League in merger approach

Cricket: 

THE Lake Garage Central Lancashire League could merge with the Lancashire League to form a powerful new cricket organisation.

Member clubs asked CLL chiefs to approach the Lancashire League in October. The Lancashire League is expected to give its response after a meeting on November 26 — two days before the CLL’s annual meeting.

The merger proposals are at odds with the continuing talks being held by clubs across Greater Manchester, many of whom attended a recent meeting at which an Elite Division and pyramid system was proposed.

Another meeting on Thursday will allow league representatives to give their views following talks with their clubs. But for now the CLL looks like it will pursue another course.

League chairman Neville Fletcher said the Lancashire League declined a merger 10 years ago, but declined. But he said a “different mindset” might now prevail.

He said: “Everybody acknowledges the needs for change, but these changes should be for the benefit of the majority.

“CLL clubs were unanimous in their view to approach the Lancashire League. We have done this orally and in writing and are awaiting their response.”



ALAN Wright received a standing ovation from fellow officials and guests after being presented with a retirement gift at the CLL’s annual dinner. Mr Wright will end his marathon stint as league secretary at the CLL’s annual meeting at Middleton on Friday week.

The 80-year-old became assistant to then-secretary Edwin Kay in 1973 and took over the secretary’s role in 1990.

CLL life member David Shepherd, who is to take over as league president at the annual meeting, outlined Mr Wright’s outstanding service to the league over his 42 seasons as an official.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to him,” he said.