Durham Cricket League 2014

[Sweeper]

So, the AGM took place last week and following a vote it's been confirmed - after much confusion - that there WILL be promotion/relegation between the two DCL divisions next year. Two up, two down. Surely that is in the best interests of all teams in both divisions, as it means there will be a lot less "meaningless" games than would otherwise have been the case. Most clubs should have something to play for until at least well into August.

Shildon confirmed that they will play in DCL this year, but will then be joining the NYSD for the start of the 2015 season, which will automatically free up one DCL div2 place for applicants (Littletown, Wearmouth, Houghton?).

Kimblesworth apparently made noises that they may have to fold. Seemingly the money has run out and with no junior section to fall back on, they are up shit creek. Another warning to other clubs that presumably won't be heeded this time either.

Evenwood to play in div 1 despite requesting dispensation to drop into div 2; having lost a lot of senior players. Again, looks like the money ran out.

In terms of transfers, I know of/have heard rumours of:

(i) Craig and Meek from Kimblesworth to Burnmoor (how many paid players do they need?!?!)

(ii) Just about everybody from Murton to Seaham Park

(iii) Adrian Hedley, John Miniss and another chap (wicketkeeper?) from Horden to Ryhope

(iv) Anoop Pai (overseas pro) and David Newstead (Anfield Plain) to Bill Quay

Has anybody else heard anything on the transfer front? Any thoughts on how the leagues could shape up?

 

[ballbag]

Kimblesworth have apparently applied for the East Durham League. They apparently don't have one single player. Meek, Craig & Robertson to Burnmoor. Fishwick back to Shields as director of cricket (basically player/coach). Presume the rest have scattered when majority of players have left. Club spent a lot on trying to improve facilities in last 4 years since leaving the County league with Covers, Sight screens and trying to get a junior set up running. Downside is the club is in that area where it is going to struggle to attract juniors with Chester-Le-Street and Durham city round the corner. Always going to have to rely on paying few players to make the numbers. Shame but looks like they may not recover but will have a mixed 2nd team / youth side out in Durham league if all goes through.

Headley, Gilbert and Jenks to Ryhope.

Burnmoor Signed South African U19 all rounder as Pro for next season.

Seems like few spaces may open up this year and with the fixtures just being released it could be all change!!!

 

[Sweeper]

Kimblesworth have apparently applied for the East Durham League. They apparently don't have one single player. Meek, Craig & Robertson to Burnmoor. Fishwick back to Shields as director of cricket (basically player/coach). Presume the rest have scattered when majority of players have left. Club spent a lot on trying to improve facilities in last 4 years since leaving the County league with Covers, Sight screens and trying to get a junior set up running. Downside is the club is in that area where it is going to struggle to attract juniors with Chester-Le-Street and Durham city round the corner. Always going to have to rely on paying few players to make the numbers. Shame but looks like they may not recover but will have a mixed 2nd team / youth side out in Durham league if all goes through.

Headley, Gilbert and Jenks to Ryhope.

Burnmoor Signed South African U19 all rounder as Pro for next season.

Seems like few spaces may open up this year and with the fixtures just being released it could be all change!!!

Presumably if Kimblesworth don't play this year, then the fixtures will remain as is and all div 1 teams will just get a free week when they were supposed to play them?

Then perhaps it would be two up from div 2 and only one down, with 2 invitee clubs admitted to division 2 in 2015 to replace Kimblesworth and Shildon

 

[Carteron]

Kimblesworth have apparently applied for the East Durham League. They apparently don't have one single player. Meek, Craig & Robertson to Burnmoor. Fishwick back to Shields as director of cricket (basically player/coach). Presume the rest have scattered when majority of players have left. Club spent a lot on trying to improve facilities in last 4 years since leaving the County league with Covers, Sight screens and trying to get a junior set up running. Downside is the club is in that area where it is going to struggle to attract juniors with Chester-Le-Street and Durham city round the corner. Always going to have to rely on paying few players to make the numbers. Shame but looks like they may not recover but will have a mixed 2nd team / youth side out in Durham league if all goes through.

Headley, Gilbert and Jenks to Ryhope.

Burnmoor Signed South African U19 all rounder as Pro for next season.

Seems like few spaces may open up this year and with the fixtures just being released it could be all change!!!

Although Kimblesworth will always struggle for a thriving junior section given its catchment area, I don't think they lose many to Durham or Chester. The thing that makes a junior section for me is having adults to run the actual sessions and teams. Without these it is simply a non starter.

