Calls for commitment to steady league ship

Pennine Cricket League

PENNINE Cricket League officials want clubs to commit to the competition for at least three years.

The future of the PCL, sponsored by JW Lees Brewery, has been thrown into doubt after five clubs decided to join the Lancashire League in 2018 with a handful of others weighing up their options.

However, boosted by the positive attitude of those who attended the two meetings to discuss the current situation - 15 clubs in total excluding the five leavers - the PCL hierarchy have real belief that the league will continue to operate beyond 2017.

They are confident that nine clubs will pledge their allegiance to the league and that more will follow.

What they want is for clubs to sign up for three years in order to give the competition some stability which they hope may attract other clubs.

The PCL have given clubs until the next league meeting on Tuesday, May 2, to make up their minds.

League secretary Trevor Harrison said: "What came through loud and clear at both meetings is the fact that among clubs there is a lot of goodwill towards the league's future survival and a spirit that says 'let's carry on and fight for the league's future'.

"It is worthwhile fighting for.

'NEGATIVITY'

"To redress any negativity and so clubs would know they are not being left behind, it was decided to canvass clubs and ask them to commit to a three-year minimum period in the league in order that it can provide a stabilising effect.

"If we can achieve this it then provides scope for clubs in other leagues to see the PCL does have a future and they can therefore make an application to join."

Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Rochdale and Walsden have been accepted in the Lancashire League for next season.

This would leave 19 clubs for 2018.

Of these, Royton and Greenfield have spoken to the Greater Manchester League. Royton have had a private meeting with PCL officials.

Looking ahead, Harrison added: "It will be a different league than now.

"Obviously changes will have to be made, and even new blood on the committee to promote alternative ideas would be welcome.

"There are vacancies and it is definitely not a closed shop in that respect."

One idea to increase the number of fixtures for those who remain is to set up an inter-club competition with the Bolton League.