Clubs voted to retain the status quo on both the contentious issues of rearrangement of games due to bad weather and the rules concerning both professionals and overseas players at the Jolly's Drinks Cornwall Cricket League annual meeting held at Truro Cricket Club.

After a lively debate the voting saw 57% in favour of continuing with rearranging games outside of the Premier League. The gap between those clubs for and against continues to narrow though and, in the closest vote on the issue for a number of years, it would only have needed a handful of the 72 clubs present to had changed their views in order to bring in non rearrangement for the first time.

The issue of professionals and overseas players was more clear cut with a proposal to completely lift the present limitations being well defeated. The existing rules remain with clubs, in the Premier League and County Division 1 only, permitted to play just one paid player, who must be qualified to play for England. With regards to overseas players those wishing to play in the league must continue to be resident in Cornwall before applying to the league for clearance. In addition to completing a league form they must also demonstrate that they are either in remunerative employment or of independent means from sources not connected with cricket before being given permission to play.

One alteration that was passed was that fielding circles will be introduced into the Premier League for 2004. Clubs voted in the proposal from Grampound Road that will see a minimum of four fielders plus the bowler and wicket-keeper inside a 30 yard circle for the entire innings. This was in favour of an alternative proposal on offer that would have applied to the first 15 overs only, as in national and international one-day cricket. The preferred option takes "pinch hitting" out of the equation thus allowing batsmen to play a more natural game.

Other proposals passed were that the composition of the divisions may not be altered after the AGM in future, the Vinter and Hawkey Cups to be played under a single set of rules and that the failure for Premier League clubs to provide a competent non-playing scorer will result in a two point penalty. However proposals to extend the scheme to gradually introduce both non playing umpires and scorers throughout the divisions, phased in over a number of years, did not find favour. Also voted out were that matches start at 1.30pm from mid August and the introduction of fielding circles in County Division 1. The status quo remains after a tied vote of 6-6.

The newly appointed County Child Protection Officer for cricket in Cornwall, Mr Graham Neve, addressed clubs on the issue. As part of an increased awareness from the ECB all clubs must have their own certificated Child Protection Officer by March 31, 2004.

The meeting also heard a presentation from former league chairman Keith Davis regarding the league centenary season in 2005. To celebrate the league are producing a special centenary book. Also planned are events including a 20/20 handicap midweek evening cup competition, to involve all clubs and cumulating in a Centenary Finals day at Truro. There will also be 40 over youth competition with a finals day at St Austell and a countywide throwing the cricket ball competition on a regional basis with the final incorporated into the Centenary Finals Day.

Grounds committee chairman Bruce Nicholls congratulated clubs on a general improvement and drew particular attention to the 20 clubs who had averaged above eight marks for each of their pitches, squares and outfields. He hoped all clubs would send representatives to the inaugural Cornwall Association of Groundsmanship meeting to be held at Truro CC on the new date of Friday, February 6, at 7.30pm

Former Gorran and Cornwall bowler Archie Smith presented a new trophy, in his name, for the outstanding Under 19 player to Alex Tunnadine of Menheniot. Neil Ivamy of Newquay won the Clive Osborne Trophy for the outstanding young eastern bowler. Grampound Road won the Bradley Trophy for leading batting average in the Premier League with Newquay taking the Littlejohns Trophy for the Bowling Award.

League President Col. Ronnie Potts paid special tribute to chairman Jan Vatcha, who had died suddenly over the New Year. Vice-Chairman Bruce Nicholls is currently filling the post with it being agreed, by the meeting, for the management committee to make formal appointments. Retiring Committee member Tony Barbary of Mawnan was made a vice-president as was Cornish Crusaders' president Michael Williams.

The main officers were all re-elected unopposed: President Col. R. W. Potts; honorary secretary, M. Evans; asst. secretary K. Goldsmith; honorary treasurer, J. Spry; asst. treasurer, P. Moores.