Steering group chief speaks out

CRICKET: Leagues that continue to work alone will only hurt the grassroots sport says Martin Kay, chair of the Greater Manchester Cricket League Steering Group

He was outlining his thoughts on the prospect of a local competition based on a Premier League structure, with relegation and promotion.

The Central Lancashire League, Saddleworth and District League, Bolton League, Bolton Association, North Manchester League, Lancashire County League, Manchester and District Association and Greater Manchester Amateur League have all agreed to set up a steering group to investigate the idea.

The Bolton Association management committee has since withdrawn, but its clubs continue to be included in the working parties.

By the middle of the summer, Kay reckons, everyone will have a “greater understanding” of how one competition would operate.

He said in a statement: “I’ve always held that working together is always the best way. It’s the most complicated way of working and sometimes not the fastest, but the process generally brings the best rewards.

“Over the past two years, I have witnessed Westleigh Methodists, Robinsons, and Cheetham Hill all close, and with serious rescue plans in place at both Elton Vale and Irlam, I anticipate others requiring this dedicated support very soon.

“The sad demise of the Manchester and District Cricket League was the catalyst for the joint work that we are seeing.

“My belief is that by June all leagues and clubs will be in a much clearer position, allowing for some informed choices.

“Early last year three of our senior leagues were looking to expand, but where would theextra clubs come from? Simple: from each other’s leagues - a crazy way of working.

“ Why not accept the problems as a group of leagues, strengthen all league structures together and look to do something really creative and exciting? Surely that is the way?