   |
|
Home 2003 Season 2002 Season News Photo Gallery Club Directory Umpires SPCL Umpire Appointments Rules/ Accreditation Officials SEC Cup Awards Statistics Links |
|
|
is proudly hosted by Wisden CricInfo, The Home of Cricket on the Internet.
| HALL OF FAME International cricketers who have graced the Southern (Premier) League |
INDOOR CRICKET Click here for all the scores, results and news from across the county's Indoor centres |
WANTING TO JOIN Overseas players from all over the world, all looking for a club for 2003 |
GROUND FINDER Get lost finding a ground? Never again with this great new feature |
DALE MIDDLETON 1979-2003 Crowds pack church in honour of youngster Bashley (Rydal) mourn team-mate |
|
|
|
|
 Saturday 5th July 2003 B.A.T.Sports v Bournemouth |
|
|
|
|
|
Division One Division Two Division Three |
Chairman's Welcome 2003 - Alan Bundy
It appears that no sooner I write a Chairman's Welcome for the Internet, and
another year has passed and I am writing again. It hardly seems possible that
we will be embarking on our fourth year as an ECB Accredited Premier Cricket
League.
Despite the weather, I believe 2002 was a successful and rewarding season for most, and I sincerely believe the League is becoming stronger on both the facilities front and playing strength. 2002 saw the introduction to Division 2 of the Hampshire CCC Academy. Their success sees them promoted to Division 1, which should prove an interesting challenge for them. Congratulations also to Havant, Division 1 Champions, and Purbrook, Champions of Division 3.
During the 2002 season I met some senior members of our Sponsors, Southern Electric, who were on business in the area, and took time out to attend the opening of New Milton's new ground. They were very impressed with the development - our congratulations to all at New Milton CC - and appeared more than happy with the media coverage the company was receiving through its association with the League. One of the conditions of the sponsorship is that the League, and our Clubs, encourage the development of young players. They were delighted to see New Milton's new ground teeming with youngsters taking part in a Colts Competition.
Once again thanks go to Mike Vimpany, Jimmy Lark, Geoffrey Elderfield, and Richard Isaacs, who continue to ensure results and reports are fully covered in the media and on our website. We must, of course, thank the media, particularly the Daily Echo and BBC Radio Solent for the excellent coverage they provide.
On a personal note, those of you who attended the Presentation Dinner - congratulation to all the winners of awards - and AGM, will know that on the 15th October I entered hospital with a nasty illness known as the Guillain Barre Syndrome. This is a post viral syndrome which attacks the nervous system and resulted in temporary totally paralysis. The good news is that with some intensive care, patients do recover. Having learned to walk with a Zimmer frame, and progressed to a walking stick, I was discharged from hospital on Christmas Eve. I am told by the Specialists, in 85% of cases, with the help of family, friends, and fairly intensive physiotherapy, full recovery can be achieved. Unfortunately it is a slow process to full fitness, therefore, it is likely I will miss a season's umpiring, which after 20 years with a full programme is a great disappointment to me. On the bright side it will allow me to visit many more grounds in the three divisions and watch games which probably I would not have been able to do whilst umpiring!
Talking of umpiring, those who have read the Management Report presented
at the AGM, will know my concern regarding the shortage of umpires. Last season
the South Coast Panel was probably short by 6 to 10 umpires, and as a consequence
were unable to cover all games with one or two matches every week having only
one official umpire. There are three main reasons for the availability reducing:-
Natural reduction has to be accepted, but I strongly believe Clubs can help with the second and third bullet.
Taking the second bullet first, the Umpire is there to enjoy the game as much as the Players, and if all Clubs adhered to the 'Spirit of Cricket', as set out at the beginning of 'The Laws of Cricket' and repeated in the ECB Model Rules printed in our Handbook, I feel sure Umpires would enjoy the game more.
Regarding the third bullet, if every club persuaded one ex-player to consider taking an Umpires course through their local branch of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers, within two years the shortage of Qualified Umpires would be solved. Of equal importance is the position of Scorers, and once again the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers provide courses to allow Scorers to become fully qualified. Ray Holyer, Roy Harrison, or Philip Ratcliffe can provide further information.
I wish you all - whether a player, official, or club administrator - a happy and successful 2003 and hope you continue to enjoy your excellent Website.
Webmaster's Welcome 2003 - Richard V. Isaacs
The Southern Electric Premier League web-site continues to go from strength to strength, and 2003 will be no different. Welcome to the site of the ECB accredited league, where you will find everything to do with the league and much more.
A startling 250,000 plus hits were recorded on this site during the 2002 season, and the credit for that must go to you, the site viewers, and also those people who help make the site what it is.
I must start by thanking Wisden CricInfo, the home of Cricket on the Internet for hosting this site. Many of the hits are due to the site being a part of their extensive coverage of the game, and I am grateful to them as ever. I would also like to thank Mike Vimpany and Jimmy Lark for their assistance and providing of results, reports and league tables, which will continue through the forthcoming season. Also, Fred McKie of the Lymington Times/New Forest Advertiser is likely to provide an extensive package for the Forest-area clubs.
Even though I have now moved to Manchester (where cricket on Saturdays is forever sparadic as it is always raining !!!), the site will continue to be an extensive as before.
I am still looking for the clubs to help as much as possible, so if you want to publicse your clubs right here on the site, then please feel free to contact me via e-mail at richard@cricinfo.com or by phone at 07801 529515.
Good luck to all clubs for the 2003 season.