SADDLEWORTH LEAGUE chairman Eddie Bayliss believes the 2014 cricket season could be one of the most compelling for years.
Mr Bayliss’ says the recruitment of three new clubs – South West Manchester, Whalley Range and Wythenshawe – has sparked great interest.
He explained: “It is refreshing for the league and for our cricketers to have three new teams competing.
“It will be no longer a case of turning up at the same grounds to take on the same players which can only be good for the league.”
Mr Bayliss added that the controversial expulsion of Bamford Fieldhouse, for persistent breaches of league rules, could also help make the league more competitive.
Bamford had won the first division title for five of the previous seven seasons and Tanner Cup on three occasions as they had a monopoly on the honours.
The demise of the Manchester and District Association enabled the Saddleworth League to offer clubs a new home as it returns to a 16-club format for the first time since the late 1990’s.
How long reigning Manchester Association champions Whalley Range will stay, however, remains a source of conjecture as it has emerged they are one of three Saddleworth League clubs who have applied to join the Central Lancashire League which is looking to expand.
Saddleworth and Heyside are also among the seven clubs who have set the wheels in motion to join the CLL so the Saddleworth League could soon be faced with its numbers dwindling once more.
Mr Bayliss contradicts the English Cricket Board which has expressed a concern that there is a drain of players from the sport.
He added, however, there is a problem with teams being able to field their strongest sides on both days of double-header weekends because of the pressures of family life.
The Saddleworth League is also looking for a new sponsor after Versasteel, backers for the last two seasons, decided not to extend their partnership for the 2014 season. Any business interested can contact Mr Bayliss on 0161 633 1361.
* Mr Bayliss is to continue to broadcast results of weekend’s games on Oldham Community Radio (99.7FM) each Tuesday at 10am. They will be repeated the same day between 5pm and 6pm.
* Turn inside to find a preview to the new Saddleworth League season as well as fixtures for the campaign.