I do think however that paying players is the problem here though. You have Durham City, Chester and Sacriston turning out 4 senior teams. Surely they should be offering lads who have aspirations to play 1st and 2nd team cricket at a good standard, the chance to do so where they arent able to get selected at their existing clubs.

 

[SAFC2403]

I do think however that paying players is the problem here though.

This. Its about time the leagues started paying more attention to it - mainly to stop the issues already listed above from happening as it only serves to weaken the leagues in the long run.

 

[Carteron]

This. Its about time the leagues started paying more attention to it - mainly to stop the issues already listed above from happening as it only serves to weaken the leagues in the long run.

I get what you are saying but I can't imagine many of the paid players are paid through the books so it would be virtually impossible to police. I know NEPL clubs were warned that HMRC were potentially starting to investigate clubs but still I bet there is little or no paper trail for them to find.

Ultimately I think the clubs really have to think of the future. We all know the clubs who shell out a fortune with little or no consideration for how their club will look in 10-20 years time. Many of them will ultimately combust and unfortunately for their members, cease to exist.

 

[brandon]

Will many really shed any tears for Kimblesworth?

No junior set up, spent fortunes on players whilst their changers were vile and the teas (most vital facility ) weren't much better.

Just a few things that may irk a few. Not just me

 

[The Omega Man]

Although Kimblesworth will always struggle for a thriving junior section given its catchment area, I don't think they lose many to Durham or Chester. The thing that makes a junior section for me is having adults to run the actual sessions and teams. Without these it is simply a non starter.

I do think however that paying players is the problem here though. You have Durham City, Chester and Sacriston turning out 4 senior teams. Surely they should be offering lads who have aspirations to play 1st and 2nd team cricket at a good standard, the chance to do so where they arent able to get selected at their existing clubs.

Kimblesworth lose nobody to either CLS, Sacriston or Durham City. Certainly none of them would be good enough to play for Durham City.

Kimblesworth is a tiny place and attracts some of the lads who dont make the Durham City junior teams ie some public schoolboys. They do have a canny under 13 batsman and also a canny under 11 bowler - who is also the u11 coaches son. They'll probably now move on to Sacriston if Kimblesworth juniors are folding.

Didnt see the second part of your post. In the past I know that certain teams such as CLS has sent some of their up and coming juniors to Kimblesworth to give them experience of senior cricket. I think that stopped though. might start again.

 

[redandwhiterob]

Losing Hedley will put a huge hole in Horden's batting line up, interesting to see who they fill it with

 

[Greavsie]

Always think its a shame when sny club id in trouble. Hope they sort it out. Doubt they will be the last.

 

[seaham ftm]

Looks like The park and Ryhope as strong contenders for the division 2 title. Would definitely prefer littletown to come into the league over Houghton and Wearmouth, they're looking like a well run club.

 

[ac arundez]

Looks like The park and Ryhope as strong contenders for the division 2 title. Would definitely prefer littletown to come into the league over Houghton and Wearmouth, they're looking like a well run club.

Agreed on Ryhope and The Park, can't write off BillQuay either who have brought in a great pro by all accounts. Scored BIG runs and took a lot of wickets when he was at Annfield Plain.

On the Littletown comment I have to say thanks. There's lots of nice comments and positivity coming from a lot of people at present. 2014 is going to be massive for us, both on the field and off it. We have received the plans and drawings for the new pavilion this week, fully TS5 compliant, and it looks superb. Also this week we've had another £7k confirmed as we move closer to the target to get the double lane nets in place in March and we have the full backing of the DCB on all fronts.

I and a lot of the lads have played at enough clubs that have shown how not to run a club so we are trying to be cutting edge in the sense that we know how hard work it can be, but with the right attitude, ambition and commitment, there's nothing that can't be achieved. Hence how we have raised so much money in only 18months, have 4 senior, 1 junior side, all the cricket accoutrement you need (sight screens, covers, heavy rollers, proper groundsman etc etc) all within a short space if time.

It's about enjoying cricket and leaving a legacy for us. Nothing like the feeling of being involved in something genuinely exciting. Hopefully the off field success with help us on field next year and enable us to progress the club. After 20 years of playing cricket (I'm 27) I can honestly say that I've never been more excited about the game...

Anyway, I'm off for an early net at Riverside

 

[seaham ftm]

Agreed on Ryhope and The Park, can't write off BillQuay either who have brought in a great pro by all accounts. Scored BIG runs and took a lot of wickets when he was at Annfield Plain.

