Manchester outfits set for big decision

Photo: Vincent Brown

Heyside are the T20 kings again! Heyside captain Ryan Barnes (front, centre) leads celebrations after his side retained the Saddleworth League Twenty20 title on Monday in a thrilling win against Moorside.

CRICKET: FOURTEEN could become 16 in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

League bosses are urging clubs to agree to admit South-West Manchester and Wythenshawe to the league. Delegates will be asked to vote at tonight’s monthly meeting.

If the vote goes their way, the teams will join fellow newcomers Whalley Range from the Manchester and District Association.

South-West Manchester’s ground is close to Whalley Range, while Wythenshawe play just off the M60 at Northenden. None are more than 30 minutes from the Oldham area.

If one or both are admitted there will be fewer free days in the fixtures - and more senior umpires will be needed to officiate. It could mean an earlier start and later finish to the season.

If 16 does become the league’s magic number, calls for a division system could follow.