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General Cricket => Your Cricket => Topic started by: six and out on May 18, 2016, 08:03:27 AM
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Hi all,
A friend of mine who plays in the TVL posted this on FB yesterday.
http://m.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/14497792.Cricket_in_Berkshire_could_be_set_for_a_major_revamp_under_new_proposals/ (http://m.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/14497792.Cricket_in_Berkshire_could_be_set_for_a_major_revamp_under_new_proposals/)
I played in the TVL for a long time when i was younger and find it hard to believe a league as old and well run would want to do something like this.
However, i also know that the league i now play in - the 4 counties - has been asked to also do something very similar in forming a new pyramid with the Cherwell and surrounding leagues etc...
So i have 2 questions -
1. Is this a country wide thing that the powers that be are trying to do?
2. What are everyones thoughts on it? etc...
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This type of restructure happened in the Midlands 15-20 years ago now.
There was always the Birmingham League which had the strongest teams and was an entity all alone but they restructured into a pyramid system and now the leagues from Staffordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire feed into the Birmingham League structure. It has advantages and disadvantages and there may be more restructuring soon to try and make it stronger.
Generally I like the idea as it gives you a better chance of playing higher standards but the feeder leagues have ended up becoming weaker because the strongest teams disappear into the higher leagues when before they won their county league and that was it.
It's not quite as big a structure as what appears in that article but is similar.
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Recent ones are reactions to surveys by the ecb
People don't want to travel as far but leagues want to remain competitive.
Top two leagues are strong but lots of travel(which serious/pro wannabees) are happy to do.
The lower leagues where the social cricketers, non serious guys play, want to have shelter days/ and less travel. So leagues are split up into areas mainly. May give a few onesided games. But you'll be home for 8.
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I play in the TVL currently and haven't heard about this yet. Not sure if it will get much votes as from my experience the TVL is very well set with their rules etc
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TVL is a bit of a monster league in terms of travelling. A couple of years ago some of the Bucks based clubs tried to breakaway from the lower tiers and setup a regional league for 3rd XI teams. The TVL backed down and did some tweaking of the composition of each division.
Playing 100 overs is a big ask and many games don't finish until nearly 9pm, if you are playing for Marlow and having to travel to Chiswick area then you won't be back before 10pm.
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yep can completely understand the travelling in the TVL - i remember the days of travelling to the likes of OMT.
what i don't get is that their argument is that it will encourage more participation, as there are far bigger factors than travel times etc... that are effecting participation.
why not start earlier, play less overs or speed up over rates (which is the biggest problem/cause of late finishes in our league by a distance)
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I think travel times are just part of the mix as you say. However, the TVL is probably too large. Certainly when I played for Marlow, nobody was very excited at the prospect of travelling to West London. I imagine there are a few groups within the TVL (such as the bucks based clubs) that would be very happy to play in a Bucks league, or at the very least scale down the reach of the TVL to exclude West London, deepest Berks/Hants areas. I think regionalising it keeps all the splinter groups happy for a while. From an ECB perspective, they would love a nice pretty pyramid and throw money at the top teams, wouldn't they?
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As Smilley said - A lot of the restructuring is to recent player surveys and ECB restructuring.
There are proposals in to restructure the Birmingham league from 3 leagues + 3 reserve leagues to 2 leagues with the rest of the clubs moving back to their respective counties.
Personally, I believe this makes a lot of sense as it mean second teams do not have to do as much travelling while also making the county leagues much stronger
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oh believe me i think it is a good idea in principle definitely - i mean our league currently doesn't feed into anywhere! you have to apply to get into the Cherwell and then you can't guarantee it and which division you will go into either.
however you can't please all clubs (so how is the voting/decision making going to work etc...) and the logistics are really difficult to sort out - so i just think that there is also a lot more the ECB can be doing to increase participation.
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As Smilley said - A lot of the restructuring is to recent player surveys and ECB restructuring.
There are proposals in to restructure the Birmingham league from 3 leagues + 3 reserve leagues to 2 leagues with the rest of the clubs moving back to their respective counties.
