Morris urges quick action

SLACK LANE . . . the home of Friarmere Cricket Club, who may soon be switching leagues

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RESPECTED Friarmere chairman John Morris is consigned to the club playing in a third different league in four years.

Morris (72) was in sombre mood after Tuesday's meeting of the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League, at which it was revealed only eight clubs have committed to the competition.

A chain of events started by five clubs - Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Rochdale and Walsden - being accepted into the Lancashire League has snowballed with four more - Monton and Weaste, Glodwick, Royton, Moorside - sending in letters of intent to leave the PCL.

Last night Greenfield members voted to apply for the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

Monton are looking at the Bolton League and GMCL, while the other three, like Greenfield, are setting their sights on the latter.

The remaining six clubs are weighing up their options.

Friarmere have a long, proud history, dating back to 1863, and have won both the Saddleworth League and Huddersfield League.

They are one of 24 clubs in the PCL, which is an amalgamation of the Central Lancashire and Saddleworth League, and enjoyed a largely successful first season in 2016.

However, with the PCL facing an uncertain future, chairman Nigel Tench has gained permission from those clubs who wish to remain to open talks with the GMCL on their behalf.

Morris is urging the PCL to get on with it.

He said: "It's a sad state of affairs.

'MEDIOCRITY'

"Unfortunately, the writing was on the wall when the five clubs decided to go to the Lancashire League.

"They've taken the cream of the crop, but good luck to them, I wish them well.

"If the top 12 clubs in the Premier League chose to play elsewhere, what are you left with? Mediocrity.

"If say a dozen teams want to stop, then we've got a chance, but not eight. As was said on Tuesday night, it's not viable any more.

"It's a great pity, but we can't afford to mess about. It's got to be sorted out as soon as possible, and the only place to go is the Greater Manchester League.

"The Huddersfield League is a no, no, because of all the travelling that would be involved, but then again we could end up going to Elton in the GMCL. It would depend on where they put us."

Friarmere are in a constant battle to bring in more revenue.

Last weekend's home fixtures at their Slack Lane home, Friarmere had bar takings of £9.80 for the first-team game against Milnrow and £4.50 on Sunday when they played Milnrow seconds.

Outgoings included umpires fees of £86 (Saturday) and £60 (Sunday, one umpire) and the cost of providing teas to both teams and officials.

Home players pay £7 per game, which includes a tea.

Morris is one of the most familiar faces in local cricket having scored for his beloved club for 63 years - but he reckons it may be time to put down his pencil.

SCORING

He added: "I think it might be it for me.

"I've been scoring for a long time and I'm enjoying the Pennine League and it's nice to see other grounds, but old age and sitting for three hours watching 50 overs is getting a bit much. It may be time to call it a day."