 Palmers 2 v Cowfold Lingfield 3 v Palmers 2 SJM 3 v Edenbridge 2

Week 5 – 1st June Week 6 – 8th June Cowfold v Ditchling 3 Ditchling v Crawley Down 2 Streat 2 v Edenbridge 2 Cuckfield 4 v Cowfold Lingfield 3 v Cuckfield 4 Edenbridge 2 v Lingfield 3 Crawley Down 2 v Palmers 2 Palmers 2 v Lindfield 4 Lindfield 4 v SJM 3 SJM 3 v Streat 2

Week 7 – 15th June Week 8 – 22nd June Cowfold v Edenbridge 2 Edenbridge 2 v Crawley Down 2 Palmers 2 v Ditchling 3 Cuckfield 4 v Palmers 2 Crawley Down 2 v Cuckfield 4 SJM 3 v Lindfield 4 Streat 2 v Lindfield 4 Streat 2 v Lingfield 3 SJM 3 v Lingfield 3 Lindfield 4 v Ditchling 3

Week 9 – 29th June Week 10 – 6th July SJM 3 v Crawley Down 2 Crawley Down 2 v Streat 2 Ditchling 3 v Cuckfield 4 Cuckfield 4 v Lindfield 4 Lingfield 3 v Lindfield 4 Lingfield 3 v Cowfold Streat 2 v Cowfold SJM 3 v Palmers Palmers 2 v Edenbridge 2 Edenbridge 2 v Ditchling 3

Week 11 – 13th July Week 12 – 20th July Cowfold v Lindfield 4 Crawley Down v Cowfold Streat 2 Palmers 2 Ditchling 3 v Streat 2 Edenbridge 2 v Cuckfield 4 Cowfold V Palmers 2 SJM 3 v Ditchling 3 Ditchling 3 v Streat Lingfield 3 v Crawley Down 2 Cuckfield 4 v SJM 3

Week 13 – 27th July Week 14 – 3rd August Cowfold v Palmers 2 Edenbridge 2 v Streat 2 Lingfield 3 v Ditchling 3 Cuckfield 4 v Lingfield 3 Streat 2 v Cuckfield 4 SJM v Lindfield 4 Crawley Down 2 v Lindfield 4 Palmers 2 v Crawley Down 2 Edenbridge 2 v SJM 3 Ditchling 3 v Cowfold

Week 15 – 10th August Week 16 – 17th August Cowfold v Cuckfield 4 Lingfield 3 v SJM 3 Crawley Down 2 v Ditchling 3 Cuckfield 4 v Crawley Down 2Lindfield 4 v Palmers 2 Lindfield 4 v Streat 2 Streat 2 v SJM 3 Edenbridge 2 v Cowfold Lingfield 3 v Edenbridge 2 Ditchling 3 v Palmers 2

Week 17 – 24th August Week 18 – 31st August Palmers v Cuckfield 4 Lindfield 4 v Lingfield 3 Crawley Down 2 v Edenbridge 2 Cuckfield 4 v Ditchling 3Lingfield 3 v Streat 2 Cowfold 4 v Streat 2 Ditchling 3 v Lindfield 4 Edenbridge 2 v Palmers 2 Cowfold v SJM 3 Crawley Down 2 v SJM 3

LEAGUE FIXTURES 2013 - DIVISION FIVEWeek 1 – 4th May Week 2 – 11th May Ansty 3 v Hurst2 Hurst 2 v Smallfield 2 Smallfield 2 v Forest Row 3 Balcombe v Horsted Keynes 2 Lingfield 4 v Ardingly 2 Ardingly 2 v Keymer & Hassocks 3

Horsted Keynes 2 v Dormansland 2 Forest Row 3 v Dormansland 2 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Balcombe 3 Lingfield 4 v Ansty 3

Week 3 – 18th May Week 4 – 25th May Hurst 2 v Forest Row 3 Ardingly 2 v Hurst 2 Horsted Keynes 2 v Smallfield 2 Lingfield 4 v Dormansland 2 Ansty 3 v Ardingly 2 Smallfield 2 v Keymer & Hassocks 3 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Dormansland 2 Forest Row 3 v Horsted Keynes 2 Balcombe 3 v Lingfield 4 Balcombe 3 v Ansty 3

