No league switch for clubs in debt
THE JW Lees Pennine Cricket League will be no more following the end of the season – but clubs have been warned that they will not be able to join another league unless all dues owed to Pennine have been paid.
It was revealed at the league meeting on Tuesday that a large amount is owed for various things, with two clubs not having paid their league fees for this year, and one of those not having paid last year’s amount.
A large part of the money owed is for the non-submission of captain’s reports which should be sent in after every match other than T20.
Clubs who owe money have been given until the August league meeting to settle accounts or face further action by the league, and they were warned that it is an ECB rule that clubs cannot switch leagues when owing money to their current league.
Umpires are continuing to say they will pack it in unless the behaviour of players improves on the field.
John Patterson, the league’s head of discipline, said he made his first-team debut in the middle last weekend and was appalled.
He said: “I don’t want to do a first team match again. It was beyond belief, an absolute disgrace.
“We are short of umpires, and in this match I could see why.”
A new law will come into force on 1 October which means that players stepping out of line can be asked to leave the field for a prescribed time, or even red-carded.
Umpire Arnold Darlington complained that some clubs only provided curry and rice for teas, and not everyone like that.
He asked if clubs could provide a wider range of food to suit most tastes.
It is hoped to continue the Wood Cup, Tanner Cup, 2nd XI Burton Cup, 2nd XI Moore Cup and Tom Hardman T20 independently of other leagues, and still under the auspices of a Pennine committee, from next season.
The Pennine League senior inter-league team will be in action against the Ribblesdale League, on the ground of Ribblesdale Wanderers, on Sunday.
The Pennine under 21s face the Liverpool Competition on Littleborough’s Hare Hill ground on Tuesday, starting at 11am.
There will not be a league presentation dinner this year. Clubs voted against the idea during Tuesday’s meeting.