Personally, I believe this makes a lot of sense as it mean second teams do not have to do as much travelling while also making the county leagues much stronger
Brum league re shuffle is going to get messy as div 3 voted against it and div 2 are set to vote same way I think
can't see how the league will do it without upsetting a lot of clubs and egos.
Although I agree it needs to be done
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The Kent League rules have changed a lot, I'm playing 2XI Premier League and this year the rules have changed massively from last year.
- it is now just win/lose, no more winning or losing draws
- 50 overs, 10 overs per bowler down from 15 overs last year
- One Day fielding restrictions/power plays
- leg side wides no matter how close it is to the stumps
- free hit for front foot no balls
I personally don't mind all the changes but I'll miss some rules as they could create different aspect for the game such as the winning/losing draw. It really makes both sides work hard and fight to the last ball to get as many points as possible, as a bowler batting at the end when the opposition are desperately trying to bowl you out to get full points was a different mental challenge. What I will say is the win/lose rule does make it easier to understand
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I play in the Chilterns League and certainly from my personal viewpoint it would be a good move for my club. For reasons unknown to me, it was before I joined, we declined an invitation to the TVL and as a result we are arguably playing a lower standard than we are capable of. The same can certainly be said of at least a handful of clubs in division 1, standard wise, and quite possibly one club in their 2nd season in the league currently smashing everything in sight in division 2.
The one good thing we have currently in the Chilterns League is that the travel time is short and it compares favourably to when I was playing in the TVL - I didn't really enjoy going from Theale to Teddington or Kew for a game of cricket! I'm sure they shared the same feelings too. From what I've heard on the grapevine apparently quite a few people are against it in the Chilterns League but I am unsure whether that is the players or the various old non-playing blokes sitting on committees at the clubs and the league.
One of the arguments I saw against this proposal from some TVL clubs was about the standard of grounds some of the bigger clubs might have to play on. Whilst I understand their concern regarding this, there are some 'big' clubs who have awful grounds in the TVL - off the top of my head Stoke Green and Kew spring to mind. This was also the argument trotted out when the Kent League decided to stop being a closed shop and expanded many years ago. The original 18 clubs, I think it was 18 anyway, were against expansion as they might have to play on some awful grounds. I'm pretty sure if you were to ask those clubs now whether they think the expansion was good for cricket in the area then they would probably think it was.
I am also questioning whether it would actually increase player participation or not. My initial reaction was no, then I thought that it might do but perhaps only at the lower XIs as the players generally playing a higher standard already will travel to play.
I stumbled across the following in the local rag earlier:
http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/Sport/Cricket/Cricket-in-Berks-Bucks-and-Oxon-could-be-in-line-for-a-radical-shake-up-19052016.htm (http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/Sport/Cricket/Cricket-in-Berks-Bucks-and-Oxon-could-be-in-line-for-a-radical-shake-up-19052016.htm)
I thought it was quite interesting how the local hubs could set their own rules which would certainly be good.
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Wepl had a system where basically you had 4 leagues and then 4 2xi leagues. 2xi leagues were pointless other than giving 2xi nice grounds.
Anyway, wepl finally realised and have trimmed down to 3 divs only and sent a load of 1xi and all 2xi teams back to their counties. Sure it's a dent in egos but overall it's better for quality as well as enabling every team to find a level eventually
Further down, you now have very local leagues which play 40 overs. Sure I don't like less than 50 overs as enforcing over rates would solve time issues.. Oh and cutting teas etc /) lots of opposition to whatever happens. Just deciding on what will cause the least people to quit I suppose
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Was amazed by the complaints in some parts about 2s teams dropping down from the wepl, surely everyone playing the standard they should and only the top teams travelling long distances makes a lot of sense in the long run. Will take a few years to sort out though by the looks of things, played a 2xi that had come down in our first game this year and they're gonna have a tough time. Definitely not complaining about some nicer grounds to play on from our point of view with more wepl 2s around us.
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I play in the Worcester league the travel since the restructure now involves great distances fourth team game tomorrow is an 120 mile round trip with mainly under 15s also the restructure has help kill off Sunday cricket due to the time and travel now required on Saturdays.
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I play in the Worcester league the travel since the restructure now involves great distances fourth team game tomorrow is an 120 mile round trip with mainly under 15s also the restructure has help kill off Sunday cricket due to the time and travel now required on Saturdays.
