League bosses poised to unveil reduced league programme to clubs tomorrow

Not long now!

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

CLUBS will learn tomorrow (Friday) exactly what the Tolchards Devon League management proposes for competitive cricket from July 25 onwards.

The competition executive is due to meet on Zoom tonight to discuss a package of games put together by fixture secretary Phil Bees.

Nick Rogers, the league chairman, said a hectic few days lie ahead for league administrators as they fit clubs’ wants and needs into a workable fixture programme.

Rogers, speaking before the meeting took place, said: “What we have in mind is competitive cricket in proper groups to minimise travel.

“How exactly it looks will depend on what clubs tell us once they have seen the proposals and answered a survey we will be sending out at the same time.

“We have some idea what clubs want from the survey we carried out last month, but things can and do change.

“Now players know it will be 11-a-side cricket with keepers standing up and sensible adaptions for hygiene and safety reasons, I suspect more of them might want to play that we were expecting.

“Some teams may not want to play and some with ground problems or problems with the regulations may not play this year.

“We will ask for responses to the second survey by Sunday then look at what we might have to change.”

The ECB today published rules and regulations for clubs that must be adhered to before, during and after matches.

Matt Theedom, the ECB’s cricket manager in Devon, said it was crucial the rules and regulations were observed.

Matt Theedom“Cricket is the first team sport being played at recreational level thanks largely to the incredibly hard work done by the ECB with the Government,” said Theedom.

“There is a high level of responsibility on everyone involved in the game – umpires and scorers, players and coaches – to do everything they can to keep the game safe and that means following the ECB guidelines.

“The guidelines are what has been agreed with the Government to get cricket played and it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure they work.”

Captains have had a chance to read the ECB’s rule and regulations and have made some comments.

Eleven-a-side cricket is welcomed, so is the lack of restriction on how close wicketkeepers and slip fielders can stand to each other and the batsman, although the lack of a conventional tea interval and the off-field requirements do bother some commentators.

“There’s clearly an issue if it's raining and you can’t go into the clubhouse. Hopefully the hygiene breaks are quick and don't slow the game down too much. It's good we can play longer games and 11-a-side. All the restrictions seem fairly sensible, but I definitely looking forward to went it returns to normal.”

Matt Heather (Chudleigh)

“Pleased that there's not too many changes to the game. Even though many still would have played eight-a-side it would have been very unusual and wouldn't have been the same. Great that people can come down and enjoy some cricket too. Standing up being allowed is good to hear as the game wouldn't be the same without spin...or people tracking every single ball. Looking forward to it all starting now and the games at Whimple (Saturday) and Honiton (Sunday).”

Alex Clements (Ottery St Mary)

“I don't think we could ask for anything more than 11-a-side cricket. Everything else is simply something that we must ALL adhere to and accept. I will, however, be starting with a spinner with four slips and a short leg.”

Andrew Buzza (Exmouth)

I was expecting keepers having to stand back and a two-metre slip spacing. We're happy with no restrictions on the format. I think there's a limited chance of infection on the pitch. The biggest risk is off the pitch. I've been social distancing for more than months and I am not comfortable travelling with others to matches. In fact I won't be doing it.

Mick Rusling (Dartington & Totnes)

I think they're trying to make the best of a bad situation. I'm not sure how it will work but will wait and see. Bring your own tea means pop to the chip shop or the Chinese take-away at Deans Cross.”

James Nicholls (Plymstock)

“Nine slips it is then! Glad about the decision to play 11-a-side. The prospect of eight-a-side wasn't very popular.”

Tom Popham (North Devon)

“At least it's 11-a-side and wicketkeepers are able to stand up to the stumps. Looking forward to seeing what the format will be for competitive cricket in the coming weeks.”

Nick Watkin (Abbotskerswell)

“Seems reasonable. Looking forward to the league’s response.”

Peter Randerson (Heathcoat)