Week 5 – 1st June Week 6 – 8th June Hurst 2 v Horsted Keynes 2 Hurst 2 v Balcombe 3 Smallfield 2 v Lingfield 4 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Horsted Keynes 2 Dormansland 2 v Ansty 3 Ardingly 2 v Dormansland 2Forest Row 3 v Keymer & Hassocks 3 Lingfield 4 v Forest Row 3 Ardingly 2 v Balcombe 3 Ansty 3 v Smallfield 2

Week 7 – 15th June Week 8 – 22nd June Hurst 2 v Keymer & Hassocks 3 Hurst 2 v Dormansland 2 Smallfield 2 v Ardingly 2 Smallfield 2 v Balcombe 3Ansty 3 v Forest Row 3 Ardingly 2 v Forest Row 3 Lingfield 4 v Horsted Keynes 2 Horsted Keynes 2 v Ansty 3 Dormansland 2 v Balcombe 3 Lingfield 4 v Keymer & Hassocks 3

Week 9 – 29th June Week 10 – 6th July Hurst 2 v Lingfield 4 Hurst 2 v Ansty 3 Balcombe 3 v Forest Row 3 Balcombe 3 v Keymer & Hassocks 3 Smallfield v Dormansland 2 Ardingly 2 v Lingfield 4 Horsted Keynes 2 v Ardingly 2 Forest Row 3 v Smallfield 2 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Ansty 3 Dormansland 2 v Horsted Keynes 2

Week 11 – 13th July Week 12 – 20th July Ansty 3 v Lingfield 4 Dormansland 2 v Keymer & Hassocks 3 Dormansland 2 v Forest Row 3 Smallfield 2 v Horsted Keynes 2 Smallfield v Hurst 2 Ardingly 2 v Ansty 3 Horsted Keynes 2 v Balcombe 2 Forest Row 3 v Hurst 2 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Ardingly 2 Lingfield 4 v Balcombe 3

Week 13 – 27th July Week 14 – 3rd August Ansty 3 v Balcombe 3 Horsted Keynes 2 v Hurst 2 Dormansland 2 v Lingfield 4 Balcombe v Ardingly 2Hurst 2 v Ardingly 2 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Forest Row Horsted Keynes 2 v Forest Row 3 Lingfield v Smallfield 2Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Smallfield 2 Ansty 3 v Dormansland 2

Week 15 – 10th August Week 16 – 17th August Balcombe 3 v Hurst 2 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Hurst 2 Forest Row 3 v Lingfield 4 Horsted Keynes 2 v Lingfield 4 Dormansland 2 v Ardingly 2 Ardingly 2 v Smallfield 2Horsted Keynes 2 v Keymer & Hassocks 3 Forest Row 3 v Ansty 3 Smallfield 2 v Ansty 3 Balcombe 3 v Dormansland 2

Week 17 – 24th August Week 18 – 31st August Dormansland 2 v Hurst 2 Dormansland 2 v Smallfield 2 Balcombe 3 v Smallfield 2 Ardingly v Horsted Keynes 2 Forest Row v Ardingly 2 Ansty 3 v Keymer & Hassocks 3 Ansty 3 v Horsted Keynes 2 Forest Row 3 v Balcombe 3 Keymer & Hassocks 3 v Lingfield 4 Lingfield 4 v Hurst 2

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NOTES

DIVISION ONE – 2012.

by Stewart Fuller, Horsted Keynes CC.

Despite the bad weather that had struck the 2012 Season, it was yet again noticeable how much the quality of this league has continued to improve. From the perspective of the club I play for, Horsted Keynes C.C. following being promoted from Division 2 to Division 1, we were expecting the quality of the sides to be decent and this did not fall below expectations.

Initially I was quite sceptical about the playing each team home and away but I must admit so far, so good. This seems to have improved the quality of the league and introduced equal ability sides, which is exciting to see with so many teams fighting to win the league, get promoted or fight against relegation. Mid table mediocrity that seemed acceptable in the old format seems to have gone from the league. A small issue, however, that I did notice was the structure of Division 5 where some teams could play each other once and some teams could play each three times. With this I believe we should ensure that we play each other the same amount of times and make sure that teams play a full season. From the perspective of Horsted Keynes C.C. and our 2nd team, the 2nd team’s season had finished by the 3rd Saturday of August, missing the last 2 weeks. The Cup structure needs to be more urgently addressed I feel. Not having teams enter the Cup for whatever reason, mainly due to many teams not being able to get teams out on both days, takes the gloss off the Cup. The Cup has always produced exciting games and I am sure it continues too but this should be looked in to.

