Clitheroe Cobras in the UAE: Day Seven and it's homeward bound (From Lancashire Telegraph)

looks like these young lads might struggle to break into the first eleven with all the new signings at chatburn rd

and the pre season banter begins...

OOO, currently out of the loop.. Who have they acquired Rishto?

The Dude wrote:
OOO, currently out of the loop.. Who have they acquired Rishto?

dibby and jack dew back, lemon and lord from nelson so my snitch informs me , everyone sorted with pros?? whove ribb and whalley got ??

Thought our freedom of speech had been taken away from us again. It has said comments were closed on this article all week.... Clitheroe could be a contender again then Rishto....Any comings and goings at Back Lane? Wonder if Earby got all their in house rumblings sorted?

lost a couple gained a couple so not to bad , think earby have lost a few unfortunately for them ,ribb dark horses few more s africans on the way?

I agree with Risky, Clitheroe will take some beating, from what I am hearing they appear to be only side which appear to the strengthening from last year?

Anyone know why no comments were allowed on the article on the proposed expansion?

Possibly at the request of the League Management I believe?

looks that way think it would have been good to hear about everyones views . whove whalley got as pro

Not sure of his name but i know that Whalley have signed an Indian all rounder who comes very highly recommended

Never mind new pro at Whalley Big Wal, what’s the latest with the rumblings at Applegarth?

Pinch Hitter wrote:
Never mind new pro at Whalley Big Wal, what’s the latest with the rumblings at Applegarth?

new 1st XI skipper is the lad who did the 2nds last year & Herbie is 2nd XI skipper. Azmat is coming back again as Pro which means that 6 of last years 1st XI will not be playing. Rishy, Ribb have signed Michael Erlank a young opening bat from Sth Africa. My money on Clitheroe.

Who are the 6 departures Wal?

Noticed in last night’s paper that the Friend brothers are heading for pastures new. Could be a hard season for Chucker and his men at Preston Old Road following on from the departure of his trusty first lieutenant.

Who is back-up keeper at Cherry?, their attack relies heavily on someone who can stand up.

Also from what ‘Pinch Hitters’ sources are telling him there could well an increased demand for brown envelopes at Stationers across the area as the season approaches?

Pinch Hitter wrote:
Who are the 6 departures Wal?

Noticed in last night’s paper that the Friend brothers are heading for pastures new. Could be a hard season for Chucker and his men at Preston Old Road following on from the departure of his trusty first lieutenant.

Who is back-up keeper at Cherry?, their attack relies heavily on someone who can stand up.

Also from what ‘Pinch Hitters’ sources are telling him there could well an increased demand for brown envelopes at Stationers across the area as the season approaches?

Crad, Clarky, Hainsy, Keggy, Aron Pollard & me. I also heard there has been an exodus from Cherry but they have kept turns as "coach" so thats good business from them and knowing chucker as i do i'm sure he'll be trying to get some new faces in. Think their pro and turns could be doing a bit of recruitment for them aswell

Have the much publicised improved Teas from last season not had the desired effect then.

Any word on the destinations of the departures?

heard a few rumours.
dewhurst,lemon,dibb to clitheroe.
mcintosh to hassy, rishton to padiham. Baldwin to ossy. Swindells to ossy. sharples to sailsbury. Jamill to edgerton. nutter to padiham.

Any truth to these rumours????

reckon 6 or 7 could be true village , two definately untrue, clitheroe look the team to beat but said that about read last year you never know .

Heard most of them apart from Nutter & Rishy to Padiham.

McIntosh more than a rumour, been announced in press he’s new Hassy VC.

Would be a good move for Swindles, get more opportunity in a weaker side plus Ossy have a good record of bringing youngsters through.

Think there may be more on way to Clitheroe from what I am hearing.

Are you able to tell me the ones that aint true Rishto? what chances do baxenden have this year???

yeh me and ben staying at bash ben will get more of a chance this year with lewis departing. think we will challenge again maybe a bowler short

Pinch Hitter wrote:
Have the much publicised improved Teas from last season not had the desired effect then.

Any word on the destinations of the departures?

