Today I received a rather depressing but also exciting email from the League Secretary. Whilst the League situation is perilous, the proposals for changes in structure and a “proper” Twenty20 competition are definitely a step in the right direction.
Email in full…
“Dear People,
As you are all aware the ADCL is now down to ten Clubs after Shilbottle's early season resignation and if we continue to lose Clubs the Leagues future will be in serious jeopardy, a fact acknowledged by the Northumberland Cricket Board’s development officer, Ian Wardle, who has been in contact regarding this worrying predicament as the NCB do not want to see a "grassroots" league disband and disappear all together.
The Management Committee has taken the decision that all of the Alnwick and District Cricket League Clubs shall give a statement of intent with regard to 2010 season, each Club must inform me by Friday, 14th August of their continued commitment to play in the League next season or their intention to apply for membership of another league.
We have made this unusual request in order that we may propose and if passed, implement some changes for next season, changes that the Management Committee hopes will improve, make the season more enjoyable for the players, provide more interest for all and sundry and most importantly keep the League going.
Ian Wardle brought these ideas to our last Management meeting, he will be attending the League General Meeting in September to talk about these proposals to your Club representatives, thus giving everyone time to think them over, comment and vote on any changes at the AGM.
Briefly the idea is, if we still have ten teams, an 18 week League season, with a new T20 competition to be played half way through. There will be nine weeks of League fixtures, then a month of T20 followed by the rest of the League program. The intention is to ask two more teams to join the T20 competition, all games would still be played on a Saturday.
TWENTY20 FORMAT
The T20 would comprise of 4 weeks of cricket, the 12 teams would be split into 3 geographical groups of 4 with each team playing each other once during first 3 weeks of programme.
Following the 3 games, teams will be then allocated into finals days:
PREMIER LEAGUE FINALS DAY
1st placed team with best record vs 2nd placed team with best record
1st placed team with second best record vs 1st placed team with third best record
Final
With the same type of format used for a CHAMPIONSHIP and DIVISION 1 finals days, that way all teams get to play in a finals day.
Usual T20 rules will be used with 30 yard fielding circle, 15 yard catching circle, free hits, 4 overs per bowler etc.
NCB would provide coloured clothing to be used for the premier league finals days as well as pink balls to be used during the whole competition for all teams.
The proposed changes will be discussed in full detail at the General Meeting.
Please inform your Committee of this email at your earliest convenience regarding this most important of matters.
Yours Sincerely,
Stephen Mills
League Secretary.”
If anyone has any views on this please email us at rockcricketclub@yahoo.co.uk
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