Though my idea of a 40 over league and 20 over cup format was turned down at the AGM for the 2012 season, I still thoroughly believe that these formats will produce not only exciting cricket but will mean we are a league that is innovative and forward thinking. Something I believe that will sell the league to many people and increase participation in sport through marketing this in local papers and through word of mouth.

I am a keen admirer of Test match cricket but let’s put things into perspective, are clubs losing players from the game being too long on what is a recreational game on a Saturday afternoon or a break from work or family life. Of course 40 over games as anexample can still take a long time but I feel we are only lose players.

If we are taking their time away to make the game longer. It used to be a Saturday afternoon but now it’s Saturday afternoons and evenings. There is a danger that this league is trying to mirror the County league, which is a great standard but is a danger as people who play County League level have a huge passion for cricket and traditionally want to dedicate their weekends to a game along wanting to play against quality sides on quality grounds.

This league, despite having to continually improving quality, I feel is more dedicated to those people who want to play locally, in a sociable environment and in a slightly shorter format based on their lifestyles. It may sound dramatic but the league may lose many more players, clubs and its identity as we approach the much anticipated Pyramid Structure.

What had become noticeable from the season is the atmosphere games had been played in. You have hard, competitive atmospheres but with a friendly, sociable manner. This is great and let us hope this continues for the following seasons.

DIVISION TWO – 2012.by David Chaffey, Cuckfield CC.

Running four cricket teams on a Saturday, as any of the larger clubs would tell you, is always a challenge and captaining Cuckfield 4ths in 2012 was no exception. As you turn to give your loin-girding pre-match pep talk you realise half way through that you and the vice-skipper are the only two on the team sheet from the previous week-holidays, weddings and hangovers having stripped the three senior teams of some regulars-and you suddenly realise you have a battle on your hands. However, the fact it will be a battle is testament to the decent standard of cricket played in Division Four of our League. It is a place where those on the way up in their cricket careers come up against those on their way down, with a sprinkling of those for whom the standard is just right. In all other respects the season was no different to the last decade spent enjoying the fantastic facilities and camaraderie that being part of a cricket club like Cuckfield brings. A major strength at the club is, come close of play, it doesn’t matter which side you have played for (and I should know having played for all four sides in 2010, purely as a fielder for the 1sts and 2nds of course) the post match analysis and banter begins and all mix freely in the conviviality of the bar. Despite the onset of global warming playing havoc with up to a third of some sides’ fixtures, the league was well contested right up to the finish with Cowden worthy victors-a team most definitely on the way up. I fancy they may be in Division Two come 2014. Not only that but they play the game in a good, competitive spirit and it was a pleasure to sit down with some of their senior pros and partners at the excellent dinner in November-by the way did anyone else find Ed Giddins at all amusing? The only time I have was during a little altercation in Alberrys nightclub in Canterbury circa 2002 when on tour with my previous club Lancing Athletic. Ramps, Giddins and Co got into a small disagreement with us fine fellows from Lancing over the difficulties of bowling up the hill at Hove (Ormond had bowled three overs for about 45 a fortnight earlier). Ramps finally lost patience and asked us ’anyway what have you boys ever won at cricket?’ which was immediately responded to by one of my ex-colleagues with ‘actually West Sussex Division Two in 1990’. We returned to the dance floor having a bit of a chuckle to ourselves. Contrast that with Brett Lee signing some autographs at Hove, Sussex v Australia 2001. ‘Don’t forget there’s two ‘ts’ in Brett’ shouts out a wag ‘thanks mate, I’m always getting that bit wrong’ retorts Brett, I suppose the moral of the story is don’t take yourself too seriously and the crowd will warm to you rarely a problem in the Stoner Division Four mind. Meanwhile, back in the depths of the season just gone Cuckfield enjoyed some great tussles, notably with Cowden (but only at their place-we were hammered at home), SJM home and away (fifty four balls at their tail enders but still a draw in the away game) and a quite extraordinary game versus Burgess Hill on the astro at Belmont Close-we crawled over the line taking forty overs to get sixty runs-probably not the best advert for one day cricket. After a wonderful decade with Cuckfield I am taking a sabbatical in 2013 with my favourite other team-Bolney. After six years playing on Sundays in September and the delights of the all-dayer on August Bank Holiday (who wouldn’t enjoy it with Wendy Cooking dinner and providing tea) I have succumbed to the charms of a one team side full of great characters in an idyllic setting-and of course Wendy’s teas every other week. It is testament to the friendliness in this league that players can make such a seemless transition-mind you I’m not looking forward to Rodney next season. The year ended for me and many others on a very sad note. They say things come in three’s and the deaths, in the space of less than a month, of three people who had such a huge impact on my cricketing life; John Mole, AW Greig and CMJ hit hard. As a kid growing up in Jersey it was Tony Greig who captured my imagination, playing the game how it surely was meant to be played-entertaining the crowd, leading from the front and going for the jugular-but always with a smile on his face. There is a great mounted

