IT LOOKS as though the final chapter in the long and illustrious history of the SWB Commercials Saddleworth & District Cricket League could soon be written.
As wickets are pitched for the start of the 2015 season on Sunday, April 19, there is a groundswell of feeling that the formation of a new Greater Manchester Cricket League is inevitable to revive the flagging fortunes of the league game.
A prospectus outlining plans, which would bring eight existing leagues into one new structure, is due to be published in mid-April.
That will be followed by an open meeting of clubs at Old Trafford on April 30 to discuss the proposals.
While there has been talk of a 2016 start date, Saddleworth League secretary Trevor Harrison believes 2017 is more realistic.
Mr Harrison said: “Clubs are waiting to see what is contained in the prospectus and where they will be placed in the new set up.
“If they don’t buy into where they are being placed, the new league could struggle to get off the ground. Already we have been the Bolton Association say they don’t want to be involved.
“I think it would be sad for the Saddleworth League, as well as all the others, if all their traditions and histories are lost.
“On the other hand, are we making progress and, if the majority of clubs think that, we need to go along with it.
“If we didn’t support the new league, and our clubs left to join it, we would be left in limbo. Our policy has been to go along with it and keep clubs fully informed.
“My own personal feelings are that the new league will go ahead, though it is by no means 100-per-cent certain.”
In the Saddleworth League there are mixed reactions from clubs which would be sad to see its demise after 116 years, but can see the benefits of a pyramid system with promotion and relegation.
For the likes of Friarmere, though, treasurer Gary Kershaw believes his club would be a loser as they would probably end up in level four, the lowest tier, because of the size of the club, its location and lack of amenities.
He fears that the sponsorship and riches will go to the top clubs while those at the base of the pyramid will be left to struggle financially.
But Saddleworth secretary Graham Oldham said: “The general consensus is in favour of the new set up.
“The younger players like the idea of promotion and relegation and to play on different grounds.”
Moorside captain Danny Anchor believes the new league will increase standards and also cut down the number of games played which is good for players with families.
“In saying that, I will be sad to see the Saddleworth League come to an end as it has been around for all my life,” he said.
The Saddleworth League begins with 14 clubs following the loss of Heyside to join the CLL while Hollinwood has suspended its membership for 12 months due to problems, both on and off the pitch.
Mr Harrison says South West Manchester, Whalley Range and Wythenshawe, the three clubs which joined the Saddleworth League for 2014 season, have been assets to the league.
