Tapp steps down as president

GARY TAPP is stepping down as Guernsey Cricket Association president. After three years in the role, he has announced that he will not be seeking re-election at the association's annual meeting.

He believes it is time for fresh ideas and he wants to stand aside before his enthusiasm runs out.

He said, though, that it was a hard decision.

'When Micky Fooks asked me if I'd ever considered standing as president, I laughed, but after talking it through with Dave Fisher, I decided I'd like to put a little back into cricket,' said Tapp .

'Since that decision in October 2000, it has been a large part of my life. I owe it to my family to take a break, but there was a lot of thought put in before I reached this decision.

'I have enjoyed it very much. Last year's inter-insular win in particular gave me a lot of pleasure, but in reality, with only one or two exceptions, I have enjoyed all three years.'

Tapp has overseen many transformations in local cricket including the re-structuring of the leagues and several major sponsorship deals.

He is keen to emphasise his appreciation to the many people, from committee members to groundsmen, who have helped make the development of the local game possible.

'The GCA had, and still has, a lot of potential to move forward. All we did was tap into that potential,' said Tapp.

'We have 200 more people playing now than three years ago, an active ladies' team who participate in the leagues, more juniors playing than ever before and, thankfully, more volunteers to assist in running the teams.

'In addition, we have restructured the finances of the association and I would like to thank all of the sponsors without whom none of the advances could have been achieved.'

He added that he was satisfied with the state he has left the GCA in for his successor.

'We set out what we had to do and what we wanted to do and largely, we have achieved it.

'There are always little things you try which don't always work and I am the first to admit we haven't always got it right. But the committee is open for constructive comments and there is always the opportunity for others to come on board and assist the work.'

He also had a word of advice for whoever his successor happens to be.

'You have to have good people around you. I was fortunate to have some very capable people willing to put a lot of hard work in and thankfully many of these will continue if voted in at the next AGM.

'I believe cricket needed to change and still does. We need to find two new grass wickets in the near future and we need to secure the means to keep them in good condition.

'I think this should be one of the key areas the next president should concentrate on.'

At January's annual meeting, the committee will be under going a significant overhaul as weekend cricket representative Richard Headington has also decided not to seek re-election. He has also held the role for three years.

'I always took it on as a three-year project and it is important to keep fresh ideas and new faces coming in,' said Headington.

'You can go stale if you are in the position for too long.

'Also, the next stage is potentially the Channel Islands League where we would be taking on something different so it is a good time for someone new to take over.