Just wondering how much counties are charged for Alex Barless and Intercounties and is it the same/more/less than last year? I'm asking because it seems AENA is on a cost cutting excercise- last year for Intercounties umpires stayed at the Middlesborough Thistle (very nice it was too!)- this year we're at the Travel Inn! Or is it because counties pay less for their juniors?

Kirsten - I don't know the answer to your specific question but I do know that AENA has turned in a loss in each of the past two years therefore cost-cutting is very much the order of the day at the moment

Thanks Gordon- I wasn't sure about AENA's financial situation but it makes sense. They used to kick in a certain amount for the umpires' expenses but they're trying to keep costs down to what the teams/counties pay. A bit of bad luck for umpires in the North as the majority of national finals are in the south this year. Looks like I won't be going to Intercounties this year!