I am aware of discussions taking place both around the grounds and also on our own forum with regards to the Jack Hampshire Cup Competition. I thought that in the best interests of the League I should communicate the management's thoughts on this issue;

This competition is something we are very proud of; we believe it is one of the premier cup competitions in the region. With that in mind the management of this league will do all we can to preserve the integrity of this competition; we certainly do not intend to allow standards to drop.

It is our belief that all of our teams should compete in this competition and we will insist on this as criteria for membership of this League. Having listened to the thoughts of our membership we have reviewed certain aspects and I can inform you now that next season the first round draw will be held at the Annual General Meeting subsequent rounds will be drawn as soon as practicable at the completion of each round.

I feel it is also necessary for me to inform you that any clubs who do not fulfill their commitment to play in this competition will be the subject of strict disciplinary action and indeed their actual membership of our league may be brought into question.

Unfortunately one of our clubs has failed to fulfill their cup obligations this season. This is, in fact, the second time in 3 seasons that Woodkirk CC have concede a cup fixture due to their inability to raise a side. We simply will not tolerate this and as a result both teams will be excluded from next year's competition as per rule. However, in view of the fact that this was a repeat offence within a short time period, we did not feel this was sufficient deterrent and was almost considered ‘a price worth paying'.

A decision was therefore made that the first eleven will also have 18 points deducted with immediate effect.

As you may be aware similar action was taken when Stanley CC were deemed to bring the League into disrepute for failing to fulfill a Yorkshire Council Play Off fixture.

We feel very strongly that this is the correct decision, a decision made on behalf of all our member clubs. We as a committee need to protect the integrity of the League and its Cup competition. We must ensure that clubs fulfill all fixture obligations not to do so has a detrimental effect on that competition and we feel upon the League itself.