Pinch, Yeah teas were good last year . . . . . it was my Mrs who was doing it so they will be back to stale, curled up ham butties in the dressing room again this season!! Enjoy!!
me & Crad playing at Steeton in Aire wharfe, Clarky cant commit due to work, Hainsy in NZ and believe that Aron & Keggy are back at Colne.

Big Wal wrote:

Pinch Hitter wrote: Have the much publicised improved Teas from last season not had the desired effect then. Any word on the destinations of the departures?

Pinch, Yeah teas were good last year . . . . . it was my Mrs who was doing it so they will be back to stale, curled up ham butties in the dressing room again this season!! Enjoy!! me & Crad playing at Steeton in Aire wharfe, Clarky cant commit due to work, Hainsy in NZ and believe that Aron & Keggy are back at Colne.

gettin paid wall??

Pie and Pea league wally?

rishto wrote:

Big Wal wrote:

Pinch Hitter wrote: Have the much publicised improved Teas from last season not had the desired effect then. Any word on the destinations of the departures?

Pinch, Yeah teas were good last year . . . . . it was my Mrs who was doing it so they will be back to stale, curled up ham butties in the dressing room again this season!! Enjoy!! me & Crad playing at Steeton in Aire wharfe, Clarky cant commit due to work, Hainsy in NZ and believe that Aron & Keggy are back at Colne.

gettin paid wall??

Nice to see Big Wals as out of touch as he was all last season, Aaron and Martin Kegg have commited to Earby this year, they were going if you were skipper again, but "the lad who did the 2nds" whose name is Pete Baistow!! got in touch and they both said they wanted to stay, obviously you have shown the same loyalty as you have over the years, jumping from one club to another. I presume as a talented cricketer such as yourself has gone to play pie and pea cricket there must be money changing hands, as for Crads saying he was leaving to go to Nelson to try aa higher standard and then turning up with you at Steeton, well words fail me!! to have a go at the tea room is very underhanded too, as the balance sheet showed the monies handed over were down last year dramatically and as there is a budget, the ladies 'volunteering' to run the tea room deserve thanks not comments about stale sarnies etc. All reports around from the club are that despite the obvious loss of talented players, the atmosphere and spirit is vastly improved and you never know, the skipper may even have the courtesy to speak to the professional this year. All the best Wal ..... good riddance.

Come on guys .

There has clearly been some issues at Earby CC and surely that is their business .

Fair play it is all very interesting who is playing where ,but is there any real need to start slating the Aire Wharfe league ,where there is some pretty decent cricket played .

A close friend of mine spent many years playing for Rawdon .They like a number of clubs in the Aire Wharfe have some great facilities and lovely wickets and have produced players for the county .

The late Ken Snellgrove , and his son spent several years at Skipton CC . Ken was an excellent player representing Lancs many times . So lets all go easy with the pie and peas talk .

Good luck to Pete Bairstow ,i came across him last year and was a credit to Earby CC .

Cheers to all for 2012 .

Sorry Pete should have read Pete Baistow.
CHEERS

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Fred Booth passed away last night,
A sad day

Ron Walton

R.I.P. Fred .
A real Gent , you will be sadly missed .
CHEERS Ted .

RIP Fred.. A top bloke
& a true gent ..

Rest In Peace Fred. Put a lot of work in over the years to enable us all to play Cricket.

R.I.P fred thanks for all the hard work

HecticBigBoy wrote:

rishto wrote:

Big Wal wrote:

Pinch Hitter wrote: Have the much publicised improved Teas from last season not had the desired effect then. Any word on the destinations of the departures?

Pinch, Yeah teas were good last year . . . . . it was my Mrs who was doing it so they will be back to stale, curled up ham butties in the dressing room again this season!! Enjoy!! me & Crad playing at Steeton in Aire wharfe, Clarky cant commit due to work, Hainsy in NZ and believe that Aron & Keggy are back at Colne.

gettin paid wall??