photograph of him in Brighton and Hove’s pavilion, playing cards post match with a whisky in hand which I think captures him perfectly. CMJ was the sound of summer, as an only child the option of turning on TMS was always an attractive one, especially as an alternative to revision for ‘o’ levels (for the younger reader they were like GCSEs but harder-and only one person you knew ever got an ‘A’ grade). Moley, for those who new him, was not only a player of some note-competitive but fair-but also for the last decade the man who made playing at CCC such a pleasure-his work on the ground and general presence around the club will be much missed. He not only introduced me to the club but got me playing cricket again when I started work with him at MSDC in 1987. I will be thinking of them all when I have the pleasure of strolling out onto the field of play once more in 2013-we are all very fortunate to be able to play this game of ours and in the Stoner League a perfect framework for our weekly battles. I would like to end by thanking all those who make Saturdays such fun-and look forward to meeting up with them this season.

DIVISION THREE – 2012.by Barry Griffin , Bolney CC.

I have been playing cricket so long that I can remember when Roger Collins was still a (relatively) spritely member of Haywards Heath 2 in the 1960’s. The longevity of my cricket career means that I have seen matches played in a variety of climatic conditions. However, I can honestly say that the summer of 2012 was the wettest in living memory. At my club Bolney, our new captain Nick Ridgway probably spent more time on his mobile phone than he did on the field of play. Nevertheless, when we did finally get going the season turned out to be highly successful. Of the ten matches completed, six were won and four drawn. Rory Delves was our leading batsman scoring 325 runs in just five league innings at an average of 81.25. Tom Pickworth (9-53 at Edenbridge) and Mark Swain (8-57 at Roffey) were the pick of our bowling attack. However, any on-field success at Bolney is always underpinned by the sterling efforts of three non-players. We have Fred and Jenny Harrison to thank for the quality pitches and Wendy Lambourne for the teas and every thing else. One disappointing aspect of the season was that the weather prevented Bolney from meeting Balcombe, the eventual runners-up. Having started my cricket career at Balcombe, I may be accused of bias in saying that it is one of my favourite venues. A scenic ground, excellent tea and friendly people ensure that any visit to Balcombe is a pleasant experience. I was delighted to see that my ex-colleague Ken Mitchell (a cricketer even older than me!) was again the leading wicket-taker in our division. Third place in our league went to Preston Nomads. For most village teams, the annual excursion to Fulking is like a visit to Lords. The flatness of the pitches, the manicured outfield and the grandeur of the pavilion are facilities of which others can only dream. Both our matches with Preston Nomads ended in high-scoring draws. This would probably support my view that they had the strongest batting side in the division. Sadly the terrible weather scuppered both our fixtures with East Grinstead. From what I could ascertain, the usual East Grinstead team included a high proportion of young players. This may have been one reason for the slightly unpredictable results they achieved with more losses than any of the other top sides. Nevertheless, it is always encouraging to see any club promoting youth on a regular

