AN EXTRAORDINARY general meeting is set to be called to discuss the future of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.
It comes in the wake of the publication of the prospectus for a new Greater Manchester Cricket League which could potentially replace the county’s eight separate leagues which would come under one umbrella.
And with news that the new set up in earmarked start in 2016, this could possibly be the Saddleworth League’s swansong season.
Saddleworth League chairman Eddie Bayliss says that once clubs have digested the contents of the prospectus for Greater Manchester Cricket League an EGM will be called for clubs to decide what to do.
Expressions of interest and applications to join the new league have to be made by June 30. Clubs can apply individually or the league can transfer en bloc if there is full agreement.
Glodwick chairman David Chaloner, who has served on a steering committee for the new league, says the reaction of clubs at the launch of the prospectus for the new league was “very positive”.
Mr Chaloner, who lives in Greenfield, believes the new league will happen saying: “It is about cricket in the future.
“Already in the Saddleworth League this season we have seen Wythenshawe fail to field a side for a second-team fixture. And in two other second-team games, clubs have only been able to field eight players.
“Double header weekends are difficult for a lot of clubs and a huge commitment for players who have a family.
“The new league will have only one set of fixtures each weekend, and that has to be the way forward.”
Meanwhile, SADDLEWORTH are the early-season pacesetters in the league as they lead both the first and second divisions.
Moorside, Greenfield and Whalley Range have also made successful starts in both divisions.
