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Update from the Chairman: 8th May 2020
I hope you remain well during these difficult times.Thanks to Chloe Hegg who has recorded a short interview with Christian Smith in Australia which can be found here.
Ground Update
The ride on mower is now back with us following repairs, so the outfield is back in excellent condition thanks to Nigel Truswell.
Work continues on the grounds including the run up to the new nets. Work on the drainage, in front of the decking that badly held water last year, will commence soon, as will tidying up of the edging of the car park. The building has had a second coat of paint, as has the decking. Many thanks, once again, for all those giving up their free time.
Cricket Update
Last Saturday there was a Zoom conference call with the GMCL. They provided an update on discussions with the ECB. Key points as follows: 1. ECB are trying to come up with a proposal that would enable cricket to be played whilst obeying all social distancing regulations. 2. There are some fairly obvious parts - either arrive in cricket gear or small groups use changing rooms in turn, no teas, local games, provide your own umpires etc. 3. Everyone is very keen to get some cricket in as close to July as possible and while the challenge is a tough one there is some optimism. Ultimately it depends on whether the ECB can come up with anything viable. 4. If cricket does restart, they would be looking at something like local mini leagues of 6, play each other twice, so 10 games and maybe semis and final at the end, with the season being extended until the end of September. 5. They want input from clubs as to how many teams they think they can get out and format. General feedback seemed to favour keeping the format the same but maybe reducing from 50 to 45 or 40 to cover the light issues and maybe some t20 on Sundays. 6. Keen to sort something similar out for juniors. 7. As well as playing there would also need to be guidelines for spectators, first aid, safeguarding etc. All of which is considered part of the ECB remit.
A copy of the ECB slides are here
All Stars
For the 2020 All Stars Activity Booklet please click here, which has been adapted so that all content is suitable for families whilst they are at home.
ECB ACO Umpires and Scorers Courses
ECB ACO has released the following online courses for both those who wish to take up a role as an Umpire or scorer. If you wish to umpire Junior games, become a Club Umpire or become a GMCL Panel Umpire or become a scorer for your club, a course is here for you.
In addition, if any experienced umpires or scorers wish to simply to brush up on skills you already have and keep us going through these cricket less weeks, these courses are open to you.
There are three courses available which should provide interesting material as we all prepare to get back to cricket as soon as we safely can. Simply click on the relevant link, register and complete the course from the comfort of your home. The courses are:
This course is aimed at club umpires who just need to know the key laws and basic field craft and those players who umpire 5 or 10 overs at the weekend.
This course is designed to give an overview of the basic Laws of the game and how to apply them and introduce the principles of field craft and match management. This course is an ideal introduction for new club umpires, a refresher for existing umpires and the first step for those who aspire to umpire at higher levels.
This course is designed to provide all the skills needed to start scoring. The course covers the basics of scoring a game of cricket such as scoring symbols, umpire signals, dismissals and gives a helpful overview of the Laws of the game.
Stay safe.
Dave Enright.