basis. Next in the league came Roffey. The only game we played against them took place at Faygate, a pleasant ground that was new to me. On the day a weakened ten-man Bolney side struggled against a varied Roffey attack which included two good young spin bowlers in Sam Collins and Jordan Bell. Next season I would expect Roffey to be title contenders if they can field sides of a similar strength. Our only game against Turners Hill resulted a high-scoring draw. I was impressed with the all round improvement of the Turners Hill team compared to two seasons ago. A little more stability in their batting would enable their impressive bowling attack to win more games. Certain members of the Turners Hill team would be well advised to curtail the verbal aggression. Hickmans Lane are two words which always seem to trigger an outbreak of non-availability in the Bolney ranks for some reason. Our game there against Haywards Heath was notable for the fact that the opposition included a father / daughter combination. I was very impressed by the batting technique of young Hannah Phelps who certainly did not look out of place in male cricket. Next in the league came Lindfield, the other team to have the misfortune to play at Hickmans Lane on a regular basis. Although Lindfield were not particularly strong on either occasion, matches against them are always a pleasure. They were admirably led by Adam Wright who personified the good manners and affability that I always associate with Lindfield. Edenbridge finished the season in one of the relegation positions after promotion last year. I think they may have struggled due to non-availability problems, particularly amongst their younger members. I will be sorry to see them depart because their ground is such a pleasant venue. Finally we come to Cowfold and Lower Beeding. How ironic that the team who finished bottom were able to defeat Balcombe and come within a whisker of beating Bolney. If they could have fielded the eleven who played against us on a regular basis, they would have easily avoided relegation. Their departure will sadly mean no more visits to see Eddie and Ruth, the genial co-hosts of the sports club at Lower Beeding.

In conclusion, may I wish all my cricketing colleagues and opponents the best of luck for 2013. Please do not forget to remove the last traces of mud from all kit used in 2012 !

DIVISION FOUR – 2012.by Nigel Hartley , Keymer & Hassocks CC.

In football, the best teams are all up north. The same has proved true for division 4 in recent years, with Cowden worthy winners in 2012, following Edenbridge in 2011. Some pride for Sussex was maintained with Burgess Hill also gaining promotion, while Dormansland and and my own Keymer & Hassocks will be visiting new grounds in division 5 next year. Several of the other sides followed similar patterns with a weak start to the season followed by a strong finish as availability improved. You’ll see I’ve recycled 2011’s headline for this place. Apart from that, 2012 was a very different season. As well as the weather, we were disrupted by travellers camping on a couple of grounds, and my own season was cut short by injury. Given that much of my season was spent on the wrong side of the boundary, I thought that

rather than review each team in the division, I would talk a bit about what we do at Keymer & Hassocks and why we do it. Apologies if what follows is stating the obvious to some of you. As the 3rd team in the club, our main function is to introduce young talent to competitive adult cricket, as well as maintaining a pool of senior players whom the higher sides can call upon if needed. The club has a good youth section, and the 3rd Xl provides the bridge from that level to senior cricket this can mean variations in the strength of side I can field, and coupled with injuries and other non-availabilities there were some days where we put out a very inexperienced side. The feeder system works well for the club as a whole, but can hurt this team in isolation, as I lost 2 of may best bowlers from 2011 to the 2nd Xl - but it’s always good to see them succeeding at a higher level. Facilities too can be limited, as the main ground is shared by our 1st and 2nd Xl’s with no free weeks. We generally play at Belmont Rec, a ground maintained on a budget by the council, and which we share with Burgess Hill. Amusingly, I recently overheard one opponent at Belmont loudly commenting that he wouldn’t have to “that dump” again……. unfortunately, the fixture card showed the following week they had Burgess Hill….away….at Belmont. The club aims to engender the spirit of cricket, and despite our poor results for the season I think most players enjoyed themselves. By way of illustration, we had a very enjoyable game away at Dormansland, and although both sides were relegated, this was a close fought game, played in a good spirit with the home side winning by 3 runs. For me, it was the first time I’d had to call a batman back, although the nick he got before the LBW shout was apparently audible in the pavilion. Do unto others and all that. Here’s to an enjoyable and injury free 2013. Good luck to our replacements and all those in division 4 -hopefully you’re just keeping our seat warm for us.

DIVISION FIVE – 2012.by Peter Marklew, Smallfield CC.

I don’t know whether it was just me but cricket seemed to be conspicuous by it’s absence in the national media this year. Some might even been forgiven for not knowing that cricket was our national summer sport! No doubt it was due in no small part to a combination of the European Cup, Olympics, Paralympics, Diamond Jubilee, British interest in The Tour de France and Wimbledon not to mention the interminable pluvius! Cricket only seemed to raise a scintilla of interest when controversy appeared. Thanks here to Keven Pietersen for throwing his toys out of the pram! Despite all this, the second season in the new five-division format seems to be settling down well. I now have the (dubious) honour of having played in all 5 divisions (albeit division one and three were under the old format) a testament to my advancing dotage, creaking bones and failing eyesight….. perhaps. One major thing that does strike me is the generally high standard, strength in depth and player commitment on the field across all divisions. It just doesn’t generally diminish as you move down the divisions with the only thing that does seem to change slightly is the intensity of play in that it appears more relaxed especially in division 5 but with still a strong will to win. From what I have seen across the divisions I reckon in division 5 there are players

