Primett grateful for support (From Oxford Mail)

Primett grateful for support

11:00am Friday 24th November 2006 in Clubs

Chairman Derek Primett last night expressed his gratitude to The Oxford Times Cherwell League's clubs for their support after a year of turmoil.

Primett was speaking at the annual meeting at Bicester & North Oxford CC, with the executive committee having asked for a vote of confidence back in the summer.

"I thank all member clubs for their 100 per cent support," he said. "To have walked away after all the time and effort we had put in over the last 12 years would have been difficult for all of us.

In contrast to the rest of the year, the annual meeting passed without any fireworks.

However, there was a proposition from Kidlington, relating to the league affiliating to the England and Wales Cricket Board, which smacked of mischief- making.

And when it came up on the agenda there was mysteriously no-one from Kidlington to speak in support of it.

Primett said that as this was the case it had to be withdrawn.

But when the matter was raised later in the meeting, a discussion took place, although no action was taken with the proposition making little sense to clubs.

Primett revealed that The Oxford Times are set to sponsor the league for a further two years, subject to ratification by the executive committee.

With the league's finances also boosted by a £5,000 donation from the ball suppliers and fines showing an increase of more than 100 per cent, treasurer Jim Lodge's proposition that subscriptions should be slashed in half to £50 was well received.

Four new sides are set to enter the league next season - Oxford Downs 3rd, Great & Little Tew 3rd, Leighton Buzzard 3rd and Oxford 5th. Kidlington are set to resurrect their 4th XI, having scrapped it during last season.

Andy Smith (Banbury) and Luke List (Oxford Downs) have stepped down from the executive committee, with Clive Ricks (Cumnor) and Tariq Mehmood (Morris Motors) being elected.

OFFICERS ELECTED

Chairman: D Primett. Secretary: P Tomlin. Treasurer: J Lodge. Fixture secretary: J Pearson. Executive committee members: M Boyden, D Brooks, K Fido, G Stearn, K White, C Ricks, Tariq Mehmood.