Flood of new clubs for league

CRICKET: SEVEN clubs have applied to join the Lake Garage Central Lancashire Cricket League in 2015.

Saddleworth, Heyside and Whalley Range from the Saddleworth and District League are believed to be among them.

Months ago CLL secretary Alan Wright placed advertisements in local newspapers at the league’s request, inviting applications. Seven clubs had answered by the February 17 deadline.

“I can’t name the seven,” said Mr Wright. “I have written to the leagues they come from and they have not yet responded. One obvious problem, for example, would be if there was money owed to a league.”

The CLL has appointed a five-man sub-committee the applicants in the next month.

“We will be inspecting grounds, wickets, sight screens, machinery etc and meeting representatives,” added Mr Wright. “Assuming there are no problems, the management committee will make their recommendations to league delegates.”

If all are approved, the CLL could face a juggling act in 2015 with 23 clubs playing in the Premier Division and Championship. This would mean an odd number of teams in one division, meaning one club would have an open date on any given date.

Mr Wright said the prospect of an odd number of teams wouldn’t affect the CLL’s thinking