Nice to see Big Wals as out of touch as he was all last season, Aaron and Martin Kegg have commited to Earby this year, they were going if you were skipper again, but "the lad who did the 2nds" whose name is Pete Baistow!! got in touch and they both said they wanted to stay, obviously you have shown the same loyalty as you have over the years, jumping from one club to another. I presume as a talented cricketer such as yourself has gone to play pie and pea cricket there must be money changing hands, as for Crads saying he was leaving to go to Nelson to try aa higher standard and then turning up with you at Steeton, well words fail me!! to have a go at the tea room is very underhanded too, as the balance sheet showed the monies handed over were down last year dramatically and as there is a budget, the ladies 'volunteering' to run the tea room deserve thanks not comments about stale sarnies etc. All reports around from the club are that despite the obvious loss of talented players, the atmosphere and spirit is vastly improved and you never know, the skipper may even have the courtesy to speak to the professional this year. All the best Wal ..... good riddance.

Blimey - seems like i've upset someone!! You obviously have no idea what you are talking about - tea room takings last year were nearly doubled from the year before and as for the spirit of the club - they arranged a players mtg and only single figures turned up!! Anyway whoever you are, all the best - you might even get a game in the 1st XI now half the team has left!!

Sorry to hear about Fred R.I.P.

Suprised over mcintosh for Hassy pinch thought Bash might have made a more of a effort to keep hikm on. Glad Rishton has decided to stay with bash he is a good figure to have in the league. Why do you feel it would be good move for swindles to ossy? its poor wickets dont see yoru logic in that pinch, surely bash will struggling with bowling this year. Has Swindles improved on his bowling?Me and other spectators always thought he was a batsman, can you share the views on this rishto? another rumour flying about Le breton back to clitheroe? looks to be a intresting league,shame about earby falling to pieces.

Just think that he would get the opportunity to bat a lot higher in the order and therefore more often. You can be playing on the best wicket in the world but if your down at number 8 watching Bobby help himself it won’t do you much good. Ossy’s wicket didn’t appear to hamper the emergence of Jones last year?

On a similar note interesting to note your reference to LeBreton returning to Chatburn Road. His recent move is a good example of young players needing to get the opportunity to bat and bowl. A young player moves to what is perceived as a club with higher standards and better facilities only to be frustrated by limited opportunities. Think he would have benefitted more opening the batting and bowling 15 overs a game at Clitheroe rather than spending a season watching Trigger toil away all afternoon.

Sad news about Fred.

Big Wal wrote:

HecticBigBoy wrote:

rishto wrote:

Big Wal wrote:

Pinch Hitter wrote: Have the much publicised improved Teas from last season not had the desired effect then. Any word on the destinations of the departures?

Pinch, Yeah teas were good last year . . . . . it was my Mrs who was doing it so they will be back to stale, curled up ham butties in the dressing room again this season!! Enjoy!! me & Crad playing at Steeton in Aire wharfe, Clarky cant commit due to work, Hainsy in NZ and believe that Aron & Keggy are back at Colne.

gettin paid wall??

Nice to see Big Wals as out of touch as he was all last season, Aaron and Martin Kegg have commited to Earby this year, they were going if you were skipper again, but "the lad who did the 2nds" whose name is Pete Baistow!! got in touch and they both said they wanted to stay, obviously you have shown the same loyalty as you have over the years, jumping from one club to another. I presume as a talented cricketer such as yourself has gone to play pie and pea cricket there must be money changing hands, as for Crads saying he was leaving to go to Nelson to try aa higher standard and then turning up with you at Steeton, well words fail me!! to have a go at the tea room is very underhanded too, as the balance sheet showed the monies handed over were down last year dramatically and as there is a budget, the ladies 'volunteering' to run the tea room deserve thanks not comments about stale sarnies etc. All reports around from the club are that despite the obvious loss of talented players, the atmosphere and spirit is vastly improved and you never know, the skipper may even have the courtesy to speak to the professional this year. All the best Wal ..... good riddance.

Blimey - seems like i've upset someone!! You obviously have no idea what you are talking about - tea room takings last year were nearly doubled from the year before and as for the spirit of the club - they arranged a players mtg and only single figures turned up!! Anyway whoever you are, all the best - you might even get a game in the 1st XI now half the team has left!!