who wouldn’t be out of their depth in division 3 and likewise others in division 4 who could easily play in a couple of divisions higher without embarrassment. Indeed, this year, we moved some regular 2nd team players into the first team and they equipped themselves really well (an excuse perhaps for some of our 2nd’s poor performances this year). Clearly many clubs are benefiting from having good colts sections and the experience of some of them having played in the Conference has stood them in good stead for the higher level. The Conference is indeed an excellent addition to the set-up and Robbie Divall cannot be congratulated highly enough for its success. Sadly clubs like ours are at a clear disadvantage in not having a structured colts set-up and we have to scrabble around with other clubs in the same boat for the dwindling supply of adult players. Something those of us will need to address in the future, me thinks. So despite the weather (and other distractions) what of the 2012 div 5 season? Firstly congratulations must go to worthy champions, Ditchling 3 who suffered just one defeat (to Smallfield I might add -although they thrashed us second time around!) and runners up Palmers 2, very strong sides who I am sure will both do well in div 4. Commiserations to Balcombe 3 who narrowly missed out. There was however a strange occurrence in the division -playing the same team twice at the same venue and on one occasion for us within two weeks! Understandable but a bit tough if you have to play the strongest team twice on their ground and weaker teams once only. Due to so many games being cancelled due to weather some were played on pitches that were, to say the least, a bit ify (mind you if we hadn’t have done so not much cricket would have been played at all in 2012) and some strange low scores seemed to be the result. For instance in week 12 following a complete washout the previous week no fewer than 11 teams across all divisions posted less than 90 all out with one scoring just 18! To a certain extent the weather did make the outcome of some matches a bit of a lottery, winning the toss was quite often the best tactic especially as it is now possible to gain 30 points irrespective of whether choosing to field or bat first. Not having home and away matches against all teams did mean that some clubs, due to the weather, avoided stronger or weaker sides altogether, whilst others, as I mentioned, could cop them twice. All in all, despite everything, some good competitive games were played in good spirit and the division was won by a worthy team. Lets hope the weather gods smile kindly on us in 2013 and the Ashes series re-awakens the nation to our wonderful summer game. A big thank you again to Jim Hewitt for the excellent results service (he’ll take some replacing) and the committee and sponsors for keeping it all going.

FINAL TABLES 2012

P = promoted, R = relegated

Division One

Club Pld Won Lost Drew Canc

Aban Bat Bowl Pts

Ashdown Forest 18 11 1 3 2 1 45 105 400Crawley Down 18 7 2 6 3 0 67 85 322Streat & Wesm’ton 18 7 4 4 3 0 59 69 298Poynings 18 8 5 2 3 0 57 48 295St Francis 18 5 6 3 3 1 64 73 277Colemans Hatch 18 5 5 5 3 0 63 37 230Balcombe 18 4 9 2 3 0 70 46 226P.Nomads III 18 4 8 2 4 0 41 57 218Horsted Keyns (R) 18 2 8 4 4 0 82 49 211Dormansland (R) 18 3 8 3 4 0 25 51 176

Division Two

Club Pld Won Lost Drew Canc

Aban Bat Bowl Pts

Edenbridge (P) 18 8 1 5 4 0 31 105 336Palmers (P) 18 6 3 3 6 0 53 66 299Chailey 18 6 4 2 6 0 41 67 288Hurstpierpoint 18 6 3 3 6 0 41 60 281Staplefield 18 5 4 3 6 0 60 33 253Cuckfield III 18 5 6 2 5 0 29 56 235Smallfield 18 2 4 5 7 0 41 57 208East Grinstead III 18 3 8 2 5 0 53 38 201Ardingly (R) 18 2 4 7 5 0 51 49 190Copthorne (R) 18 2 8 4 4 0 35 33 148

