Mountford to the rescue - re-arrangements stay

IN A final twist to the re-arrangements saga, clubs were told last night that they would have their wish and postponed Barclays Evening League fixtures will be re-scheduled. At the Guernsey Cricket Association's AGM at the Cobo Bay Hotel, it was announced John Mountford had stepped forward to take on the duties of re-arrangements secretary.

The news meant that clubs were given exactly what they voted for at November's extraordinary meeting, namely a return to a ladder league structure with re-arrangements.

'We have got the Evening League pretty much how everyone wants it to be. The major rankles people have had have been resolved in going back to a ladder league format,' said new GCA president Mark Latter, who, as expected, officially succeeded Dave Nussbaumer last night as an unopposed nomination.

'We have the issue of re-arrangements sorted out and I wish to thank John for agreeing to take on the role. Hopefully the clubs will respect the decision he has made and work with him for their benefit.'

With Mountford, who earlier this year received the Les Collins Memorial Trophy for the voluntary work he does in sport, on board it ensured that the re-structured Evening League will comprise of six divisions, each consisting of eight teams. Every side is guaranteed 14 matches over the season.

However, as the voting on those issues took place back in November, the rest of the annual meeting passed by with very little discussion.

With the exception of Nussbaumer, the committee was returned en bloc and Latter is looking forward to the challenges of the 2005 season.

'The biggest thing is that we can continue to provide people with an opportunity to play cricket to whatever level they want, whether they be social players or those looking to represent the island,' he said.

'The committee wants everyone to get full value for money and the best facilities we can offer.

'We are always open to suggestions. It is the clubs' league, but someone has to organise it and as long as they remember that I am sure we will get on famously.'