CLL to review two-division plan

CRICKET: A MOVE to fast-track a two-division structure in the Lake Garage CLL has been defeated.

Norden proposed the change, to be introduced in the 2013 season, at the league's annual meeting at Middleton Cricket Club.

Member clubs voted 11-4 against Norden's plan and the two-division scheme is now in the hands of a special league steering committee, which will look into ways of taking the league forward on such a basis.

The committee will produce proposals for the March meeting of the CLL. If voted through, a two-division CLL could still be in force in 2013.

League president Tom Williams described the plan as one of the league's “most far-reaching" issues since it was formed in 1892. He urged clubs to study the plans put forward by the steering committee and exercise a considered vote at the March meeting.


ROYTON'S retention of Luke Procter as professional in 2011, despite his contract with Lancashire, meant the Paddock club had to field substitute professionals on many occasions.
That did not go down well with the CLL, whose Management Committee proposed a rule change which means clubs in such circumstances would be subject to fines if their paid player was unable to turn out on match days because of county commitments. It was also proposed that, in such circumstances, deputy professionals would not be allowed to play in Wood Cup matches and delegates at the annual meeting agreed in both cases.