League refutes pyramid claims

Cricket: 

SENIOR Central Lancashire League officials have hit back over suggestions the CLL isn’t receptive to the new pyramid system proposed for Greater Manchester.

The CLL didnt have a representative at a recent LCB-organised meeting at Old Trafford, at which clubs discussed the future of cricket in the county.

Over 50 clubs from 10 leagues attended and considered the possibility of setting up an Elite Division and other divisions, based on team strength and location.

Heywood stalwart Bobby Cross was concerned that CLL delegates were being asked to vote on the possibility of advertising for new member clubs at the league’s annual meeting later this month.

“Such invitations potentially harm other leagues and go against the co-operative principle espoused.”

But in a letter to the Chronicle, CLL secretary Alan Wright says he is concerned readers had been given a “false opinion” of the CLL.

“Regarding the meeting at Old Trafford on November 8,” he said, “this was for clubs and therefore

obviously our league officials did not attend.

“Some 150 clubs were invited to attend, but only 50 turned up which included eight from the CLL, which is quite a high percentage.”

The Chronicle understands that while the November 8 meeting was for the benefit of club representatives, it was also attended by officials from the North Manchester, Manchester and District, Lancashire County, Saddleworth, Bolton and Greater Manchester Leagues. The CLL and Bolton Association were the most notable absentees.

Mr Wright says: “Neville Fletcher, league chairman, has attended with either me or president Tom Williams all LCB meetings to which the league has been invited regarding the pyramid system.

“Neville and another league official will be attending a meeting at Old Trafford on November 20 to discuss the outcome of the November 8 meeting of clubs.

“At the special CLL committee meeting of clubs on August 6 there was a lengthy discussion about the pyramid system. At the league committee meeting on October 3 Neville told clubs all the information he had received from LCB meetings.”



::THE CLL is hoping to merge with another league: see tomorrow’s Chronicle