Sonn, Harrison in top posts

Percy Sonn was confirmed as president of the United Cricket Board on Saturday and for the next year he will have Richard Harrison of Northerns as his vice-president.

Sonn, who has acted as president since February when Ray White resigned, was elected unopposed at the UCB annual meeting on Saturday, but Harrison had to beat off four other contenders for his position.

The post of treasurer went to John Blair, who was also unopposed, and the three African representatives on the general council are Tim Khumalo, Dr Mtutulezi Nyoka and Gerald Majola.

In his address Sonn described the past year as South Africa's "annus horribilis", but he concentrated largely on the positive aspects of cricket in this country.

Blair, meanwhile, announced a profit of over R24-million, but he warned that the next three years could be lean financially as a result of the match-fixing scandal. He also issued a warning against financial indiscipline on the part of affiliates. In total R12 914 095 is on loan to the various unions, and Blair spoken out against the high salaries being paid to players and overseas professionals.

Maritzburg's application for first-class status was unsuccessful for the second year running.

The provincial representatives on the general council are: H Paulse (Boland), R Mali (Border), C Suliman (Easterns), F Potgieter (EP), C Robinson (Free State), G Ritchie (Gauteng), M Doherty (Griquas), R Kurz (Natal), B Foot (Northerns), M Gordon (NW), A Bloch (WP).

The new national selection panel will be named on Monday.