Balance sheet apparently doesnt show that, tea room takings down somewhat, so where the double amount went the members may never know. And if four players leaving is half a team, then thays another bit of odd counting, but never mind, you chose to leave, which is fine, but at least have the courtesy to let them get on with sorting themselves without stirring up as much ill feeling as you seem hell bent to do.

village bike wrote:
Sorry to hear about Fred R.I.P. Suprised over mcintosh for Hassy pinch thought Bash might have made a more of a effort to keep hikm on. Glad Rishton has decided to stay with bash he is a good figure to have in the league. Why do you feel it would be good move for swindles to ossy? its poor wickets dont see yoru logic in that pinch, surely bash will struggling with bowling this year. Has Swindles improved on his bowling?Me and other spectators always thought he was a batsman, can you share the views on this rishto? another rumour flying about Le breton back to clitheroe? looks to be a intresting league,shame about earby falling to pieces.

ben is an allrounder really but his bowling has been limited with bobby and lewis sharing most of the overs , this year will be his big chance . Tip for top four bash ,barlick,clith and read with clitheroe slight favourites i think.

The Funeral of Fred Booth will take place on Monday 12th March at St Pauls Clitheroe at 11 45am

The Funeral of Fred Booth will take place on Monday 12th March at St Pauls Clitheroe at 11 45am

village bike wrote:
Sorry to hear about Fred R.I.P.

Suprised over mcintosh for Hassy pinch thought Bash might have made a more of a effort to keep hikm on. Glad Rishton has decided to stay with bash he is a good figure to have in the league. Why do you feel it would be good move for swindles to ossy? its poor wickets dont see yoru logic in that pinch, surely bash will struggling with bowling this year. Has Swindles improved on his bowling?Me and other spectators always thought he was a batsman, can you share the views on this rishto? another rumour flying about Le breton back to clitheroe? looks to be a intresting league,shame about earby falling to pieces.

Earby are not falling to pieces ! This season will be tough..But Im sure we will upset some teams & always have the Earby fighting spirit .. Our main aim this season is to blood some of our young kids & hopefully keep our 2nds in Div 1 ! ! Ali Azmat is one of the best pros in the league & has its his last year of a 2 year contract , Im sure he will be putting himself in the shop window , whether it's us who resign him or someone else !! Finally I would like to wish the players who have left to pastures new, a successful season ! !

someone won the lottery at edenfield??

I won a tenner last week if that counts

Heard a few rumours of new signings at Gincroft Lane, wondered what the attraction was?

‘Pinch Hitter Sources’ also understands that we can expect some last minute transfer activity between the Ribble Valley and the Cliffe?

care to divulge pinch ?? only signing ive heard at cliffe is ben dowling

Having played in the Aire-Wharfe for many years I have a feeling Big Wal and Crads will be pleasantly surprised by the standard. Steeton should suit you Wal, good track, short boundarys. Fairly unforgiving for bowlers though, I've seen 300 knocked off a few times. Give my regards to John Akrigg,a Steeton stalwart and a good lad too.

sir claude wrote:
Having played in the Aire-Wharfe for many years I have a feeling Big Wal and Crads will be pleasantly surprised by the standard. Steeton should suit you Wal, good track, short boundarys. Fairly unforgiving for bowlers though, I've seen 300 knocked off a few times. Give my regards to John Akrigg,a Steeton stalwart and a good lad too.

any news from barlick sir claude?? same team as last yr??

rishto wrote:

sir claude wrote:
Having played in the Aire-Wharfe for many years I have a feeling Big Wal and Crads will be pleasantly surprised by the standard. Steeton should suit you Wal, good track, short boundarys. Fairly unforgiving for bowlers though, I've seen 300 knocked off a few times. Give my regards to John Akrigg,a Steeton stalwart and a good lad too.

any news from barlick sir claude?? same team as last yr??

will pass on your regards Sir Claude. By no means expecting an easy ride as i know there are some good teams & players. we are back to the old discussion from last season - for me the standard of cricket amateurwise differs very little from league to league wherever you play its just that some clubs have more money than others to spend on pro's, facilities and equipment. I am very much looking forward to the new season in a different environment but will be keeping a close eye on the ribb league - my money on clitheroe they have signed some decent players and think their pro, if he is here for full season will get 100+ wkts & nearly 1000 runs. Thanks to Herbie for the well wishes.