See, we have more travel on Sunday's sadly due to less teams being around. We travel upto 90 mins now for decent Sunday games (our view of decent is good grounds rather than caring about quality.. No one wants to play on dumps even if it's 'high quality ')
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The Warwickshire league is split after division 7 in to East and West Divisions. Only downside is generally only one side from 8 east and west can go into div 7. Although i understand a new structure may happen next season.
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This was put on our League website and we have been asked to give feedback on it etc...
Will be on interest to any forum members playing in HCPL, TVL, Cherwell, Chiltern, Berks League and that area etc...
http://4ccl.play-cricket.com/website/web_pages/118530 (http://4ccl.play-cricket.com/website/web_pages/118530)
click on - 'Two Valleys League Proposal'
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This was put on our League website and we have been asked to give feedback on it etc...
Will be on interest to any forum members playing in HCPL, TVL, Cherwell, Chiltern, Berks League and that area etc...
[url]http://4ccl.play-cricket.com/website/web_pages/118530[/url] ([url]http://4ccl.play-cricket.com/website/web_pages/118530[/url])
click on - 'Two Valleys League Proposal'
It would be nice if, over the winter, they released what division each club would be in based on this season's standings just so clubs have a better idea of where they'll be and how it works should this be implemented for the 2018 season.
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I play oca and mentioned these proposals to a few over the weekend, one of which was an umpire assessor on the league committee , but no one has heard about it?
Might ruffle a few feathers if different rules are introduced etc
The Cherwell rules are a big bugbear
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I play oca and mentioned these proposals to a few over the weekend, one of which was an umpire assessor on the league committee , but no one has heard about it?
Might ruffle a few feathers if different rules are introduced etc
The Cherwell rules are a big bugbear
From what I've heard the TVL could be the biggest obstacle to this proceeding. Should this happen, then hopefully the TVL will agree to expand again so that clubs in the Chilterns/Berks leagues can at least apply to become a member of the TVL. I know that my club is currently on a waiting list but we reckon they won't expand for at least another 2-3 years because of the current proposal.
I'm surprised, and slightly worried too, that the guy on the OCA's committee is unaware of the current proposals. I would imagine that the OCA would be represented in these discussions so could it be that he's either trying to keep it secret or he just hasn't been to many committee meetings and hasn't read the minutes?
I believe a final draft is being published in August with the aim of it being voted on in September/October this year.
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From what I've heard the TVL could be the biggest obstacle to this proceeding. Should this happen, then hopefully the TVL will agree to expand again so that clubs in the Chilterns/Berks leagues can at least apply to become a member of the TVL. I know that my club is currently on a waiting list but we reckon they won't expand for at least another 2-3 years because of the current proposal.
I'm surprised, and slightly worried too, that the guy on the OCA's committee is unaware of the current proposals. I would imagine that the OCA would be represented in these discussions so could it be that he's either trying to keep it secret or he just hasn't been to many committee meetings and hasn't read the minutes?
I believe a final draft is being published in August with the aim of it being voted on in September/October this year.
I would be VERY surprised if this gets through a TVCL AGM in its current state.
The HCPL and TVCL has been seen as the 'gold standard' by some over the last few years and I would think there would be some fairly strong opposition to this proposal from some quarters.
I would also think some of the progressive clubs would see this as a step back from where they are right now.
However, who knows really until this is ratified and something solid is proposed.
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Hi all,
A friend of mine who plays in the TVL posted this on FB yesterday.
[url]http://m.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/14497792.Cricket_in_Berkshire_could_be_set_for_a_major_revamp_under_new_proposals/[/url] ([url]http://m.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/14497792.Cricket_in_Berkshire_could_be_set_for_a_major_revamp_under_new_proposals/[/url])
I played in the TVL for a long time when i was younger and find it hard to believe a league as old and well run would want to do something like this.
However, i also know that the league i now play in - the 4 counties - has been asked to also do something very similar in forming a new pyramid with the Cherwell and surrounding leagues etc...
So i have 2 questions -
1. Is this a country wide thing that the powers that be are trying to do?
2. What are everyones thoughts on it? etc...
Hi all,
Was wondering if anyone had heard anymore about the new 2 Valleys League proposal?
