Rethink needed on final venue

CRICKET: ALTHOUGH Sunday’s John Willie Lees Wood Cup final did not provide the outcome many local cricket pundits would have preferred, the day was a success.

Admittedly, one or two onlookers - clearly the worse for drink – made a nuisance of themselves, but there were no arrests and the CLL can be proud of their efforts in staging the event.

That said, there is always room for improvement and the one question I was repeatedly asked while walking around the ground surrounded the choice of venue.

Monton and Weaste did a fine job in hosting the final.

The ground was in good condition, there were sufficient drink and food outlets and car parking was not a problem.

But the venue from a geographical point of view was anything but ideal.

It made little sense that supporters from Royton and Middleton should be made to travel the best part of 20 miles when CLL grounds much nearer to both clubs could have been used.

Secretary Alan Wright explained that the final is staged on a rota basis and all host grounds must have contracts with the sponsors.

As paymasters of the competition, Lees rightly expect the latter requirement, but the setting of a venue 12 months in advance is a much more controversial issue.

I believe that, providing both finalists are supplied by Lees, a toss to decide the hosts – as in the Saddleworth League’s Tanner Cup – would make more sense.

Failing that, a venue resting halfway between the two finalists would be more acceptable. Milnrow immediately sprang to mind on this occasion.

Admittedly, much planning goes into the hosting of a Wood Cup final, but surely a month’s notice is enough for any club to make the necessary arrangements.

About 650 people turned up for Sunday’s showdown, which is a healthy figure.

But I have no doubt many more from Royton and Middleton would have attended had the game been held a taxi or bus ride away.

Next year’s final has already been earmarked for Ashton CC - hardly the league’s most luxurious venue - and can you imagine the problems that would cause for spectators should Monton, Clifton or Radcliffe get to the final?

It is time for the CLL’s management to have a rethink.


MONARCH Metals have agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Royton.

This follows the current one-year contract and a Royton spokesman said: “This is a major investment for the company and a decision that has not been taken lightly.

“They are fully behind our approach to make Royton one of the best teams, with one of the best grounds, in the CLL.”