A belated happy 2012 to all Ribb league posters and watchers. I hope all have a good 2012 season. chat burn rd looks like its been busy during the transfer window? They wil have very strong thirds and fourths with all the local youth and talent being forced to bide their time to get a 1st or 2nd team opportunity. also Seems we have a lot of change upon us regards to league 2013 set up. Be interested to get some constructive discussions regards to what's currently being planned. Im sure it will be very helpful for the league committee if the discussions are sensible and proactive. Andy Turner

APTurner wrote:
A belated happy 2012 to all Ribb league posters and watchers. I hope all have a good 2012 season. chat burn rd looks like its been busy during the transfer window? They wil have very strong thirds and fourths with all the local youth and talent being forced to bide their time to get a 1st or 2nd team opportunity. also Seems we have a lot of change upon us regards to league 2013 set up. Be interested to get some constructive discussions regards to what's currently being planned. Im sure it will be very helpful for the league committee if the discussions are sensible and proactive. Andy Turner

Couldn't agree more Andy, a sensible and proactive discussion on a newspaper comments section with people with more pseudonyms than MI5 agents is just what's required. I'd be interested to find out if you'd be happy skippering Read 4th X1 in the new set up?

Nice to see things have quietened off at Earby at last, New Skipper that has the support of the committee, and looks to have the backing of the players, practices have started and appear to be well supported, around the 20 mark for a March Sunday outdoors looks good. A couple of signings - Danny Kegg, after many years at Nelson and a brief spell at Barlick (anyone can make a mistake), plus a guy who played in Birmingham, played county 2nds in his youth. Return of a few old faces, and the club pulling together to get things back on track after a disappointing year in 2011. May be a re-building period but smiles around the place again. Good luck fellas for an enjoyable season. HBB

The Curator wrote:
Come on guys . There has clearly been some issues at Earby CC and surely that is their business . Fair play it is all very interesting who is playing where ,but is there any real need to start slating the Aire Wharfe league ,where there is some pretty decent cricket played . A close friend of mine spent many years playing for Rawdon .They like a number of clubs in the Aire Wharfe have some great facilities and lovely wickets and have produced players for the county . The late Ken Snellgrove , and his son spent several years at Skipton CC . Ken was an excellent player representing Lancs many times . So lets all go easy with the pie and peas talk . Good luck to Pete Bairstow ,i came across him last year and was a credit to Earby CC . Cheers to all for 2012 .

Apologies, you are right, i shouldn't slate any level of cricket, its more a case of playing in front of one man and his dog. But yes there are talented cricketers through all leagues and its a game we all love, was annoyed at things said on here which caused more ill feeling than necessary about what had been a poor year. All the best for the season all players and officials from all leagues. Your in Cricket HBB

stephenh wrote:

village bike wrote: Sorry to hear about Fred R.I.P. Suprised over mcintosh for Hassy pinch thought Bash might have made a more of a effort to keep hikm on. Glad Rishton has decided to stay with bash he is a good figure to have in the league. Why do you feel it would be good move for swindles to ossy? its poor wickets dont see yoru logic in that pinch, surely bash will struggling with bowling this year. Has Swindles improved on his bowling?Me and other spectators always thought he was a batsman, can you share the views on this rishto? another rumour flying about Le breton back to clitheroe? looks to be a intresting league,shame about earby falling to pieces.

Earby are not falling to pieces ! This season will be tough..But Im sure we will upset some teams & always have the Earby fighting spirit .. Our main aim this season is to blood some of our young kids & hopefully keep our 2nds in Div 1 ! ! Ali Azmat is one of the best pros in the league & has its his last year of a 2 year contract , Im sure he will be putting himself in the shop window , whether it's us who resign him or someone else !! Finally I would like to wish the players who have left to pastures new, a successful season ! !

Well said Stephenh, keep the pro happy and involved, a happy pro is a pro who will perform, and Ali Azmat is a top pro.

Dude, something as important as these changes needs unity. I'm as competitive as most on field but in this situation requires constructive discussion. Read 2nds will always be Read 2nds but you are correct in presuming I won't skipper in what potentially could be the 4th tier of the Ribb league. Many senior players and more importantly many decent youth players will end up in lancs league or on a transfer merry go round. For example if brinscal or belvedere were in 2nd tier of the of the senior league there power to take players from the two division below is massive. Yes the top league will improve with the new teams and yes meaningless end of season games will be at an end but that will be to the detriment of the rest of league set up. Andy Turner

From what I have heard only one club committed to join up to press.
Assuming one more can be found would mean a reduction to an 18 game league season? Great idea!!, can see the many good young players who have left league in recent seasons flooding back to be a part of that.

