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Below - your questions answered.
1. Why should we do this?
It is the next stage of development for the club, we now have players who are not getting a competitive game regularly on Saturday due to not being in the top 22 players available. We have a good crop (about 8) of u'15 enthusiastic players several of whom have played 2nd team this year and another group of u'13's coming through. It is important these players develop, the alternative is that we will lose them to other clubs or worse to cricket altogether.
2. Why should we do this now?
If we don't do it now we may never do it. This group of players at u15 level will have the great excuse of GCSE's in 2005 and we may never get them 'into' the game again! Once we start a 'conveyor belt' from the youth sides it becomes routine.
3. We sometimes struggle to put a team out for the seconds, how are we going to do it for the thirds?
It's true we have had this problem, but I think we can overcome it - we just need to be better organised
i) Pick the teams earlier.
ii) Pick 12 men for 1st team (12th man is also in 2nd team but moves up if needed).
iii) Pick 13 men for 2nd team (includes 12th man above plus extra from thirds)
iv) Pick 12 for third team (including 2nds provsional 12th man).
v) Plan for 'peak' periods better when we know we may be short - Bank Holidays etc.
vi) Obtain a list of players who will play in extremis and use this offer more regularly.
4. Won't you need at least 50 playing members to run a third team?
Yes, here is a list of 58 committed players assuming no unexpected departures!.
We lose Olsen. When you look at that list - it can be done! ( list removed for obvious reasons)
5. Who will run it - won't you need a captain and some 'senior' players to make it a success.
Yes. We have a volunteer to captain the team and possible Vice captain. Several 2nd teamers this year have missed out on a game due to not being picked so they could help too. Ideally you would play between 4-7 adults and 4-7 juniors however it is important to recognise that the objective at this level is to play and get experience - its nice if you win but not essential.
6. Where will we play?
In 7C next this year there are 12 teams. My understanding of league rules - not confirmed - is that we must have a separate ground but if the opposition agree to it we can play at Duffield on a different day to Saturday. There are a number of Sundays and Bank holidays we could use for these games . As our other ground we are looking at the Polo, Osmaston.
7. Won't that put a strain on the Ground Committee?
Yes. But not too much I hope. The groundsmen do a great job as we know. We plan for 16 friendlies a year of which 7 have been fulfilled!!! If 7 are fulfilled next year (and we know the Gods are gone) then that leaves a number of 3rd team fixtures we could use Duffield for. Obviously the 3rds would use the previous days 1st/2nds wicket.The thirds would also bring some resource to assist.
8. Are there any alternatives?
Yes. someone has volunteered to organise and run a Wednesday evening team. We could try to play more friendlies to bring on the youngsters. We could run an u17's again and play many of our u15's at u17 level. Or a combination of any or even all of these. It is my view that all these options are inferior to running a third team.
9. What about the finances?
Looking at the accounts, for the first time in several years the club has got itself into a good financial position. Well done to everyone. Part of that has been due to extending the junior membership and getting the parents involved. They then become a source of revenue and a way of expanding the club. I would predict a 3rds would be at least self-financing and probably turn in a small profit.
10. What about practice facilities?
Whether or not we run a 3rd team this is probably the biggest issue for the club. With only one net we are at overload already for our junior and senior sides practice, however, its "Chicken and Egg" - if we have a third team and some coaches and some decent facilities then players would certainly attend and maybe even pay! per hour for their coaching/practice session each week. Take any one thing from the equation and it doesn't work. People won't pay or even attend for poor facilities and they have to feel that any benefit gained from coaching can be 'put into practice' in a real game.
11. When must we apply by?
ASAP - no later than mid-Sept. Process from league info.
Summary
I propose we go for a third team next year, we have the momentum now and it is important to use it to carry us forward as a club. It will mean more work overall, but will also mean more resource to assist with that work.
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