I know the TVL had their AGM a couple of weeks ago, was anyone there or know if it was discussed etc...?
We have our club AGM tonight so am hoping to get some news as our 4 Counties League AGM has also just happened.
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Hi all,
Was wondering if anyone had heard anymore about the new 2 Valleys League proposal?
I know the TVL had their AGM a couple of weeks ago, was anyone there or know if it was discussed etc...?
We have our club AGM tonight so am hoping to get some news as our 4 Counties League AGM has also just happened.
There is an agenda item on the Berkshire Cricket League AGM next Monday (5th Dec) regarding the league's engagement and progress with the TVL, so if that's the same subject matter, we might know a little more following that meeting, but I've heard nothing recently I have to say.
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at our club AGM last night our 1st team captain said that he was given a hand out at the 4 Counties League AGM showing a further progression of the proposal where various divisions of the various leagues could fit into the new tiering of the new 2 Valleys League.
He also said that there are still discussions ongoing but they would still like it to start in 2018 if possible.
Personally it sounds like progression has been made but at a slow pace (like a lot of these things) and if they want it to start in 2018 they would have to get it voted in by the start of the 2017 season - as that seasons placings would decide everything.
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From what I've heard the TVL could be the biggest obstacle to this proceeding. Should this happen, then hopefully the TVL will agree to expand again so that clubs in the Chilterns/Berks leagues can at least apply to become a member of the TVL. I know that my club is currently on a waiting list but we reckon they won't expand for at least another 2-3 years because of the current proposal.
I believe a final draft is being published in August with the aim of it being voted on in September/October this year.
The original post links to one of the worst pieces of journalism I've seen.
I was at the TVL AGM recently and the proposals discussed do not reflect that at all. The idea is more about making for one clear pathway to the top of the recreational game - and that involves a small expansion of the stronger leagues such as the TVL with sides moving over from the likes of the BCL and Chilterns. Interestingly, those leagues are amenable to their clubs progressing up the structure.
Having player TVL for over fifteen years, I have to say it is one of the best managed leagues out there - the travel issues that Nick mentions were raised by clubs a few years back and there was a quick efficient response to regionalise lower divisions. There have also been sensible moves to shorten the days at the bottom end of the structure.
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Just skimmed over the thread, is it just me that actually doesnt care how far the game is? Id rather start earlier as all i do is waste my time doing nothing in the mornings!
Our league is restructuring, but forst half of the season is regular, 2nd half is a change but you only lose 3 overs if your in divs1-5. So timings cant be an issue with the East Sussex League
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Restructuring the leagues is critical to getting the better 25-35 year old continuing their cricket and by increasing this pool you will improve the younger players. As the better adults drop out of cricket their talent, experience and energy goes with them which is a loss to the sport. To improve is see two starting points;
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To make cricket more successful it needs to become more family friendly. Football and Rugby, at what ever standard, is finished by 6. In the winter you can be a bit late to a family or social event yet still participate in a social life outside of sport in the evening. There will be the odd game that people have to travel for, especially if you go through the leagues, but you accept that if it's the exception rather than the rule at most levels.
Cricket needs to focus on making better more rounded people not club-men who spend every waking hour at the club, you will get those anyway, the ones you lose are the people who have families or outside commitments that cricket can not accommodate due to such a unsociable finishes.
T20 isn't the answer, over rate will only improve it to a minor extent and it must be enforced- which is unfair on the umpires or volunteers. The problem of "too many cancellations" will be mitigated if cricket is a more social sport, for players and their families, to be involved in. Earlier finish times will assist this, not completely but will help it.
2. Cricket needs to have a pathway to the top - the Home Counties Premier League (HCPL) is a ceiling that no one can go any higher in this area. Combining the leagues is the first step to consolidate the leagues to allow cricket to become more of a national game rather than a regional game. Once this is achieve people will start to believe they can be come "the best they can be" and we could see the counties challenged by people with resources rather than the current stagnant system. Seeing an RB Leipzip come through the levels in German football is exciting. To see similar in cricket would, I believe, increase both hope, interest and funds in the sport.