Wonder if the powers that be have also considered the scenario that the changes may create vacancies in other leagues which disgruntled Rib League clubs may wish to take advantage of? A trip to Stanley Park or an encounter away at Stacksteads, difficult choice to make?

Finally also hearing that the Leagues recruitment methods have not gone down to well with their counterparts in other Leagues.

Pinch Hitter wrote:
From what I have heard only one club committed to join up to press. Assuming one more can be found would mean a reduction to an 18 game league season? Great idea!!, can see the many good young players who have left league in recent seasons flooding back to be a part of that. Wonder if the powers that be have also considered the scenario that the changes may create vacancies in other leagues which disgruntled Rib League clubs may wish to take advantage of? A trip to Stanley Park or an encounter away at Stacksteads, difficult choice to make? Finally also hearing that the Leagues recruitment methods have not gone down to well with their counterparts in other Leagues.

I agree, it always causes turmoil when people look at restructuring leagues, and in the end it generally ends up as 'no change'. The Bolton League and the Lancashire League have both looked at it, I think from memory many years ago, Blackpool tried several times to join the Lancashire League and in the end it fell by the wayside due to the rules on paid players, and many clubs object to travelling further afield. The League has lost teams in recent years and the executive are right to look at keeping numbers up, but must be careful that they dont end up, as you say, with an 18 match season!!

HecticBigBoy wrote:
Nice to see things have quietened off at Earby at last, New Skipper that has the support of the committee, and looks to have the backing of the players, practices have started and appear to be well supported, around the 20 mark for a March Sunday outdoors looks good. A couple of signings - Danny Kegg, after many years at Nelson and a brief spell at Barlick (anyone can make a mistake), plus a guy who played in Birmingham, played county 2nds in his youth. Return of a few old faces, and the club pulling together to get things back on track after a disappointing year in 2011. May be a re-building period but smiles around the place again. Good luck fellas for an enjoyable season. HBB

Nice to hear that Hectic, I hate to see sour grapes from a player that leaves .... good luck to them wherever they go, but it looks like things might be on the up now at Earby!

think would be great idea as long as the six or seven clubs who joined were of good standard and games were not lost as revenue would be impacted due to loss of home games, promotion/relegation would make it more interesting for all concerned

I agree Rishy but unfortunately can't see another 6 or 7 of a decent standard joining.

Great idea Mark! Let's hope you don't have a dodgy season 2013 then. Finish 12th and then spend 2014 enjoying the lower tier potentially playing at numerous clubs with very poor wickets,facilities, youth set ups etc. Mr knowles at haslingden will be on phone pretty soon I bet if that's the case. Funny pinch how you did not agree 4 or so posts ago now you?? Andy

Pinch Hitter wrote:
I agree Rishy but unfortunately can't see another 6 or 7 of a decent standard joining.

Thats the problem pinch unless there are clubs who are struggling with travel in the northern league or maybe even lancs league sides especially with this years fixtures playing bank holiday sunday and monday which hasnt gone down well with people i know who play in lancs league.Surely though clubs who get accepted must have the facilities etc similiar to what is already on offer in senior league if not then they shouldnt be allowed in as standard will suffer and players will certainly move on .

Just to clarify my views for the hard of thinking.

A)I agree if 6 or 7 teams of a good standard can be recruited it is a good idea.

B) I don’t think A above will happen and if it goes ahead with 2 divisions of 10 it will be a bad idea.

Didn’t think it was that complicated.

Pinch Hitter wrote:
Just to clarify my views for the hard of thinking. A)I agree if 6 or 7 teams of a good standard can be recruited it is a good idea. B) I don’t think A above will happen and if it goes ahead with 2 divisions of 10 it will be a bad idea. Didn’t think it was that complicated.

