TWO long-serving members of the Timothy Taylor’s Craven League executive committee were honoured at the league’s recent annual meeting at Sutton Cricket Club.

League chairman Martin Burgess (Haworth Road Meths) was made an honorary life member, while Bradley’s Richard Webster who is standing down from the league’s executive committee after some 30 years’ service, will receive an inscribed glass plaque.

Neither were present at the meeting.

Burgess, who has also been the umpires’ appointments secretary, said: “I feel very honoured to be alongside some quality people who have already received this reward.”

Webster, who has been both the league’s treasurer and disciplinary officer in the past, admitted about the plaque: “This was a surprise and I want to attend either the executive committee meeting in January or the next full league meeting in March to say thank you.”

The inscription reads: “In recognition of over 30 years’ support of the Craven & District Cricket League. The League has benefited enormously from your contributions to its administration, financial management and development of grounds maintenance.”

It was also confirmed that Shazaid Yousef (Bowling Baptists) has joined the league’s executive committee.

Other than that, and Webster and disciplinary officer Rehan Ahmed standing down, the executive committee remains the same, but their honararia were increased.

Safeguarding officer Laura Ryder will receive £250 (up from £150), while the honararia for other paid members of the executive committee were raised by 10 per cent, reflecting their increased workload.

The league secretary (Peter Forster), treasurer (Chris Todd) and Play Cricket and media officer (Bill Marshall) will now receive £825, while the fixture secretary Ryan Judson and disciplinary officer (whose position is vacant) will get £165.

The disciplinary appeals panel will consist of Ron Wanless, Kath Gower, Miles Timperley, Steve Dalby and David Holdsworth.

Of the 17 proposed rule changes, 12 were passed and five defeated, with the latter including individual performances in matches involving ineligible players being declared null and void and a reduction of overs in league matches.

Among the proposed rule changes to be passed were earlier start times in September, an increase in umpires’ fees to £80 per match, more freedom over the use of loan players and making a distinction between matches that are abandoned due to weather or timed out (i.e. matches that go beyond 7.30pm).

Clubs were also invited to make their grounds available for cup finals, with Keighley hosting the Manorlands Plate finals day on Sunday, August 24, while Menston have also offered their main ground for a final.

League treasurer Todd reported a surplus on the year of £1,283 and reiterated that Timothy Taylor’s Brewery would again be backing the league in 2025.

All clubs were represented at the annual meeting apart from Airedale.