I attended the two Counties Cricket League AGM on Monday October 9th Alison Heathcote took the chair in the absence of the chairman Jeremy Jayasuriya.
Marshall Hatchick were thanked for their continued sponsorship of the league.
3 clubs were absent with no doubt fines of £50 each Volunteers were asked with regard to helping with the league results.
The league explained it cannot insist on clubs providing teas but they do insist on tea or coffee being available for umpires and players between innings. Clubs can provide teas if they wish.
A T20 competition was suggested but will need further discussion on how it might take place no decision until 2025 season.
Bury St Edmunds proposal for Division 2 to have same rules as Division 1 was too late to be on the agenda but would be discussed with clubs during 2024 and implemented if Division 2 clubs agree in 2025.
It was again emphasised that registration of players should be made before they play and results sent as soon as possible after the match.
The treasurer stated finances were up due to holding an end of season dinner.
Subscriptions to remain the same and any match restrictions need to be sent to fixture secretary.
League start date is Saturday April 20th for Divisions 1 to 7.
It was stated the league had lost 25 umpires since 2020 an umpires course is taking place if anyone knows of people interested. Reports from Essex and Suffolk Cricket Boards were given.
Harwich and Dovercourt 2nd team were allowed to continue having conceded 4 or more games. New clubs joining were Horringer, Colchester and East Essex 3rd team and Kirby with Great Bentley, (Sundays)
A league resolution to only allow Tier 5 International Sports Persons with a visa to play in Divisions 1 and 2 was passed with 34 votes for and 21 against. Strong opposition was voiced by Bardwell who had a professional for 2023 and 2024.
Leagues for 2024
Division 2 ( 12 teams) Bury St Edmunds, Kelvedon, East Bergholt, Dunmow, Kesgrave, Copdock, Copford, Braintree, Haverhill, Frinton Woolpit 2nds, and Felixstowe.

Division 6 (11 teams) Bury St Edmunds, Harwich, East Bergholt 2nds Earl Soham, Melton, Mildenhall 4ths Felixstowe, Kesgrave 2nds, Worlingworth, Brightlingsea and West Mersea.

Division 9 West ( 9 teams) Bury St Edmunds 4ths, Haverhill 3rds, Woolpit 4ths, Tuddenham 2nds, Walsham 2nds, Lakenheath 2nds, Mildenhall 5ths, Worlingworth 3rs, and Horringer.

Hunts Bats Sunday League Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday October 18th.
Paul and Ben Whittaker represented Bury St Edmunds.
I am pleased to report the club were presented with the 1st Division Trophy and a cheque for £100 for winning the league. Stephen Lewis of Earl Stonham was awarded the Les Francis award for outstanding commitment to the league.
Next season the league will run from April 29th to September 15th
A discussion took place regarding the quality of the cricket balls used with some reports of balls losing quality very quickly clubs were asked to return such balls to a league cricket committee member.
An Acton resolution for an earlier start at 12.30 was lost the start time remains at 1.00 pm with 12.30 in April and September.
A resolution from Copdock to only allow only 5 fielders outside a 30 yard circle was heavily defeated with several clubs stating this is primary a village league and this over complicates the game, Brettenham asked what would be the status of the trees in their ground if they came within the 30 yards.
A resolution from BT and Great Waldringfield to only report results on play cricket but allowing for result to still be done by a results sheet for this season as a trial was accepted, the proposer stated that 90% of clubs are already doing play cricket results. However play cricket would need the player of the match and pitch score to be included under `comments`
The Executive Committee proposed a resolution which would have prevented any professional player who had received any payment for playing or playing expenses in the last 10 years from taking part in the league, it was pointed out that the resolution was ambiguous and the discussion was long and confusing, the aim is to stop paid players playing in the league even if they only receive travel expenses. Paul pointed out that the resolution works against students who might travel from university to play and it works against less well-off students, the chairman withdrew the resolution and the committee will think again although Sam Samuels read out the present rule which appeared to cover the issue.
Richard Martin was re-elected chairman Howard Gilber vice chairman and Sam Samuels as treasurer and fixtures secretary. All stated that they will continue on the basis this is its own league and operate independent with an emphasis on local cricket. Gerard Artindale had advised a year ago he would be standing down as secretary and there had been no nominations, it was insisted that someone comes forward to take the role and clubs were asked to find a nomination before the fixtures meeting. Andy Youngs of Mildenhall was thanked as he was standing down from the Executive Committee.
Steve Lilley as safeguarding officer reported and highlighted the need for better facilities as the under 18 and women/girls need separate changing facilities. A Fixtures meeting will be held at our club 7.30 on Thursday November 23rd.

Leagues for next season
Division 1 Bury St Edmunds, Acton, Castle Hedingham, Woolpit, Long Melford, Cavendish, Nowton and Copdock.
Division 2 Bury St Edmunds 2nds, Bardwell, Edwardstone, Tendring Park, Brantham, Hadleigh, Tuddenham and Twinstead.