Broader topic I know but cricket is struggling to keep players playing and the above a start to improving it.
@Woodyspin - agree travel isn't an issue if you have an earlier start/finish time -personally I think the finish time will have a greater impact :-)
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A couple of grounds mentioned - OMT and chiswick, hated travelling to both. Complete nightmare!
They have tried to split the divisions (A and B) according to distance but still get a few players refusing to travel that far to play
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I've always wondered why cricket doesn't have a FA Cup type 20 or 50 over competition. Start with all teams in regional premier divisions, then add minor counties, then full counties.
Would give young talent at clubs a chance to play again the best and can you imagine an ECB prem side drawing a county like Yorkshire in the 3rd round, imagine the crowds and increased interest in the sport that would bring to the area.
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I've always wondered why cricket doesn't have a FA Cup type 20 or 50 over competition. Start with all teams in regional premier divisions, then add minor counties, then full counties.
Would give young talent at clubs a chance to play again the best and can you imagine an ECB prem side drawing a county like Yorkshire in the 3rd round, imagine the crowds and increased interest in the sport that would bring to the area.
Michael Vaughan has been championing that exact idea for a few years now.
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Michael Vaughan has been championing that exact idea for a few years now.
How could you make an UK cricket competition like that work though? (bare in mind the FA cup begins at the start of august)
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How could you make an UK cricket competition like that work though? (bare in mind the FA cup begins at the start of august)
The Village cup seems to work with probably double the number of teams.
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The Village cup seems to work with probably double the number of teams.
what's the village cup?
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http://www.nationalvillagecup.com/ (http://www.nationalvillagecup.com/) @Mpt7
Results are here showing just how many games are played - http://nvko.play-cricket.com/ (http://nvko.play-cricket.com/)
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I've always wondered why cricket doesn't have a FA Cup type 20 or 50 over competition. Start with all teams in regional premier divisions, then add minor counties, then full counties.
Would give young talent at clubs a chance to play again the best and can you imagine an ECB prem side drawing a county like Yorkshire in the 3rd round, imagine the crowds and increased interest in the sport that would bring to the area.
I like the idea. The problem I see with it is that as a small team player, Man United can only hurt your dignity. As a small team player, Mark Wood can hurt you badly.
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I don't think that would necessarily be an issue.
If you started with ECB Premier Division clubs you're not going to be a rubbish cricketer and will have faced. admittedly not 90mph, but something similar in terms of pace.
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Bumped into an official of another club yesterday he told me that following last weeks AGM our league had lost a few teams and other. Clubs were still deciding on how many sides to enter in 2017 .
Hope when the divisions are decided on there isn't a lot of match day travelling
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As this started off about the TVL and I guess you could link this in with the initial post but I was just wondering whether anyone had any news as to how many clubs have applied for the TVL for the 2018 season?
Speaking at nets last night we understand/are aware of 4 (he said 5 clubs but couldn't remember the 5th) from the Chilterns League who have applied - namely Taplow, White Waltham, Penn & Tylers Green, Wraysbury, plus one other who he had forgotten. @mohawks94 have CSG applied do you know?
I understand that Peppard Stoke Row from Berks League were considering applying but not sure if they have or not. No idea if any other clubs from that league have applied.
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@meats I don't know. I'm now on the full committee for my sins but haven't heard about this specifically. I heard we were in favour of a move to a pyramid system, whether that means going into the TVL I don't know.
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@mohawks94 you poor chap haha!
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Bizarrely, my club - Chertsey CC from the Surrey championship are currently deciding whether to join!
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Bizarrely, my club - Chertsey CC from the Surrey championship are currently deciding whether to join!
Could be a few treks for you boys if you do join!
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Exactly - bloody stupid idea if you ask me!!
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Exactly - bloody stupid idea if you ask me!!
Apart from the fact you played in the Lee75 with pretty much the same teams for 20 years! I'm guessing the travel is a red herring, many tvl grounds might be quicker to get to than Surrey teams - ie. You will be travelling out of London mainly.
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Nope Nick-nack - most of the surrey championship leagues at our level have been split into East, Central and west - not so many Croydon trips now.
