LEAGUE SECRETARY Trevor Harrison has admitted the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League is “vulnerable” as other local leagues look to expand.
Mr Harrison believes some clubs may be tempted to join an enlarged Central Lancashire League or Lancashire County League.
He explained: “Our league is vulnerable because of its geographic position which is sandwiched between these two other leagues.
“The CLL is looking for eight more clubs and the Lancashire County League a further 10. Where do these two leagues think they are going to recruit 18 new clubs?”
Mr Harrison has written to the Lancashire Cricket Board, which oversees club cricket in the county, to request they have discussions with the CLL and Lancashire County League to discover how they are going to proceed.
He especially wants to know how multiple applications from one particular league will be dealt with.
“I have heard it mentioned we fear an exodus of clubs which is not accurate, but may be one or two would be looking for a new challenge,” he continued.
Mr Harrison’s concern comes, ironically, at a time when the Saddleworth League is in its strongest position for many years.
They have just admitted three new clubs for the 2014 season – South-West Manchester, Whalley Range and Wythenshawe – to make a 16-strong membership for the first time since the 1990’s.
The new clubs were recruited following the demise of the Manchester Association.
