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CLL clubs say no to going open

9/10/2008

THE management committee of the Lake Garage Central Lancashire Cricket League is recommending to clubs that the league does not go open and allow payment to all players clubs may wish to pay.

The issue was raised a couple of months ago when a claim was made that certain "amateurs" were being paid by certain clubs.

League chairman Howard Dronsfield said at the time that nothing could be done by the league unless absolute proof could be obtained – "proof that would stand up in a court of law."

At a CLL meeting last Friday the chairman said: "We have had lengthy discussions, taking in the views of various people – players, spectators, and club officials, and they have been frank discussions.

"We have come to the conclusion that things should remain as they are, and that will be our recommendation to clubs.

"We did not feel there were enough plus points, or the confidence, that by going open we would be taking the league forward."

Asked if the CLL management committee had looked at other leagues which operate an open policy, Mr Dronsfield said: "We did. We looked at every aspect and bandied it all round the table."

An open forum is likely to be held after the league’s annual general meeting to discuss ways of taking the league forward, including proposals for a change in format.

That format will not change for next season. Friday’s meeting put forward a proposal to the agm that the league should again have 16 clubs next summer.

League chairman Howard Dronsfield will not be seeking re-election at the annual meeting.

Paying tribute to him, league president John Cleary said: "Being chairman of a league is a hard job, but Howard has done it superbly."