The Minor Counties Championship 1902

5 expressed the view that to discourage draws, the calculation should be based on all matches played not just those where points had been awarded. After discussion, the meeting decided to endorse the view of the captains and base the calculation on all matches played, including those where no points had been awarded. MCC Experiments – Percy de Paravicini moved the following resolution, which had also gained the support of the captains the previous day: “The Minor Counties, being of the opinion that there is considerable difficulty in making any alterations to ‘The Laws of Cricket’ with the object of reducing the number of drawn matches without having any proposed alteration tried over a series of games, now express their willingness to give a trial in their Second Division Competition matches during the season of 1902 to any experiment recommended by the MCC Committee.” In introducing the resolution, Percy de Paravicini said that there was general support to do away with the high preponderance of drawn games and the only way was to conduct some experiments to see if proposed changes worked in practice and should be adopted. The suggestion, which he brought forward in Buckinghamshire’s name, had originated from Arthur Croome, the former captain of Berkshire. Francis Lacey, the MCC Secretary, had given an undertaking that due notice would be given of any proposed experiments to enable the second division counties to consider further the feasibility of introducing them. The resolution was seconded by Percy Mainwaring. ‘Pat’ Darnell objected to the resolution on the grounds that such experiments should be made “by the MCC on their own ground before their own eyes. The Minor Counties should not play ducks and drakes with their own competition for the benefit of the first-class counties, who for their part would not consider a scheme for promotion”. It was pointed out that the proposal originated from the Minor Counties, not the MCC. Others present spoke in favour of the resolution, which could be seen as “a gracious act on the Minor Counties part” and would demonstrate at large that the Minor Counties had an organisation of their own to run their affairs, which was more than could be said of the first-class counties. The resolution was passed with Pat Darnell as the lone dissentient. It was then unanimously resolved on the motion of Percy Mainwaring, that any proposition from the MCC with respect to trial experiments be considered by all members of the Association and not just the Emergency Committee. The Grouping of Counties – In accordance with the request made at the previous Annual Meeting, the Emergency Committee had met to reconsider the issue of the grouping of counties, which was regarded as necessary if a meaningful system for promotion was to be developed. This had received careful consideration, but the Committee had been unable to come to an agreement on any scheme to recommend to the Annual Meeting. Pat Darnell is believed to have argued that it was essential that such a scheme be developed - the suggestion being that the winners of each group played each other to decide the Championship - if the objective of having a system of promotion to the First-Class County Championship was to be achieved. He urged the Emergency Committee not to give up on the idea. The Finances of the Association – The finances were reported as being sufficiently satisfactory for it to be unnecessary to call upon the clubs for contributions for 1902. Hon Secretary and Emergency Committee – With a vote of thanks, Harry Mallett was re- elected as Hon Secretary and the old Emergency Committee was re-elected with Bedfordshire replacing Cambridgeshire. Fixtures – The fixture list for the Championship was published in the sporting press the day after the meeting. The absence of Norfolk was expected, but there was some surprise that