Upper Haugh Cricket Club were relegated in 2004 into SY2 where out 3rds play. The attached story though suggests the membership of division 2 for 2005 is far from clear......On Saturday 18th September Upper Haugh Cricket Club were scheduled to play Darfield in a match which influenced the Promotion situation in Division 1.
Contact was made by Upper Haugh with Darfield to state they would not be able to fulfil the fixture as they only had 8 First XI players available. Upper Haugh were then contacted by both the League Chairman and the Cricket Secretary and advised they must fulfil the fixture making their team up with second XI players if necessary. They were also advised that the clubÌs membership of the League would be in jeopardy if the fixture was not fulfilled. Despite a further number of telephone calls with the Club secretary and members of the club, in which the serious consequences arising from their actions were stressed, not only did Upper Haugh not fulfil the fixture but their second XI continued to play their match with Whiston.
As a result of this Darfield were denied the opportunity to obtain the points required for promotion, suffered costs on the day and a significant loss of revenue next season if promotion had been obtained.
By their actions Upper Haugh displayed not only contempt for the League and its officials but also a fellow league club.
Prior to any decision being taken a meeting was held to provide Upper Haugh with the opportunity to discuss the events leading to their non appearance for the match concerned and advise the league of the ClubÌs actions and assurances to rectify this.
Unfortunately the persons who represented the club produced little evidence and no assurances. They advised that the Club was awaiting the LeagueÌs decision before action would be undertaken. They also advised that a club meeting had not taken place to discuss this, despite the gravity of the situation and knowledge that the actions of the club could affect their status in the League.
This is the first occasion in the LeagueÌs history where a first XI has not fulfilled a fixture and the second XI has played.
The Management Committee after full consideration decided unanimously that future participation by Upper Haugh in the South Yorkshire Cricket League would not be required.
Upper Haugh then lodged an appeal against the LeagueÌs decision. The League was advised that a club meeting had been held and in view of the seriousness of the situation both captains had been debarred from the club.
The Appeals committee met with Upper Haugh representatives and after listening to their submission concluded that the officials and players of the club were all responsible for its conduct in all matters and must bear the consequences of their action. They accordingly upheld the decision of the Management Committee and Upper Haugh will not be competing in the South Yorkshire League in the foreseeable future.
Jim Beachill
General Secretary