Pennine Cricket League to pursue Greater Manchester Cricket League talks

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Pennine Cricket League

The Pennine Cricket League's (PCL) executive committee will seek talks with the Greater Manchester Cricket League (GMCL) as concerns over the competition's future mount.

Only eight clubs have committed to the PCL, sponsored by JW Lees Brewery, and officials say that is not a "sustainable number" for it to continue.

At Tuesday night's monthly meeting, held at Middleton CC, it was revealed that Monton and Weaste, Glodwick, Royton and Moorside have sent in letters of intention to leave. They are expected to join the GMCL.

Greenfield will hold an extraordinary general meeting tonight and Heyside members will get-together next Tuesday. Others are considering their options.

Because of the perilous state of the PCL, chairman Nigel Tench sought permission from those clubs who wish to remain if they would allow the PCL to enter talks with the GMCL on their behalf. Mr Tench asked Lancashire Cricket Board managing director Bobby Denning, who was present, to sit in at any meeting.

Th PCL was set up as an amalgamation of the Central Lancashire League and Saddleworth League and enjoyed a largely successful first season in 2016.

However, the Lancashire League's plans to expand to 24 clubs in 2018 alerted Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Rochdale and Walsden. They were subsequently accepted into the competition.

The move prompted others to question their participation in the PCL.

The eight clubs who want to stay in the PCL are:

Ashton, Austerlands, Friarmere, Hollinwood, Micklehurst, Oldham, Stayley and Uppermill.