On the Littletown comment I have to say thanks. There's lots of nice comments and positivity coming from a lot of people at present. 2014 is going to be massive for us, both on the field and off it. We have received the plans and drawings for the new pavilion this week, fully TS5 compliant, and it looks superb. Also this week we've had another £7k confirmed as we move closer to the target to get the double lane nets in place in March and we have the full backing of the DCB on all fronts.

I and a lot of the lads have played at enough clubs that have shown how not to run a club so we are trying to be cutting edge in the sense that we know how hard work it can be, but with the right attitude, ambition and commitment, there's nothing that can't be achieved. Hence how we have raised so much money in only 18months, have 4 senior, 1 junior side, all the cricket accoutrement you need (sight screens, covers, heavy rollers, proper groundsman etc etc) all within a short space if time.

It's about enjoying cricket and leaving a legacy for us. Nothing like the feeling of being involved in something genuinely exciting. Hopefully the off field success with help us on field next year and enable us to progress the club. After 20 years of playing cricket (I'm 27) I can honestly say that I've never been more excited about the game...

Anyway, I'm off for an early net at Riverside

Clubs like Evenwood and kimblesworth should be taking note from Littletown on how a small village cricket team can be sustainable.

 

[Sweeper]

Looks like The park and Ryhope as strong contenders for the division 2 title. Would definitely prefer littletown to come into the league over Houghton and Wearmouth, they're looking like a well run club.

Still think Ryhope are a few bowlers short of winning enough games - especially given that it's a great ground to bat on. I'm surprised to hear they've spent their money on a couple of batsman when runs are relatively easy to come by there anyway.

For the Park, a lot will depend on whether they get an overseas pro. The lads from Murton will strengthen them but how much? Murton didn't set the world alight last year. If they add an overseas to the lads they've already brought in the will be favourites.

Gregg is right in that BQs pro comes with a big reputation - he's scored first class hundreds in India (for Hyderabad) and scored 1000+ runs/took 50 wickets for Anfield Plain a few years ago in the TSL Div 1, which is a higher standard than the DCL2 will be. We are probably, like Ryhope, shorter on bowling though so a lot will depend on the pros wickets and how the rest of our bowlers back him up.

Mainsforth will also be up there and don't write off Whiteleas, who had a good first year in the league last season will probably be bringing in an overseas themselves.

It just goes to show that promotion/relegation was a must - it'll be much more enjoyable next year with so many teams in the shake up for the top 2.

 

[seaham ftm]

Still think Ryhope are a few bowlers short of winning enough games - especially given that it's a great ground to bat on. I'm surprised to hear they've spent their money on a couple of batsman when runs are relatively easy to come by there anyway.

For the Park, a lot will depend on whether they get an overseas pro. The lads from Murton will strengthen them but how much? Murton didn't set the world alight last year. If they add an overseas to the lads they've already brought in the will be favourites.

Gregg is right in that BQs pro comes with a big reputation - he's scored first class hundreds in India (for Hyderabad) and scored 1000+ runs/took 50 wickets for Anfield Plain a few years ago in the TSL Div 1, which is a higher standard than the DCL2 will be. We are probably, like Ryhope, shorter on bowling though so a lot will depend on the pros wickets and how the rest of our bowlers back him up.

Mainsforth will also be up there and don't write off Whiteleas, who had a good first year in the league last season will probably be bringing in an overseas themselves.

It just goes to show that promotion/relegation was a must - it'll be much more enjoyable next year with so many teams in the shake up for the top 2.

I agree with that, if Ryhope want to win the league they'll need a wicket taking bowler. They'll win every game at home though with that batting line up if they bat second.

 

[Deleted member 35923]

Looks like The park and Ryhope as strong contenders for the division 2 title. Would definitely prefer littletown to come into the league over Houghton and Wearmouth, they're looking like a well run club.

Littletown have done a fantastic job in effectively starting from scratch and building a club from top to bottom. Theyve some very decent and committed lads at the helm and thats certainly showing. Theyve also made some very good signings recently which on the field will definitely make them a very strong side next season.

All I would say is, re your post, it is maybe a little unfair in perhaps insinuating that clubs like Houghton and Wearmouth arent well run.

I cant speak too much for Wearmouth but they seem to have a decent set up, their facilities are comparable with a lot of teams in higher divisions and have what seems like a thriving club house.

