Hello all,

During the previous winter and in the run up to this year’s season, my expectation was that all Thames Valley Cricket League (TVCL) games would be fulfilled (subject to any normal cancellations due to weather). However as the season has progressed a number of factors have decreased our pool of players, which has lead to a negative impact on our 4^th XI, with the result of 8 games being cancelled by the 4th XI.

Because of the number of 4th XI games that have now been cancelled, the TVCL management committee have been in contact with the club management committee to ask whether we wish to withdraw the 4th XI from the remaining games in the season.

The club management committee met last night and discussed this situation based upon the number of players available for the rest of the season, and the likelihood of being able to field a 4th team. I must inform you all that the management committee and I regretfully have made the decision to withdraw our 4th XI from the remainder of the 2018 season. This is a decision we have not taken lightly, but believe it is the best decision for all parties involved, particularly the four teams our 4th XI were due to play in the remaining games. The league have today been informed of this decision.

With eight 4th XI games having been cancelled, the club is now in breach of TVCL Management Rule 12.4:

12.4) Should any Team forfeit a TVCL Match on FIVE occasions in the same Season, the Member Club will need to re-apply to the Management Committee before the 30th September for that Team to be considered for entry in the League for the following Season.

As those who either play, or have attended the last couple of club AGMs, concerns have been expressed regarding the ongoing viability of a 4^th XI cricket in the TVCL, especially with declining player availability. The management committee and I therefore believe it is now time to formally withdraw our 4^th team from league cricket and not reapply to enter the 4^th XI into the 2019 TVCL season. Unless formal written objection is received from club members by 31 August 2018, I will inform the league that we will only be entering 3 teams into the 2019 season.

Please note that even if we were to reapply for entry of the 4^th XI into the TVCL structure for 2019, it is expected that the league would take into consideration the number of games cancelled in 2017 and this year, and additionally would expect a formal plan as to how we would sustain 4^th team cricket next year, number of players available each week etc. Therefore this would need the full support of all members of the club, rather than being left to just a few to take the burden.

Reducing to three teams is not a step lightly taken, but will give us a more manageable scenario in the remaining games this year, and for the 2019 season, and will bring back an element of competition with players pushing each week for selection.

The committee recognises that 4^th team cricket is an important development stepping stone for colts into senior cricket, and is also an opportunity to play for those not picked for the other teams. This does not mean the end of 4th team cricket. At the club AGM on Friday 19 November, we will discuss our future options on how we maintain this level of cricket outside of a formal league structure.

Regards,

Dominic

Club Chairman