Grounds a priority for new head

DAVE NUSSBAUMER emphasised the importance of establishing partnerships when he became the new Guernsey Cricket Association president last night. As expected, the former Cobo Cricket Club president took over from Gary Tapp, who stepped down after three years in charge at the association's annual meeting at the KGV and immediately set his sights on developing the game further on the island.

On his list of priorities is ensuring that any new grass squares and the current ones are maintained properly.

'While I am delighted that we are going to get more grass wickets, it has to be a case of how we fund their upkeep,' said Nussbaumer.

'It has got to be a partnership. It is not just about the GCA. It is also about working with people such as Elizabeth College, States Recreation, the KGV.

'What we need to sort out is someone who is going to look after these facilities and ensure they are maintained.'

Nussbaumer also paid tribute to his predecessor Tapp, who actually missed his final meeting at the helm because he is in Palm Beach.

'I want to carry on from the successes that Gary has achieved in his three years. He certainly had a different style of leadership than I will have during my time, but he has done a lot for cricket on the island.

'One of the most important things is the development of youngsters and we have boys playing for county sides and one on the verge of getting West of England selection. It shows we are doing things right,' Nussbaumer said.

He has not put a limit on the length of his tenure, but just said: 'I have a love for cricket and I want to see the game in Guernsey achieve all it can'.

The annual meeting itself was unremarkable on the whole.

With regards to proposed Evening League rule alterations, there was no support for the retention of the free hit rule or a change to eight-ball overs.

As expected, promotion and relegation issues will revert to be decided by play-offs.

The conference structure league format will stay in place for the 2004 season, after which it will be reviewed.

New GCA weekend cricket representative Dave Piesing informed members that with discussions with Jersey over a Channel Islands competition on going and Guernsey's own competitions facing possible changes, he will hold a meeting with clubs in a couple of weeks to finalise plans for 2004.