Lancashire: Leagues may merge (8 July 1999)

8 July 1999

Lancashire: Leagues may merge

The Electronic Telegraph

Central Lancashire League clubs have voted in favour of an approach to the Lancashire League about a merger, a move backed by nine of the CLL's 15 clubs, with two abstensions.

Speculation about the leagues merging to set up a two-division structure have been rife in recent years but this is the first significant move from either camp and is by no means certain to elicit a favourable response from the Lancashire League.

The two leagues were founded in 1892 and have justifiably earned a reputation as among the foremost in the world, attracting many of the game's greatest players as professionals.

In recent years, however, the growing volume of international cricket and stricter work permit regulations have taken their toll on the quality of professionals.

Fears have also been expressed that the formation of possibly two ECB premier leagues in the west of the county could persuade young players to move away unless more competitive cricket is available in East Lancashire.

"We will now decide what form our approach should take," said CLL secretary Alan Wright, "although it is significant that more than a third of our clubs did not vote in favour.

"We accept that there is a big gap between our top and bottom clubs but whether a merger and two divisions would help is a moot point."

Lancashire League chairman Bert Hanson said: "Until we hear from the CLL it would be wrong for me to make any comment at all."

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph