Anger as league deny Monmouth promotion (From Free Press Series)

Anger as league deny Monmouth promotion

MONMOUTH Cricket Club's second team have been denied promotion to the Flint & Cook Marches League Division 2, it has been revealed.

Last season, Monmouth's second team finished runners-up in the Marches League Division 3, and were looking forward to competing in Division 2 in the summer.

But the Marches League have just informed Monmouth that their second team's spot in Division 2 is being taken by Hereford City Sports Club, who have withdrawn from the Worcestershire County League.

The news is a disappointing blow to Monmouth Cricket Club, who enjoyed a magnificent season in 2003, including an historic league and cup triumph for their first team.

Club secretary and Marches League delegate Ian Morgan said Monmouth would be issuing an appeal against the league's decision.

Morgan said: "We have been told there is no formal right to appeal in this matter, but I don't think we can take this news lying down

"It is hugely disappointing for all the people at the club, who have worked so hard over the past two years. As a long serving member of the Marches Cricket League, our club does not deserve to be treated like this."

Marches League spokesman, Derrick Jones, said the league had to accommodate four new teams for 2004: Hereford City 1st and 2nds, Colwall 3rd and Bosbury.

And, after much debate, the Marches League executive committee decided to evoke rule 4.15, meaning that Monmouth 2nds will remain in Division 3 for the 2004 season.

He said: "It was not too difficult to place the last three teams, but Hereford City 1st posed a problem.

"We did not feel they should be placed into Division 1 because of the apparent loss of players from the club.

"We believed that Division 3 would be too low, because Hereford still have a useful side with an overseas player."

Jones accepted the decision would be a blow to Monmouth, but hoped the club could come to terms with it and try to achieve the divisional championship in 2004.

But Morgan added: "It's simply not fair that someone like Hereford City can walk into the league at Division 2 level.

"This decision gives off the wrong signals to all the other clubs in the league - and it has left us stumped!"

Meanwhile, Monmouth Cricket Club's annual general meeting for 2004 takes place on Thursday, January 22 at 7.30pm at Monmouth Rugby Club.