On the Houghton front, its an uphill challenge that we face on a number of fronts. Past reputation at times makes life quite difficult for us and a lot of things with regards to the ground and its facilities are, to a large extent, out of our hands. The organisation and running of the club has markedly improved over the past 12 months though. At the end of the 2012 season it was looking very grim for the club. A player exodus, lack of finance and seemingly a lack of commitment suggested that the club was going to fold. However, between us, we got organised, raised funds and we managed to field one side throughout the season (though we were mainly disappointed with our league finish but managed to win a cup) and, all things going to plan, we will be fielding two senior sides next season. Plus, in what we think is a club record, we went through the entire season last year without incurring any league fines (I may be wrong but I think we were the only club in the NEDL to do this last season). Although that is obviously a very minor point, that is a huge improvement on where the club were organisationally. In terms of facilities, grant applications have gone in in order to improve upon what we already have (if we are fortunate enough to be awarded the grants that is).

On a junior front, two people have gone through and completed their level 2 in order to start with the junior section again and in a proper fashion this time unlike what has happened in the recent past.

Tiny baby steps but we are getting there. I think our biggest challenge is changing perceptions of the club and that would be key to us being accepted into any higher league should we ever consider applying in future. We will only do that by results though - i.e. consistently fielding senior sides and having a small but well run junior section.

 

[seaham ftm]

Littletown have done a fantastic job in effectively starting from scratch and building a club from top to bottom. Theyve some very decent and committed lads at the helm and thats certainly showing. Theyve also made some very good signings recently which on the field will definitely make them a very strong side next season.

All I would say is, re your post, it is maybe a little unfair in perhaps insinuating that clubs like Houghton and Wearmouth arent well run.

I cant speak too much for Wearmouth but they seem to have a decent set up, their facilities are comparable with a lot of teams in higher divisions and have what seems like a thriving club house.

On the Houghton front, its an uphill challenge that we face on a number of fronts. Past reputation at times makes life quite difficult for us and a lot of things with regards to the ground and its facilities are, to a large extent, out of our hands. The organisation and running of the club has markedly improved over the past 12 months though. At the end of the 2012 season it was looking very grim for the club. A player exodus, lack of finance and seemingly a lack of commitment suggested that the club was going to fold. However, between us, we got organised, raised funds and we managed to field one side throughout the season (though we were mainly disappointed with our league finish but managed to win a cup) and, all things going to plan, we will be fielding two senior sides next season. Plus, in what we think is a club record, we went through the entire season last year without incurring any league fines (I may be wrong but I think we were the only club in the NEDL to do this last season). Although that is obviously a very minor point, that is a huge improvement on where the club were organisationally. In terms of facilities, grant applications have gone in in order to improve upon what we already have (if we are fortunate enough to be awarded the grants that is).

On a junior front, two people have gone through and completed their level 2 in order to start with the junior section again and in a proper fashion this time unlike what has happened in the recent past.

Tiny baby steps but we are getting there. I think our biggest challenge is changing perceptions of the club and that would be key to us being accepted into any higher league should we ever consider applying in future. We will only do that by results though - i.e. consistently fielding senior sides and having a small but well run junior section.

Wasn't a dig at Houghton/Wearmouth, I just think that Littletown deserve their chance in the Durham cricket league because of the work their members have put into the club over the past 18 months.

 

[SAFC2403]

In fairness to houghton they had been drifting for a number of years. But all credit to them they have regrouped after the player exodus and came back a much more focused side and I think in the long run they will be a stronger side.

Not many sides tend to come back from losing a lot of players and I for one hope they get back to having a full set up.

 

[Deleted member 35923]

Wasn't a dig at Houghton/Wearmouth, I just think that Littletown deserve their chance in the Durham cricket league because of the work their members have put into the club over the past 18 months.

All I am saying really is that the other clubs you mention (and perhaps many other clubs in the NEDL I dont know) may have been equally as committed to their respective clubs as well. Obviously, some clubs haven't had quite as much to in terms of ground preparation and starting completely afresh so its very difficult to match those levels of commitment (which I agree are highly commendable by the way) when that job isn't there to be done. I think its very difficult to compare and contrast levels of club members commitment without being involved knowing the ins and outs.

Im not arguing by the way, just wanted to put our point across seeing as we've been name checked once or twice in the thread

 

[Big daft centre half]

Would love to see Wearmouth in the Durham Cricket League. I played for them when they were in the Durham Senior League and also captained them when they were in the NEDCL. I left them to play a higher standard of cricket but would hope this would be one of their aspirations. I still keep in touch with the lads but the ground isn't what it was a few years ago.