The Spirit of the Game

    Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsbility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

    A question of balls

    by
    paul
    Published on 05-18-2010 01:35 PM
    5 Comments Comments
    OK folks, that time has come around again where we need to start looking into the way the league want to move forward with the choice of ball for the coming seasons.

    I mentioned at the spring general meeting that I would open this up for debate on the website.

    The current situation is this. This year is the final year of our three year contract with Dukes to supply the ball we currently use. Dukes have indicated to us that they wish to continue the deal we have with them to supply the same ball and provide some sponsorship to aid with the running cost of the league. The cost of the current ball is due to rise, exactly how much we have still to establish but I would guess around 10%..

    We have also been approached by RAM who are interested in supplying us with the match balls. We will be getting quotes and a few samples from them soon to pass around and trial so that member clubs can report back on what they think of them.

    There may well be other parties interested in supplying the ball and as and when they come forward I will update this thread.

    I would see the way forward that we either offer clubs the option to stay with the current ball and take the increase in price or a second option on a competitors ball such as the RAM ball and an as yet to be agreed deal. Clubs would vote on this at the AGM having had a chance to examine all options from here on in.

    Comments please, suggestions...questions?
    Categories:
    1. League News
    Comments 5 Comments
    1. andrewshields's Avatar
      We use RAM balls for junior cricket and some adult friendlies and they are very durable. As a company I find them eager to please.
      Reply
    1. pauly462's Avatar
      We have recentley purchased some nets for the Beach from RAM and found them very helpfull, Mark Iylott from RAM mentioned their contact with the HECL re cricket balls, His words to me were much to the effect that they would do what ever they can to help the HECL,he also mentioned they could supply RAM cricket products etc to the winners and runners up of all divisions of the HECL, They would require the league to be renamed the RAM cricket league etc etc....
      They could not make a money/ cash sponcership to the league, only RAM products etc,
      I seem to remember a suggestion coming from the floor of the spring AGM about maybe the runners up of divisions also getting trophies etc as a prize,Maybe a deal with RAM could solve this??
      As for the quality of cricket balls he suggested he would supply some trial samples if required, maybe we should take them up on their offer and take things on from there? if the samples are not up to standard? then we move on,
      Maybe as a league with our 50+ clubs a deal could be stuck for all member clubs to purchase what they reqiure, ie personell cricket gear, ground items, nets, covers, etc at a better rate?? good for all ?????......
      Reply
    1. chay26y4u's Avatar
      Guys, I strongly recomend that you speak with Steve Lugg about the Lords Red Dragon ball. They are a great ball at a reasonable price.

      They keep there shape well and hold their shine for around 30-35 overs

      Reply
    1. paul's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by chay26y4u View Post
      Guys, I strongly recomend that you speak with Steve Lugg about the Lords Red Dragon ball. They are a great ball at a reasonable price.

      They keep there shape well and hold their shine for around 30-35 overs

      As things currently stand Lords International is not an option.
      Reply
    1. paul's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by pauly462 View Post
      We have recentley purchased some nets for the Beach from RAM and found them very helpfull, Mark Iylott from RAM mentioned their contact with the HECL re cricket balls, His words to me were much to the effect that they would do what ever they can to help the HECL,he also mentioned they could supply RAM cricket products etc to the winners and runners up of all divisions of the HECL, They would require the league to be renamed the RAM cricket league etc etc....
      They could not make a money/ cash sponcership to the league, only RAM products etc,
      I seem to remember a suggestion coming from the floor of the spring AGM about maybe the runners up of divisions also getting trophies etc as a prize,Maybe a deal with RAM could solve this??
      As for the quality of cricket balls he suggested he would supply some trial samples if required, maybe we should take them up on their offer and take things on from there? if the samples are not up to standard? then we move on,
      Maybe as a league with our 50+ clubs a deal could be stuck for all member clubs to purchase what they reqiure, ie personell cricket gear, ground items, nets, covers, etc at a better rate?? good for all ?????......
      We have been in contact with Mark over the last few months and he is dropping some of their balls off to us in the next week or so. We intend to get them to some clubs that can provide us with some balanced feedback.

      On a personal note I have found RAM a decent company to deal with and when problems have occurred they have reacted positively.

      There has been some talk about options on a "sponsorship" arrangement. Should that be the case we would offer it to clubs at the AGM alongside the Dukes agreement what ever that may be..

      I was hoping to get some feedback on the ball itself as that is the MOST important aspect of the whole deal. Ultimately the sponsorship deal is only about covering the running costs of the league, Handbooks, trophies, website and other relatively small overheads but we DO need to cover those costs.
      Reply