Pennine league membership rising quickly

KEITH McHUGH and KEVIN RICHARDSON

CRICKET: THE rush to join the new Pennine League is gathering momentum.

Strong opinions given at the joint meeting of the CLL and Saddleworth Leagues last week seem to have done the trick. Once the amalgamation of the two leagues had been ratified, Royton declared their intention to join. Norden did likewise yesterday, as did Monton and Weaste, while Saddleworth League clubs Shaw, Uppermill, Saddleworth, Moorside, Greenfield and Hollinwood have all signed in the last week.

Said new league chief campaigner Glenn Kershaw: “We are confident we will get 22-24 clubs. There was a lot of positive feedback after the meeting. Not only is there interest from the CLL and Saddleworth clubs, but former Saddleworth league club Flowery Field has also shown interest.”

Radcliffe is the only current CLL club still to make a decision, Austerlands the only Saddleworth League club. Moorside had originally applied to the GM League, but switched horse to the Pennine League on Tuesday.

“It’s all looking good,” said Moorside first XI skipper Danny Anchor. “We’re sticking together. We originally didn’t think there would be enough clubs in the Pennine League for two divisions, but the numbers are strong and we’re probably looking at 12 in each. There will be lots of derbies too, which always creates interest.”

One attraction for would-be PL clubs is the promise of an enhanced youth system. An academy is also being planned for 2016.

PL clubs will also benefit from a cricket development fund and interest-free financial support under the umbrella of league sponsors JW Lees. The brewery has promised “substantial” financial support in its five-year deal, following 32 years of supporting the CLL.

twitter: @KeithMcHughOC

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