Division Three

Club Pld Won Lost Drew Canc

Aban Bat Bowl Pts

Bolney (P) 18 6 0 4 5 0 13 86 359Balcombe (P) 18 8 4 1 4 0 21 104 355P. Nomads IV 18 7 3 4 4 0 55 81 316East Grinstead IV 18 7 6 1 4 0 41 61 282Roffey 18 6 3 4 4 1 92 33 270Turners Hill 18 4 5 4 5 0 39 66 235Haywards Heath III 18 2 5 3 6 1 55 40 210Lindfield III 18 3 7 3 5 0 53 42 205

Edenbridge II (R) 18 2 6 4 5 1 41 25 141Cowfold (R) 18 3 9 0 4 2 27 27 124

DIVISION FOUR

Club Pld Won Lost Drew Canc

Aban Bat Bowl Pts

Cowden (P) 18 9 2 1 5 0 58 35 353Burgess Hill (P) 18 6 4 3 4 0 35 79 304Crawley Down II 18 6 5 2 3 0 39 59 293Streat II 18 4 4 4 5 0 31 60 251Cuckfield IV 18 5 6 2 4 1 25 95 245Lindfield IV 18 5 8 0 4 0 40 47 242Lindfield IV 18 4 5 4 5 0 56 48 234SJM III 18 5 5 4 3 1 49 52 216Keymer & H III (R) 18 4 6 3 5 0 36 30 196Dormansland II (R) 18 3 6 1 6 2 17 40 147

DIVISION FIVE

Club Pld Won Lost Drew Canc

Aban Bat Bowl Pts

Ditchling (P) 15 12 1 0 2 0 12 104 376Palmers II (P) 14 8 4 0 2 0 36 80 296Balcombe III 15 7 4 0 3 0 50 42 292Horsted Keynes II 15 6 5 1 3 0 78 24 252Ansty III 14 5 5 1 3 0 52 44 226Crawley III 14 4 6 1 3 0 40 64 214Lingfield IV 14 5 6 1 2 0 11 80 211Hurstpierpoint II 15 4 6 0 4 0 35 14 199Forest Row III 14 3 7 1 3 0 18 56 164Smallfield II 15 3 6 0 4 2 20 35 125Ardingly II 15 2 9 1 3 0 26 24 120

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LEAGUE CHAMPIONS & RUNNERS UP

Date Past Champions Past Runners Up Division One 2012 Ashdown Forest Crawley Down 2011 Ashdown Forest Crawley Down 2010 Ashdown Forest Streat 2009 East Grinstead III Staplefield 2008 St Francis Streat 2007 Balcombe St Francis 2006 Lingfield Forest Row 2005 Plumpton St Francis 2004 St Francis Plumpton 2003 Plumpton Hurstpierpoint 2002 Balcombe Horsted Keynes2001 Newchapel & Horne Dormansland 2000 Balcombe Plumpton1999 Chailey Newchapel & Horne1998 Plumpton Preston Nomads III1997 Preston Nomads III Chailey 1996 Sunnyside Plumpton1995 Crawley Down Sunnyside 1994 Plumpton St Andrews1993 Balcombe Crawley Down 1992 Poynings St Andrews 1991 Horsted Keynes Hurstpierpoint1990 Balcombe Hurstpierpoint1989 St Francis Hurstpierpoint

Date Past Champions Past Runners Up Division Two 2012 Edenbridge Palmers2011 Dormansland Horsted Keynes 2010 Copthorne Hartfield 2009 Ashdown Forest Palmers 2008 Staplefield Smallfield 2007 Horsham III Ashdown Forest 2006 Poynings Palmers 2005 Preston Nomads III Lingfield 2004 Cuckfield III Forest Row 2003 Poynings Edenbridge 2002 Colemans Hatch St Francis

2001 Clayton East Grinstead III 2000 Hurstpierpoint Horsted Keynes1999 Lingfield Hurstpierpoint1998 Ashdown Forest Staplefield 1997 West Hoathly Colemans Hatch 1996 Poynings Forest Row1995 Copthorne Newchapel & Horne 1994 West Hoathly East Grinstead III 1993 Dormansland Sunnyside 1992 Crawley Down Preston Nomads III

Date Past Champions Past Runners Up Division Three 2012 Bolney Balcombe II2011 Ardingly Chailey 2010 SJM III Edenbridge II 2009 Balcombe II Clayton2008 Cowfold Turners Hill 2007 Ardingly Lindfield Swans 2006 Lingfield II Crawley Down II 2005 Palmers Dormansland II 2004 Horsham IV Plumpton II 2003 Edenbridge II Burgess Hill III 2002 Horsham Academy Edenbridge2001 St James Jacobeans Crawley Down II 2000 Hartfield Smallfield

Date Past Champions Past Runners Up Division Four 2012 Cowden Burgess Hill III2011 Edenbridge II Cowfold & Lower Beeding

Date Past Champions Past Runners Up Division Five2012 Ditchling III Palmers 2011 Streat II Cowden

Note: 1989 – 2010 Divisions of 11 teams playing each other once. 2011 - Divisions of 10 playing each other once.

