Heritage will be kept alive

MEMBERS gather round at the first meeting of the new committee

TWO cricket leagues with rich traditions are no more.

The majority of their former member clubs have joined forces to create a new association whose aim is to provide vibrant, competitive and exciting cricket.

The creation of the Greater Manchester League for 2016 saw some Central Lancashire and Saddleworth and District League clubs jump ship, prompting a robust response and the creation of a joint JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League, which will have 24 clubs in two divisions.

The league held its inaugural meeting at Middleton CC for officials to be selected.

CLL stalwart Nigel Tench is PCL chairman ahead of Eddie Bayliss and Chris Bird — two men with Saddleworth League backgrounds.

Tench was quick to assure clubs that tradition would not be abandoned: “It is an honour and a privilege to be the first chairman of the Pennine Cricket League. There are 244 years of history between the two leagues and that cannot and will not be lost.”

With the two leagues’ heritage in mind, PCL officials have asked clubs to provide nominations for a Hall of Fame. Each club can make two nominations, after which a panel will decide on the first 12 inductees. Their names will be announced before the start of the 2016 season.


FORMER Saddleworth League secretary Trevor Harrison will adopt the same role on behalf of the PCL.

Glenn Kershaw, a key figure in the setting-up of the new league, will be vice-chairman to Nigel Tench, Roger Tanner is president, and Michael Ward treasurer.

David Whiteman and John Patterson have take on the roles of registrations and disciplinary

secretaries, while Peter Darby was chosen as umpires’ secretary in a vote alongside former CLL chairman Neville Fletcher.



THE first set of PCL fixtures is expected to be released by December 20, along with the draw for the Lees Bitter Wood Cup.

League rules continue to be drawn up, subject to ratification at the PCL’s next meeting on January 14, 2016.



EDDIE Bayliss, who stood for the role of PCL chairman but lost to Nigel Tench, has been made a life member of the PCL. The former SDCL chairman joins all the former CLL and SDCL life members who are set to retain that honour under the Pennine League umbrella