Norden call for CLL overhaul

Norden have devised a plan to revamp the Lake Garage CLL after the steering committee set up by the league to look at changes failed to come up with any significant proposals.

It involves the creation of two divisions of eight teams, with promotion and relegation, and would be introduced initially on a two-year trial basis.

That would involve 22 league games instead of the current 30, with four of the spare weekend dates used for the John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition instead of Friday nights.

The four remaining dates would be used for rain days in the event of Twenty20 or Wood Cup matches being postponed.

Norden, who say they have a groundswell of support from other clubs, are calling for an extraordinary general meeting of the CLL to try to implement the changes for next season.
They say they feel let down by the steering committee after CLL clubs voted 14-2 earlier this year to mandate them to explore changing the format of the league.

The steering committee proposed that any reduction in the size of the league ought to be done by natural wastage, while also advocating playing two matches midweek.

Norden’s Greg Tattersall says Norden have spoken to 12 of the 16 CLL clubs, discussing the issue with first-team captains and/or senior players about their proposals.

He said: “Six or seven clubs are behind the format we are proposing while four or five are interested but need further information. Out of the 12 clubs we have spoken to, all agreed there is a need for change.”

Norden argue that having two divisions would eliminate mis-matches and reduce the number of ‘dead’ games in the second half of the season.

They say of the 18 games involving the top three and bottom three in 2009, 11 of the games were won by margins of seven wickets or more or over 200 runs.

They also point out the Twenty20 would be enhanced by playing at weekends as clubs are forced to field weakened teams on Friday evenings.

Norden need the support of three other clubs before they can demand an extraordinary general meeting of the league.