Heyside stand alone

WHALLEY Range, one of three clubs to apply to the CLL, did so to “cover our backs”, said chairman Mike Hill.

Cricket:

SADDLEWORTH and Whalley Range have withdrawn their applications to join the Lake Garage Central Lancashire League.

This leaves Heyside as the only club from the Saddleworth league to continue.

The decision of Saddleworth to pull out was partly down to a meeting at Old Trafford with representatives of eight leagues.

Concerns were raised over issues currently facing the game - such as clubs folding or switching to other leagues.

Saddleworth CC secretary Graham Oldham said: “The original vote to apply to the CLL wasn’t unanimous and when other information came to light, we thought it in our best interest to stay in the Saddleworth League.

“With three new clubs there is a lot to look forward to this season; it should be very interesting.”

Whalley Range are counting down to their first summer in the Saddleworth League. They were members of the Manchester and District Cricket Association, which folded last year.

Chairman Mike Hill said they chose to apply to the CLL to “cover our backs”.

He explained: “We didn’t want to be members of a league in decline. That’s why our application to the CLL went in. When we found only two other clubs from the Saddleworth League had shown an interest, we felt much better.

“Also, the CLL have proper pros, who require serious money. We would sooner spend the money developing our ground and facilities.”

Over the next two weeks, the CLL will inspect applicant clubs. The Chronicle understands no club from the Lancashire County League or North Manchester League are among them.



THE group draw for the Lancashire Inter-League Colts competitions has been made.

The CLL is away to the Liverpool Competition (June 8) and the Bolton Association (July 13) and plays host to the Saddleworth League (August 10).

Saddleworth League is at home to the Bolton Association (June 8) and the Liverpool Competition (July 13).