They think it’s all over, it is now [nearly].

As the cricket season struggles into the last weekend in September there are still issues unresolved. It is tempting to apply Rumsfeld’s famous formula.  There are the known knowns – things we know we know such as the matches where scorecards are submitted correctly. There are the known unknowns, matches that have taken place, but for which correct scorecards have not been submitted. And finally we have the unknown unknowns. These last include the three outstanding fixtures for this final weekend, the effect the matches will have on the tables given the known unknowns, and the final deliberations of the Open Competitions Committee as it tries to sort out the league structures for next year taking into account the desired number of teams per league, promotion and relegation from the 2014 season and clubs entering and dropping teams.

Confused yet? Let it serve as a warning that the tables below not only require confirmation of results in some cases but their ultimate impact on promotion and relegation will be subject to debate and wrangling within the OCC before there is white smoke on the structure of the leagues for next year.

In regard to the plans for next year it is never too early to start thinking about the number of teams your club will be entering into competitions.  If you are considering adding another team or indeed dropping a side, it is a good idea to tell the OCC of your plans as soon as possible. The more early information the OCC has the better.

This is also the time to think about any changes you would like to propose to the Open Competitions for 2015.  In this regard there have been comments from different quarters that consideration should be given to converting some of the lower leagues to T20 [and/or making new leagues T20] as a means to attracting more ‘time challenged’ players, who cannot commit to a full afternoon’s cricket, into the sport. For clubs with pressure on their ground this would also offer the possibility of staging two matches on a weekend afternoon.

Another suggestion that has been made, and not for the first time, is that there should be a play-off for the second promotion spot, at least between D1/D2. This is not something that could be introduced for next season [it would be unfair on existing teams] but perhaps this is something that might be decided on for a future date.

Pink balls were used in some competitions this season [they have been used successfully in womens cricket for a few years now] and there is a case for extending their use for all evening competitions.

The coverage of official umpires [currently required for D1 – D6] and how best to deal with those leagues that don’t have umpires from the LCU&SA is another issue that has generated some discussion during the season.

Finally, there is the issue of match reporting and the submission of scorecards.  This has been pretty hit and miss this season with the result that averages, tables and the ‘fantasy cricket’ series on performances across the leagues have all been adversely affected. Sending in results and reports is a chore – but the vast majority of clubs and teams seem to manage it each week. But these efforts, and that of those that compile the player statistics and league tables, are undermined if some teams don’t bother.

And there is a lot more besides. Individual comments are welcome but this is really a matter for the clubs. If you have thoughts on any of these issues you need to discuss them within your club and your club should then make its views known to the OCC and/or raise them at the forthcoming Leinster Cricket Union AGM.

And now at last to the [provisional] league tables. Also for interest a summary of Cup and T20 results as well.