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Notes

CUP FINALISTSWISDOM SPORTS CUP

Date Past Winners Past Runners Up 2012 Ashdown Forest Crawley Down 2011 Colemans Hatch Crawley Down 2010 Colemans Hatch Chailey 2009 Dormansland Chailey 2008 St Francis Horsham 3A 2007 Balcombe Plumpton 2006 Hartfield Plumpton 2005 Plumpton St Francis 2004 Dormansland Edenbridge 2003 Plumpton Dormansland 2002 Horsted Keynes Plumpton2001 Crawley Down Sunnyside 2000 Plumpton Dormansland

BRIAN CHRISTMAS INSURANCE SERVICES CUP1999 Chailey Newchapel & Horne1998 Preston Nomads III Newchapel & Horne1997 Newchapel & Horne Horsted Keynes1996 Dormansland Plumpton1995 Crawley Down Chailey 1994 Balcombe Dormansland 1993 Streat Crawley Down1992 Horsted Keynes Hurstpierpoint1991 Hurstpierpoint Streat 1990 Plumpton Streat

SALLY MILLER TROPHYDate Past Winners Past Runners Up 2012 Lingfield III Balcombe II2011 East Grinstead IV Balcombe II2010 Preston Nomads IV Balcombe II 2009 Balcombe II Streat II 2008 Cuckfield IV Dormansland II 2007 Balcombe II Forest Row II2006 Balcombe II Lingfield II 2005 Preston Nomads IV Edenbridge II 2004 Horsham IV Plumpton II 2003 Balcombe II Horsham Academy 2002 Balcombe II Lingfield II

2001 St James Jacobeans Keymer & Hassocks 2000 East Grinstead IV Balcombe II1999 Ashdown Forest Staplefield1998 Haywards Heath III Copthorne

CONFERENCE ROBBIE DIVALL KNOCKOUT TROPHYDate Past Winners Past Runners Up 2012 Horsham Trinity Lingfield 2011 Balcombe III Crawley III 2010 Balcombe III Crawley III 2009 Horsham Trinity III Crawley III 2008 Crawley III Lindfield Cygnets 2007 Horsted Keynes II Hurst Crusaders

STONER AWARD – UNDER 21 PLAYER OF THE YEAR2012 Sam Collins Roffey III 2011 Charlie Amey Haywards Heath 2010 Cameron Doyle Chailey 2009 Alex Evans East Grinstead III 2008 Matt Bidlake Roffey III 2007 Josh Harrison Ashdown Forest 2006 James Naylor Hurstpierpoint 2005 Jack Emmerson Horsted Keynes 2004 Matt Parson Hurstpierpoint 2003 Tom Brookes Poynings2002 Paul Brand Horsham Academy2001 Stewart Fuller Horsted Keynes 2000 Jan Ball Hartfield1999 Willie Miller Streat

STONER AWARD – MOST MAN OF THE MATCH NOMINATIONS1998 Dave Dorrington Ashdown Forest1997 Darren Crichton Newchapel & Horne1996 Mark Shrubb Staplefield1995 Russell Nash Plumpton 1994 Alan Carden Clayton 1993 Matt Cuttress Poynings1992 Mike Cahill West Hoathly 1991 Mike Cahill West Hoathly1990 Derek Taylor Plumpton

ROGER COLLINS WICKETKEEPING AWARD2012 Clive Elliott Balcombe II 2011 Gary Wallis – Tayler Poynings 2010 Scott Marshall Ashdown Forest 2009 Jon Woodman Edenbridge2008 Ant Bowler Crawley Down2007 Rob Wycherley Forest Row

2006 Stuart Gowen Crawley Down 2005 Gary Whittington Roffey III 2004 Dave Brown Edenbridge II 2003 Trevor Buckland Lingfield II 2002 Dave Lancaster Horsted Keynes