Clubs' bulletin no 9 of 2025 - 2 July 

 

The LEB’s decision on the divisional structure for 2026, with the necessary promotion and relegation arrangements, has now been published. 

 

 

Robert Grace has taken over as captain of Doncaster Town 2nds. His phone number is 07837 068344. 

 

 

The England Lions over 60s play Australia at Waterside Gardens, Oughtibridge in a one-dayer this Friday, 4 July – 11.00pm start. All are welcome. 

 

 

If anyone would like a League polo shirt, please contract David Ward and let him know the required size. They are £25 each. 

 

 

Lincolnshire CCC will again be hosting a 50-over game against Nottinghamshire CCC, which this year will be at Cleethorpes Cricket Club's Chichester Road ground on Monday 14 July, starting at 11am. Nottinghamshire are expected to field a strong side, giving opportunities for players to push their case for selection ahead of the one-day campaign, whilst Lincolnshire will be led by Cleethorpes’ Tom Keast. 

 

Entry is £6 for adults (payable on entry, cash or card, and including a prize draw) and is free for under 16’s. Food and drink will be available to purchase on the day. 

 

 

Applications for the second year of the MACC Academy Scholarship Scheme are now open. This is a fully-funded scholarship scheme open to boys and girls aged 11-17, who have cricketing talent and desire to pursue the sport professionally. Visit www.themaccacademy.com/scholarship and fill out the scholarship application form. The application deadline is September 14th 2025, with trials in the following week. 

 

 

Matchday photographs from recent games at Penistone, Sheffield Collegiate, Tickhill (YCSPL u/21s) and Whitley Hall have now been published in the 2025 photo gallery on our website. 

 

 

The number of reported incidents involving player behaviour has noticeably increased in the first half of the season. We are particularly concerned about the number of incidents involving abuse and dissent against umpires, including players standing in as umpires. Umpiring is a difficult enough job as it is, without them being abused, even where a mistake has been made. Several clubs have complained about not being allocated umpires – there will be less umpires still if this trend continues because it certainly does not help umpire recruitment and retention. We strongly ask all clubs to stress to captains their responsibilities in terms of controlling their players, and in ensuring that all umpires’ decisions are accepted without dissent. 

 

 

We will review our social media guidance at the end of the season, but in the meantime our advice to everyone connected with the League is: 

 

• it is ok to criticise or disagree provided it is done respectfully 

• abuse, insults, threats, racist or discriminatory language are not acceptable 

• if you would not say it to the person’s face, don’t post it 

• if it would not be acceptable on a club noticeboard, it is not acceptable on social media 

• if you wouldn’t like it if someone wrote it about you, don’t post it 

• if in doubt – don’t! 

 

 

On some of our grounds there are a significant number of spectators, often with children playing around the boundary area. Whilst this is to be welcomed, health and safety concerns have been expressed, and we strongly request clubs where there are significant spectators and children to prominently display signage to advise spectators to beware of the risk of being hit by the ball and ensure the safety of children whilst play is in progress. 

 

 

There has been an increase in ineligible players playing in the lower league cup competitions. Attention is drawn to Competition rule 16, the full version of which is on the website (note that the version in the handbook is abbreviated). Please then seek advice from Richard North if you are unsure. 

 

 

On Sunday 6 July, Thorncliffe & Wentworth CC are holding a 155-year anniversary event at Lound Side (the 150-year event had to be cancelled due to covid). The event will take the form of a family fun day and players reunion. 

 

 

If anyone is interested in an ECB umpiring course which will run during the season, date and venues will be arranged if there is any interest. A module C course will also be arranged for those who have recently been on the ECB umpiring course if there is enough interest. Please email Alison Gressor at YCB letting her know which training you require. 

 

 

The YCSPL under 21s side will play MCC at Treeton CC on Thursday 31 July 11.00 start. Please send any nominations for players to Steve Ward.