Vote to decide Bamford’s fate

BAMFORD CC

BAMFORD Fieldhouse are bound for new pastures — if a vote goes their way.

They moved a significant step closer to quitting the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League after receiving a glowing report from the Northern League.

Officials visited Hollin Lane and it’s now up to the 13 member clubs to have their say through a vote later in the year.

If Bamford win, they will be competing against the likes of Barrow, Blackpool, Kendal and Netherfield in 2011.

John Cooper, secretary of the Northern League, said: “We went to look at Bamford’s ground and were impressed by the quality of it and the facilities.

“We informed the other clubs and told them to go back to their members and discuss it further.

“There is no rush for the vote as Bamford have until the end of June next year to resign from their league.”

Bamford have made no secret of their desire to end their 15-year association with the Saddleworth League.

They sent out more than a dozen letters to other competitions in July asking to be considered for entry if an opportunity arose.

They applied to join the CLL in 2005 and 2006, but lost out to Monton and Weaste and Clifton, respectively.

Bamford have dominated the Saddleworth League this season. They have already pocketed the Tanner Cup after victory over Uppermill last Sunday and are on the verge of a third straight title.

Although response from Northern League officials was enthusiastic, the sheer geography involved makes the outcome of the vote far from a forgone conclusion.

Bamford are more than willing to travel to Barrow and Netherfield — their nearest away game would be against Darwen — but are their opponents prepared to make the return trip?

Bamford chairman Andy Barton said: “If the offer is on the table, we’ll take it. The travelling involved is not an issue.

“The players want to play a better standard of cricket and we want to move this club forward.”

The Northern League have already accepted an approach from Lancashire for a Colts team from Old Trafford to play in the competition in 2010.

However, only the local sides will be playing for points, whereas Lancs, who won’t be included in the table, will use the games as a vehicle to gain valuable experience for their up-and-coming youngsters.