Lake Garage CLL; League ‘must not stagnate’

OLDHAM have become the latest Lake Garage CLL club to propose a shake-up in the league’s format.

And in the wake of an increasing number of clubs calling for change, CLL officials are to host a forum of clubs to discuss the future structure.

Oldham have joined Walsden and Middleton in advocating change as clubs are looking for ways to halt the decline in the popularity of local cricket.

The Pollards club would like to see six or eight new clubs recruited to form two divisions as they believe promotion and relegation would create added interest.

OIdham official Chris Mayer said: "We cannot afford to stand still and, in some people's eyes, stagnate.

"We would like to see 22 or 24 clubs split into two divisions as we believe it would be far more competitive with promotion and relegation."

Walsden have recommended the CLL be split into two divisions, but with the existing 16 clubs divided into two conferences.

Middleton, meanwhile, are advocating a new-look John Willie Lees Wood Cup, with the early stages played in four groups of four.

Oldham also believe the time is right to make the CLL an open league in which any number of players could be paid.

Clubs can currently only pay one professional, although there have been many allegations that some amateur players are receiving money.

Mr Mayer, speaking on behalf of Oldham, called for a special meeting to discuss the future direction of the league.

And CLL chairman Howard Dronsfield admitted member clubs had made a number of valid points.

He added: "It will be such a critical decision which way we go that I believe we need a special meeting.

"There will always be differences of opinions so we all need to discuss what we would like to see.

"When you bear in mind we are looking at something as serious as this, it will be too close to introduce changes next season.”