Positive outlook

THE Pennine Cricket League are looking to the future.

Rather than seeing the decision of four clubs - Littleborough, Norden, Rochdale and Walsden - to apply to the Lancashire League for season 2018 as a threat to the competition's existence, PCL officials are using it as an opportunity strengthen after a successful first campaign in 2016.

To that end, they are inviting applications from any interested clubs. See advert.

CONCERNS

Chairman Nigel Tench said: "We understand that some of our clubs may have concerns having heard of the Lancashire League plans.

"They need not be - the PCL is looking forward and will ensure that our competition continues to provide high-quality, competitive cricket."

After being content with 14 clubs for many years, the Lancashire League are planning to expand to a two-division format, featuring 24 clubs, split evenly.

If the PCL were to lose all four clubs - remember, they have not been accepted yet - it would leave them with 20.

That is still enough to compete over divisions with promotion and relegation, but the fear is that it may lead to other clubs to consider their futures.

JUNIOR

The PCL are hoping their burgeoning junior section, which has seen an increase in teams for 2017 to more than 100, will be a factor in trying to retain clubs.

Mr Tench said the PCL has a lot to offer.

He added: "While we are disappointed to potentially be losing a number of our founder clubs, there is much to look forward to.

"Our sponsorship deal with JW Lees Brewery, which we know is the best in the North, is being used to help clubs develop their facilities.

"We believe in developing the game at a junior level, and will have 104 junior teams competing this summer.

"Additionally we have adapted our third XI competition in order to help juniors make the transition to senior cricket.

"Any club which is interested in being a part of the PCL is encouraged to make contact."