The revised Cricket Board Constitution is now virtually approved and at last the Cricket Development Plan has been presented in its various sections by the separate committees.

This is an important step forward and you will be hearing much more of the practical outcomes of the plan as time goes by. We must all be mindful that the Constitution and Plan sections are part of evolving, living, action documents. I detect a growing understanding, by all sections of the game, of the others’ continuing achievements.

We have a continuing and worsening problem within our game at all levels, and it is that of discipline on the field and around the boundary for that matter. Perhaps we should not be surprised when we look at some of the behaviour in the professional game.

The constant sledging, the senseless appealing, the eyeballing, the crude and offensive language and gestures are everywhere and seem to be condoned at some levels. It has been an affront for us to hear of uncontrolled behaviour in league and non-league matches, and now we have examples of varying degree in our own youth cricket competitions. It cannot, and will not, be allowed to continue.

Here we shall have the benefit of the Cricket Board, for the whole matter is to be examined quickly, and a united county-wide code will be put forward as soon as possible.

There are much happier aspects for us in Kent. In the recreational game we were proud of the efforts of the Board XI, who did well in the NatWest and “almost” in the other competition. The 50+ side did well to reach the national semi-finals and many of the youth sides have performed very well indeed.

Above all, you would want me to salute the supreme efforts of Linton Park and Invicta Ladies for their national achievements.

May I end by saying that clubs, through their Districts and centrally, will be given every opportunity to help to influence the progress of cricket development in Kent.