FIXTURE SECRETARY JOHN PALMER’S REPORT TO THE 2026 AGM
As far as I was concerned, 2025 all went pretty well with much better weather than the previous year. Hardly any matches were rained off.
Congratulations to all the clubs that did well and commiserations to those not so fortunate (including first time champions Sinclair seen celebrating at the League’s annual dinner in November).
Ten clubs had fines imposed for rule transgressions, mostly early in the season. Most concerned unregistered players but there was one instance of a rained off match not being rearranged within 28 days.
As already mentioned, we also had the SCGBA appeal, the outcome of which has prompted a few minor rule changes. Do bear in mind one of those (to rule 7) will mean that ‘unticked’ players will be deemed to be unregistered and a fine will be imposed. In the past, I’ve simply ticked them for you. So make sure you get your ‘ticks’ in order!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following:
- My fellow league officers for continuing to ensure that the league runs smoothly.
- Mike Beckett for his help and support in maintaining the Results Service.
- All the club captains and secretaries who I’ve had dealings with over the last year. I’ve received over 800 emails and sent around 450 plus a few texts and Whatsapp messages.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season . . . .
I’m not going to speculate too much until we’re sure what the situation is regarding applications and resignations, the deadline being 48 hours before the March meeting (i.e the end of February). We gave a lot of thought last year about possible scenarios, most of which didn’t actually transpire.
What we do know however is as follows:
- Horsehay were relegated from the Premier League and our rules state that we must offer them a place in division 1. If they take it, we could have 13 teams in that division. That would require running the season from Friday 3rd April to Friday 25th September and one Wednesday fixture as Rob wants to run the one of the senior merit qualifiers on Friday 8th May.
- Horsehay have also asked about entering a third team on a Monday. As they’ve only got one green they suggested playing their home matches on a Wednesday but my fellow officers believe that this would be totally impractical.
- SJB would like to enter a team in the Saturday league. This would bring the total to 7 (and Bridgnorth too).
- Today, Shifnal asked to enter a team in the Thursday Afternoon league. Total teams would now be 10.
- Horsehay would like to enter a team in the Dennis Lewis Thursday league. This would bring the total to 14 although I’ve heard that there’s some doubt about SJB’s B team.
- The Monday divisions with more than 12 teams (divisions 5 & 6 last year) would have the same issue with extra Wednesday fixtures. Easter Monday is 6th April so they wouldn’t start until the 13th.
You’ll appreciate that I’m going to be busy just before, during and after the March Executive meeting and there are decisions that will have to be taken then.
Therefore, I’d appreciate any more updates from clubs regarding new teams, teams dropping out, green changes, special requests and potential clashes with leagues other than the Premier, sooner rather than later.
As in previous years, if I hear nothing from a club, I’ll assume that everything will be the same as last year but confirmation as soon as clubs are aware of their circumstances will help me.