Correct on both counts, and the hope is the league dont decide to take any club on just to get the numbers they want. At least it should be decided by the member clubs and not just the executive

APTurner wrote:
Great idea Mark! Let's hope you don't have a dodgy season 2013 then. Finish 12th and then spend 2014 enjoying the lower tier potentially playing at numerous clubs with very poor wickets,facilities, youth set ups etc. Mr knowles at haslingden will be on phone pretty soon I bet if that's the case. Funny pinch how you did not agree 4 or so posts ago now you?? Andy

did i not say that the teams must be of good standard so regardless of what division standard will be no worse than now

So mark its all ok as long as first team is a better standard but sod rest of the league and sod youth development . You will have no fringe 1st team players who will be prepared to play in your seconds who will probably be in the 4th tier based on last years relegation. Who wants to play at that level if you get dropped. 1sts fantastic standard 2nds who are in lower tier will be full of rubbish. You got to look at whole picture. I predict lots of current senior league teams will leave for pastures new if this come in and as a member of a club who has always been in the league how sad a day will that be. Total madness

wot will change from this year seconds will play against seconds

Tell that to your second team seniors warby and hothersoll when they playing week in week out at undesirable lower standard clubs that currently can't compete in the current poor div 2 standard whilst some certain first teams sit in lower tier of firsts without having the ability or club development clubs like yours and mine strive hard to maintain. Andy

do you know what andy lets carry on this debate when everyone is in control of true facts or proposals and whether or not it gets passed

Agreed, Mark. Andy Turner

Personally I reckon the League are putting themselves one step ahead of other Leagues . We have already lost Blackburn Northern , who is next ? There are a lot of clubs struggling for players and struggling financially . The time is fast approaching when cricket clubs are going to fold and the ones left will be looking for the best,most forward thinking League to play in and I reckon the new set up will offer that . Why should the standard of 2nd team cricket drop ? The lads playing 2nds will still be playing to try and gain promotion to the first XI . Why not look at it that the teams like Stacksteads will improve and bring in new players who have turned them down in the past because the standard they played in was too low . As for an 18 game season again I think it is good , for whatever reason a lot of lads do miss games especially Sundays so a shorter season played on Saturdays only maybe , will be attractive to them .

UmpireTrell wrote:
Personally I reckon the League are putting themselves one step ahead of other Leagues . We have already lost Blackburn Northern , who is next ? There are a lot of clubs struggling for players and struggling financially . The time is fast approaching when cricket clubs are going to fold and the ones left will be looking for the best,most forward thinking League to play in and I reckon the new set up will offer that . Why should the standard of 2nd team cricket drop ? The lads playing 2nds will still be playing to try and gain promotion to the first XI . Why not look at it that the teams like Stacksteads will improve and bring in new players who have turned them down in the past because the standard they played in was too low . As for an 18 game season again I think it is good , for whatever reason a lot of lads do miss games especially Sundays so a shorter season played on Saturdays only maybe , will be attractive to them .

trouble is trell is that lost home games equals lost revenue espe cially the better supported teams we would struggle certainly, the only way round it would be to play all cup games on saturdays including 20/20 that way no saturdays would be missed and the 20/20 days could be more organised with children entertainment , music etc which could bring in even more revenue

Trell, I believe stacksteads could be playing at new hall hey 2012. I hope you enjoy umpiring there 2013 remember to take your first aid kit with you to there,belverdere and brinscall because any half decent pro bowler will seriously hurt players players bowling on those wickets.

Some good points made by many above . Personally i think everyone needs to decide what the main aims are here with these proposals .
For me it is all getting a bit too radical , creating extra divisions etc etc. If clubs want it then reduce the size of the senior league , fine .Do this over a couple of years by simply creating some promotion / relegation between Div one and the senior league for first teams only with facilities of a certain standard .
Why should Belverdere not be considered for promotion if and only if it was decided their facilities were good enough. The number years Salesbury had to wait to be allowed promotion after wining Div one countless times was poor .
Each new application to join the league could be viewed on its individual merit and their 1st eleven possibly placed in Division 1 initially .
Whichever system is adopted promotion and relegation through the divisions is in my opinion a must . With the obvious exception of clubs 1sts and 2nds playing each other .That way you have the best cricket being played in the top league by the best players . As Andy Turner points out lets make sure we look after the lower leagues and youth set ups in all this . Clubs could take their 2nds or 3rds to other leagues and the Ribb league can ill afford this .
Finally be careful creating 10 team leagues ,look at Div 2 last year some teams actually only played 14 games .
Cheers to all for 2012 .
Ted .