Cornwall Cricket
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Cornwall County Cricket Club AGM 2005
held at the Municipal Buildings, Truro on Wednesday 2nd March 2005
The decision by the ECB to exclude, from 2006, Minor Counties from entry to the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy was "deplored" by officers of Cornwall County Cricket Club at their 2005 Annual General Meeting, held at the Municipal Buildings, Truro.
Club Chairman Col. Ronnie Potts, in presenting the Committee's Report, commented that "the ECB decision would deny in future the opportunity of both players from playing, and spectators from viewing, first class opposition. Without the opportunity to gain vital income from these games and continuing financial cut-backs the financial future of the club was looking bleak". His views were endorsed by former County Secretary the Revd. Canon Ken Rogers who reflected on the 'great days' in recent times when first class opposition had visited the county. He "deplored the mission statement being sent out from the ECB" and summed up the decision as "dreadful".
On the brighter side Col. Potts reported that there had been some great achievements in 2004. Ryan Driver, who averaged over 90, became only the second ever Cornishman to win the coveted Wilfred Rhodes Trophy for the leading Minor Counties batsman. He was also the County's leading wicket taker. Driver, Tom Sharp and Gary Thomas all hit two centuries apiece. Lee Caddy took 16 wickets and Gary Rollins had match figures of 10-118 on his debut, in the memorable ten wicket win against Devon. Col. Potts reflected on what might had been in 2004. He commented that " C & G qualification might had been gained had there been more luck with the weather and had the leading county bowler, Justin Stephens, who was involved in an unjustifiable season-long club dispute, been available".
Treasurer Doug Nance reported a loss of £1,300 on the season and that the grant for each day's championship cricket is to be further cut this year adding to ever increasing transport and accommodation costs on away fixtures.
The President F. Julian Williams C.B.E. Esq. of Caerhays, who presided over the meeting. presented the trophies. Ryan Driver was the outstanding cricketer of 2003. Karl Turner (Beacon) received the Canynge Caple Colt's Cup. The Arthur Lugg Cup for outstanding services was presented to Revd. Canon Ken Rogers. The Caerhays Cup, for the highest partnership of the season, went to Tom Sharp and Ryan Driver for their stand of 233 against Oxfordshire at Truro. The 'Donald Cocks Cup' for fielding was awarded to Grampound Road's Martin Pearce. Click for Presentation Photo Gallery
The Captain, Tom Sharp, was re-elected, unopposed for a fourth successive year. The Officers were all re-elected but a rule change was passed that sees the number of General Committee members reduced. Previously forty-four persons had been eligible to attend, including representatives from various cricketing bodies and from each of fifteen clubs. This has been reduced by fifty percent to the officers and sixteen elected members only, to be more manageable and to reflect the average committee attendance in recent years.
Elected: President: F. Julian Williams C.B.E. Esq.; Chairman: Col. R.W. Potts; Hon. Secretary: Mrs Anita George; Hon. Treasurer: C.D. Nance; Captain: T.G. Sharp. General Committee: Hon. Asst. Secretary: Canon K. Rogers; Hon. Asst. Treasurer: C. A. Lovell; Team Sec / Manager: G.R. Furse; Under 21's Manager: W.R. Collins; Over 50's Secretary: G. Husband; U 21's Treasurer: M. Thomas; County Women's Team Manager: S. Nicholls, G. Adams, B. Bennett, M.J. Chadwick, M. Cundy, P. George, B. Laity, R. James & M.A. Weeks (Hon. Media Officer & Archivist).
A vote of thanks was expressed to Mr Mike Buzza, who has stood down as a long serving committee member. Mr Nigel Sanders has been co-opted to take his place.
The County's season is due to start on Sunday April 24th with a game at Redruth Cricket club to mark the club's 175th Anniversary. The MCCA trophy game with Dorset follows at Bournemouth on 15th May with the opening championship game away to Berkshire in early June.