Norden seeking league switch

NORDEN are applying to join the Lancashire League for season 2018 - and Littleborough and Walsden could be joining them in looking to play elsewhere.

In a body blow to the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League, Norden have set the wheels in motion for the switch.

The Woodhouse Lane club have informed the PCL of their intentions. They have until Tuesday, February 28 to make a formal application to the Lancashire League.

Littleborough are setting up a steering committee to consider the merits of all competitions, while double-winners Walsden meet tomorrow evening with the general committee and members discussing the future direction of the club.

To lose all three would leave the PCL with 21 clubs. In response, the PCL will seek permission at the next league meeting on Tuesday, February 7 to advertise for new clubs.

A Rochdale club spokesperson said that they are aware of the situation and "will keep a close eye on events".

It is understood the Lancashire League are proposing to put in place a two-division format - 24 clubs in total - for 2018.

They have 17 clubs for the forthcoming season after accepting Darwen (Northern League), Clitheroe and Great Harwood (both Ribblesdale League).

GRIEVANCE
PCL officials are understandably upset that, after one season, Norden are seeking pastures new.

They want any club who feel they have a grievance with the league to get in touch so any differences can be ironed out. The PCL have also sent a letter to the Lancashire Cricket Board with regard to the clarification of any league wishing to expand.

In his Christmas and New Year message to members, Lancashire League chairman Mike Bibby: "Our efforts to stimulate league cricket in this part of Lancashire are not over and we have advertised once again to continue our expansion plans.

"We are looking to attract a further seven teams to be considered for entry to the league in 2018, but it may take a little longer to achieve our goal.

"This time, however, we will only consider clubs who are situated no further than approximately 10 miles outside our existing boundaries.

"We will continue to work with the ECB, LCB and other leagues to foster good relations."

Meanwhile, an umpires' course run by the Lancashire Cricket Board could benefit the PCL.

Of the 11 people who attended the course at Milnrow CC - some were already umpires and used it as a 'refresher' - five 'newbies' have indicated they will join the PCL panel.

League chairman Nigel Tench said: "The response was excellent. I haven't known numbers like it in recent years."