As expected, last night's ESCA AGM was somewhat inconclusive and there will probably have to be an SGM before next season. Here's what we don't know -
- The composition of ESCA's top flight - The West meet on Thursday night to decide their response to changes in the National League (ie the move from three divisions with 32 teams to two divisions with 20 teams). As things stand, I think nine of the twenty clubs in the continuing National League are from the West. The West agm may decide to ask all of them to withdraw from the National League, but, if it does, not all of them may agree. If any West clubs withdraw from the National League, it is anticipated that they will be replaced by some of the seven East teams who were in the National League last year and who will otherwise join the top division of the East League. To add a little further complication, one of those seven, Falkland, will wait until after the West's vote to decide whether to join the East or the Strathmore; and Edinburgh 1sts will only be readmitted to the East's top flight if they can secure a home venue acceptable to the ESCA committee by the end of the year. All clear?
- The rules for the top flight - A number of the teams who may be coming down are keen to make sure that they are on the same footing as teams in other Leagues who aspire to (re)joining the Nationals. The most pressing issue seems to be whether they would be allowed two overseas players (only one is currently allowed in Div 1), but they may also want to try to change some of the playing conditions, in particular by introducing fielding circles, even though a motion from Carlton to introduce these was overwhelmingly defeated last night. Changes would require a special general meeting.
And here's what we do know -
- Three new teams were admitted to the League - Morton 3rds, SMRH 4ths and Edinburgh South 4ths. It is anticipated that Edinburgh South 3rds and 4ths will play on a new artificial wicket at the Inch, although this may not be available immediately at the start of the season.
- Two teams were readmitted to the League - Edinburgh 2nds and 3rds. (Musselburgh 3rds were also reelected).
- A number of Borders teams have expressed interest in joining the East - There are currently seven 1st XIs in the Borders League. One (Langholm) is joining an English league. Between three and five of the remaining six are said to be interested in joining the East. None of them is thought strong enough to be likely to feature in the top couple of divisions and none of them will bring their Reserve teams with them. A special general meeting will be required to approve entry.
PS - Many thanks to the East Committee for all their hard work over the last year. Thanks also to ESCA President, Bruce Dixon, for noting the passing of the great JLRB in his report to the agm.
PPS - I've disabled comments on this post to avoid generating a massive Rampant Lion-style thread. If you have any thoughts on the above, send me (but, please, not the whole club) an e-mail.
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