The 2015/16 season of the Spalding and District League was finally put to bed with the annual meeting and winners’ presentations last week.
More than 20 members attended which meant, with apologies, there was just about a 50 per cent attendance which was good by recent standards.
The chairman opened the proceedings by welcoming everybody and summarising the season which badly over-ran.
Membership had been good, including a number of new players which were thanks in part to the efforts of development secretary Joe Beadle.
The treasurer reported the finances had suffered quite a hit, in part because of loss of income due to the extended season.
The summer sessions had managed to pay their way, though this was partly down to players from other leagues taking the opportunity afforded to them to practice in the close season. However, he was happy to announce that subscriptions need not rise.
The match secretary reiterated the problems and the unsatisfactory way the title had to be decided.
He also thanked Colin Vertigan and Pete Budd who had supported Bladerunners through their player problems, but emphasised that the match problems extended beyond that issue.
Coming to the new committee, Clive Shardlow was re-elected chairman and Garry Wilkinson treasurer.
Nicola Wilkinson stepped down from the post of league secretary and was thanked generously by the chairman and members for her service. Hannah Gilbert volunteered to take on the post and was elected unopposed.
Match and competition secretary Allan Lewis also stood down and was similarly thanked. Reece Kerry agreed to step into the position and was also elected unopposed.
The issue of the number of matches required to be played by the First Division was raised. The outgoing match secretary noted the comments and pointed out that in the circumstances at the time it had been felt to be the best solution, if not entirely satisfactory.
The committee stated that it was hoped to balance the divisions better in the coming season and a number of teams expressed a willingness to move up to help this.
At present the number of players and teams is not known for certain.
Anyone who has not yet formally entered a team or wishes to be in one should inform the committee as soon as possible to enable a prompt start to the new season at the end of September.
The business was concluded with the cups for the season being presented by Jean White.
Winners were:
Team events: Division One – Bladerunners; Division Two – Mine’s a Pint; Guardian Cup – Mine’s A Pint; Marylands Cup – Mine’s A Pint; Moulton Shield – South Holland.
Individual events: Division One – Phil Chandler; Division Two – Daniel Dorey; Supreme – Richard Hammond; Veterans – Phil Chandler; Doubles – Colin Vertigan/Dave Gibson; Roy Gibson Memorial Rose Bowl – Daniel Dorey; Val Mackey Doubles – James Gibson/Henry Sharman; Paddy Palgrave Hard Bat Competition – Sasha Martin.
