Local League pros 2009

[Duckworth]

[DavidLees]

this article is from the Rochdale Observer,
http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1119211_younis_signs_on_and_flies_in_for_milnrow

all the players from abroad entered the UK on sports visas dated for the duration of the competition.
They are therefore not allowed to play as Pro's for Recreational clubs and they cant change their category in a calendar year.

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David Lees

[DavidLees]

This is taken from an article by Mike Watkinson this week
We have had an unwritten rule that we want our overseas players to be top quality so they can inspire others, be role models and personify what Lancashire is all about.

Players around the world see that and when we make an enquiry about an overseas player there is always interest because of the type of players we have had in the past.

But it is getting more difficult because the quality isn't as easy to guarantee now and you have to consider players who aren't ideal because the majority of the best players are involved in international cricket, central contracts, A team tours, training camps - you name it.

It will be interesting to see what happens next season when we have several overseas players for the new P20.

You have 18 counties looking at recruiting probably four overseas players, maybe even six, so you are going to have to pick well.

So that will have a knock on effect for Recreational cricket as these will either come in on a sports visa for the duration of the competition like the World Cup T20 or at Tier 5, but just like this year with anyone who has played in the World 20/20 they cant play as a pro in the leagues, because you cant change entry methods in a calendar year.

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David Lees

[DavidLees]

UKBA have introduced a Concession to Tier 5 of the Points Based System, where as a Sponsor can engage the services of an overseas player/coach for a maximum of 3 months without the need of the individual to gain Entry Clearance(visa).

The concession is there to help clubs if, for instance they need to source a short term replacement player to cover injury.

The concession means that the process to allow overseas player/coaches isn’t as lengthy, however, all the criteria will still need to be met. Clubs will still need to gain endorsement from the ECB and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, but this cannot be longer than 3 months.

All the individual will need is to have the Certificate of Sponsorship number. Do not give them a copy of the certificate.

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David Lees

[DavidLees]

Several players were allowed to play League cricket who had entered the country on Ten year visitor visas, this should cease forthwith.
the role of National Identity Cards for those wishing to extend their stay in the UK has been moved forward. For those here under Tier 2 (First Class Counties & County Boards), pending Parliamentary approval, it has been moved to the beginning of January 2010 and for Tier 5 (Non First Class Cricket) to the end of 2010.
Under current legislation, employers have a responsibility to check the entitlement of prospective employees to work in the UK. The card is proof of the holder’s right to stay, work or study in the UK.

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David Lees

[raymondo]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1180680_cricketer_banned_after_rampage_could_return_to_club

[DavidLees]

Not a good advert for the local game, a sensible comment would have been "No comment".
I have a couple of mates who formed the police house entry team that dragged him out of his trashed flat at Werneth kicking and screaming after he had returned following the abandoned game and took him to a place of safety, what a turn around.
The comment about playing as an amateur does seem strange as he recently returned to International Cricket.

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David Lees

[Ex-Kirkholt]

I think he coached their under 11s when he was here and he was very good, encouraging both sides during a game and offering useful advice to the kids.

Glad to see he has recovered.

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It looked out to me !

[DavidLees]

Parents, children and young people have a right to expect that cricket clubs ensure their staff and volunteers are suitably experienced,qualified, trained and skilled to fulfil their roles.
Too many people are coaching without proper qualifications or being members of the ECBCA.

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David Lees

[DavidLees]

Following the article in the Manchester Evening News and Oldham Advertiser
I have pasted this article from Thursday's O/m Chron below(save Duckworth some time), the Rumours were started by McMahon's Vice Chairman John Wilson who stated that they would not rule him out of making a return when his ban expires next year, he also states that "it wasnt his fault he was hit on the head"
More likely this happened whilst he was being restrained.

WERNETH Cricket Club have strongly denied rumours that Mark Vermeulen is to return to the club as professional.

The Zimbabwe international batsman, who has featured in recent one-day series against South Africa and Kenya, left the Coppice club in disgrace following an infamous incident during a Central Lancashire League match in 2006.

Playing as professional for Werneth, Vermeulen lost his temper after being barracked by home supporters at Ashton’s Rayner Lane ground. He hurled a cricket ball at them and then, armed with a boundary-marker spike, he marched towards them before he was wrestled to the ground by Werneth supporters and officials.

He was subsequently banned from all cricket matches under the jurisdiction of the ECB for a year and, on his return to Zimbabwe, was arrested after setting fire to the country’s cricket academy building in Harare.

The charges against Vermeulen were dropped by a Zimbabwean court after it heard medical evidence which stated he had not been in control of his actions.

Vermeulen had twice been hit on the head by cricket balls delivered at pace and the blows had affected his state of mind, the court was told.

Following his return to the international arena, there have been rumours in local cricketing circles that Vermeulen might return to Werneth.

But Werneth CC cricket chairman Adie McMahon, one of those who restrained Vermeulen at Ashton, said there was no chance of that happening.

He said: “Some people are unable to comprehend that we ended up as friends.

“On a personal level, I am glad that he appears to be over his problems and I am amazed but delighted that he is back playing for Zimbabwe which has always been very close to his heart.

“However, for clarification, Werneth Cricket Club have never discussed or contemplated re-engaging Mark Vermeulen and have no intention of doing so.”

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David Lees