   |
|
Home 2003 Season 2002 Season News Photo Gallery Club Directory Umpires SPCL Umpire Appointments Rules/ Accreditation Officials SEC Cup Awards Statistics Links |
|
|
Colts row may cost Portsmouth league place
Neil Allen (The News, Portsmouth) - 25 May 2002
Portsmouth Cricket Club face being kicked out of the Southern Electric Premier League after the future of their colts section was thrown into doubt.
The club boast a membership of more than 150 youngsters, the largest in the area. But in a shock move this week, youth development manager Les Randall was asked to leave the club and several training sessions were called off.
A question mark still hangs over whether matches will go ahead as planned this weekend raising concerns the section may fold completely.
Portsmouth are refusing to reveal the reasons behind Randall's dismissal but, according to league rules, a club must have a colts section to earn premier division accreditation.
Failure to do so will see the club being refused the right to play in any of Hampshire's top three local cricket leagues.
Hampshire Cricket Board will now hold a meeting on Monday night at the Rose Bowl to discuss cricket and cricket development in Portsmouth, with the club and Randall invited to attend.
Both Randall and Portsmouth are considering their legal position, but secretary Chris Moon was quick to reassure parents the club would do its best to continue with the colts set-up.
He said: 'We are desperately trying our best to carry on. We want to go forward and the Colts still remain part of our future.
'Despite what people think the club spirit is tremendous.'
He added: 'All Colts bank accounts have now been frozen but we cannot comment further.'
Parents left concerned by the club's actions have already called a meeting for tonight at Portsmouth Grammar School.
Randall declined to comment.
© The News
| Tournaments | Southern Electric Premier League |
| Season | English Domestic Season |