Devon Cricket Board - Duckworth-Lewis could be in place for 2015

Duckworth-Lewis could be in place for 2015

DUCKWORTH-Lewis is likely to be brought into the Devon League next season if licensing issues can be resolved.
Clubs have been clamouring for Duckworth-Lewis for a while as simple run-rate doesn't have too many supporters.
Stuart Munday, the league chairman, made the announcement on Wednesday night at a meeting of Premier and A Division chairmen in Exeter.
Said Munday: 'The issue in the past has been the licensing fee of £2,500 for the league, but so many Premier Leagues want DL the ECB is trying to do a deal to obtain it.
'If there is no cost we would like Duckworth-Lewis in place next season - and if there is a cost the league will look at ways of covering it.'
The meeting was the first of three between now and the end of the season, at which clubs will be asked to set the agenda for the end-of-season divisional sub-committee meetings.
A failing of the sub-committees is that ad-hoc agendas are prepared at short notice and there is insufficient time for discussions to be reported back to clubs and acted on prior to the league's annual meeting.
Among the topics discussed were regionalisation of lower divisions, recruitment and training of umpires and encouraging support for the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.
Regionalisation is a hot topic among clubs lower down the league ladder, who find criss-crossing a county the size of Devon a problem.
“ We need to find ways of easing the burden of travel for these teams, who often play with a number of young players and are therefore reliant on adults to provide transport,” said Munday.
The meeting discussed the balance of regionalisation with an all-through-league to make sure any models reflect the needs of all clubs in the league.
Delegates recognised that Devon is a large county with the majority of clubs being located to the south of the A38.
The meeting hear that the number of qualified umpires in Devon is declining and that league officials want to tackle the issue before it becomes a crisis.
“The league management committee are anxious to address this and support the training of club umpires in the lower divisions,” said Munday.
“Training courses will be held this autumn which will, in part, be supported through the league sponsorship from Tolchards Drinks.”
Munday said the sponsorship deal with Tolchards was proving beneficial to both parties with the company tying up deals with clubs.
“This is the first year of Tolchards’ support of the Devon Cricket League and an increasing number of clubs are benefiting from the new partnership,” said Munday.
“Bradninch are one of a growing number of clubs who are benefiting from engaging with Tolchards Drinks as their bar supplier.
“The club are delighted with the service they have received and have also the financial support from Tolchards Drinks toward their cricket pavilion.”
Munday urged chairmen at the meeting to get their clubs enlisted as members of the David Shepherd Cricket Trust for just £10 year.
The trust supports cricket initiatives in Devon – especially youth schemes and player development – but you can’t take out unless you put in.
“Benefits of membership include tickets to matches at Somerset and Gloucestershire County Cricket Clubs,” said Munday. “Clubs will also be eligible to apply to the Trust for small grants.
“The trust will shortly produce a calendar for 2015, which will feature 12 paintings by the acclaimed artist, Jack Russell, the former England and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper.
“Calendars will be sale for £10 and clubs will be able to keep a generous proportion of the proceeds.”
Munday also made a rallying call to club chairmen to maintain standards of discipline on the field and reminded them of clubs’ obligations to adhere to the Spirit of Cricket guidelines adopted by the league.
“There have already been a number of disciplinary cases this season – with more pending,” said Munday.
“The league believe that club chairmen are influential in ensuring matches are played in the Spirit of Cricket.”
Further meetings will be held over the next few weeks for clubs at B and C Division level then a third one for the D E and F Divisions.

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