Following the NW Colts Trophy AGM on 7th February, I am now pleased to confirm the draw and arrangements for the 2008 Competition (as attached).

We are operating with a reduced number of leagues but the agreed league format should ensure, weather permitting, worthwhile and substantial cricket for all those wishing for it in your leagues. The five competing leagues have a good track record in arranging and completing fixtures and I hope that everyone can make a real effort to agree dates and venues by the end of May. I do know how difficult this can be with cup and Sunday fixtures etc but don’t forget it is possible to use days in the midweek, particularly in late July, if you wish.

The current financial position enables the Competition to provide match balls for everyone and I will ensure that these are delivered to you.

Good luck to all – I will be in touch, during April, to see how you are getting on. Meanwhile if anyone has any queries please get in touch.

List of officers and competing leagues:

CHAIRMAN: Mike Talbot-Butler: e-mail: Mike.t-b@virgin.net (h) 01606 883715
SECRETARY: John Williams: e-mail: johnawilliams@blueyonder.co.uk (h) 01744 886270, (m) 07767 441978
TREASURER: Brian Fogg: e-mail: lindabrian.fogg@tiscali.co.uk (h) 0161 796 0148
LIFE MEMBERS: Peter Davies, John Dutton, Graham Lynn, Mike Talbot-Butler

Leagues and representatives:

CHESHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE
Neil Baxter: e-mail: baxter.family@tesco.net (h) 01925 602631
Gary Dixon: e-mail: gary.dixon@atlasfastenings.com (h) 0151 677 0813, (m) 07779 152666

DERBYSHIRE and CHESHIRE LEAGUE
Alistair Stephens: e-mail: alistair@bluelentil.fsnet.co.uk (h) 01633 745715

LIVERPOOL and DISTRICT CRICKET COMPETITION
Andy Grice: e-mail: seasider0502@hotmail.com (m) 07831 158522

MERSEYSIDE COMPETITION
Dave Murphy: e-mail: davemurf@supanet.com (h) 0151 733 9638, (m) 07771 717393
Bill McGenity: (h) 0151 608 2909

SOUTHPORT and DISTRICT LEAGUE
Andy Addison: e-mail: newvic2@hotmail.com (m) 07762 593318

Rules and Format for 2008

• Each League will play each other once in a league table format – two home and two away games

• Games must be completed no later than 17th August 2008

• The top two finishing leagues will contest the final to be played on Sunday 7th September (reserve date is 14th September)

• Playing rules and points awarded are as in previous years (a full up to date copy of the rules will be sent to each league representative)

• Each league will receive four new balls, for use in each of their games. (Competition Secretary to provide}

• It is the responsibility of the home league representative to ensure the fixture is arranged and notified to the Competition Secretary – ideally by no later than the end of May 2008

• It is the responsibility of the home league representative to forward the result, by e-mail, to the Competition Secretary.

Draw

Derbyshire and Cheshire v Liverpool Competition
Southport and District v Merseyside Competition

Cheshire County v Derbyshire and Cheshire
Liverpool Competition v Southport and District

Derbyshire and Cheshire v Southport and District
Cheshire County v Merseyside Competition

Liverpool Competition v Cheshire County
Merseyside Competition v Derbyshire and Cheshire

Southport and District v Cheshire County
Merseyside Competition v Liverpool Competition

webmaster: By comparison, in 2002, there were fourteen teams representing thirteen leagues split up into three groups, two of five and one of four. This year there is one group of five (last year there were two groups of four), meaning that in six years the competition has lost nine teams. You can draw your own conclusions as to why this has happened. Lack of interest by leagues? Loss of eligible players with none coming through?