Don't relish trips to Beaconsfield, Chesham, Newbury, High Wycombe etc.
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Most of the Surrey Champo games have been made into limited overs games for this year too. Either 50 or 40 over games.
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more limited overs the better. also earlier start times please.
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Agreed. So we can all drink less and spend more time with our wives.
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Yet to be confirmed but second tier of the Middx championship moving to half 40 over matches so i'm told for 2017.
other half still has a draw in a 100 over games.
personally I think it's a good idea. Many of us the forum have still been on the field at 8pm at night, showered, quick beer and got home for the slight treatment from the misses.
When you live in a one bedroomed flat as I do, there is no where to avoid eye contact.
:)
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Agreed. So we can all drink less and spend more time with our wives.
just make it more accessible - perhaps even spend it with our team mates or our friends but any way you look at it earlier finish time will allow cricket to fit better into today's society.
or dare I say it (quietly) have a social with a bit of preparation..
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@Mpt7 - you want to get into the surrey championship then, this year is 50% limited overs and an hour earlier start time I believe.
@ppccopener we are 50% x 45 over limited overs and 50% x 95 over games and I really like the variety - also, we don't have that many later finished either.
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@Mpt7 - you want to get into the surrey championship then, this year is 50% limited overs and an hour earlier start time I believe.
@ppccopener we are 50% x 45 over limited overs and 50% x 95 over games and I really like the variety - also, we don't have that many later finished either.
yes that exact format would be ideal for Middx. I know our 3rd team(Middlesex 1987 league) have this 40 overs win or lose from this year-50 per cent of games. Just waiting to see if the seconds and firsts(middx championship) also are doing this also.
I know it was voted on at a 2016 league meeting every single club in the room wanted at least half limited overs. Makes sense to me.
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Whats everyones thoughts on an 11am start? Would have a huge benefit at our club. Younger lads that wanna go to pre drinks before going out, the older lads can afford to stay for a few pints every week. Leagues seem set against it. I think we would get more cricketers playing than we'd lose from saturday morning working.
Gone are they works sides that came after work.
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Whats everyones thoughts on an 11am start? Would have a huge benefit at our club. Younger lads that wanna go to pre drinks before going out, the older lads can afford to stay for a few pints every week. Leagues seem set against it. I think we would get more cricketers playing than we'd lose from saturday morning working.
Gone are they works sides that came after work.
Personally I'd love 1100 start but what time would those travelling 2 hours have to leave ?? Plus, does this mean we can play long games again or still short stuff ?
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Whats everyones thoughts on an 11am start? Would have a huge benefit at our club. Younger lads that wanna go to pre drinks before going out, the older lads can afford to stay for a few pints every week. Leagues seem set against it. I think we would get more cricketers playing than we'd lose from saturday morning working.
Gone are they works sides that came after work.
I think we would have 6 players turn up at 11 am and the rest about 1 !! Some guys work so you can't get round that...
Having played with 'draw' games for longer than I can remember I do think the leagues are finally getting it right. You could well argue 100 overs starting one o'clock is the best way to replicate higher level cricket. The county league(Middlesex) which has pro's playing in it does have 120 over games starting 11 for half, now thou, after years with the same format, half the games are 50 overs a side.
At the end of the day I see it very simple , perhaps because I'm a bit simple :) , we need youngsters playing the game, without it the game as we know it is dead as a dodo.
If the general view is limited overs cutting match time is good go with it.
When I was 14 playing in a men's team after the match we stayed in the bar....that.....well I just don't see that anymore in league cricket.
The youngsters I play with in my team vanish after games, maybe they all go out I'm not sure, maybe they go home and play metal gear solid....or Fifa
The ameteur game is recreational , quite how you replicate higher level cricket I'm not sure the answer too.
But the answer is shorter games, I think, and I hope it works going forward...
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10am starts for me. Means we can all get down to the ground for 8:30, ground set up and bacon sandwiches.
50 overs should take 3 hours, tea then happens at lunchtime, game finished for 5pm. Ideal time for those wanting to get home. Ideal time for those wanting to stay at the club for a drink/get into town.
For me, if you work Saturdays, why not play Sunday cricket?
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Same, only difference is your would finish at 5 or 6 rather than 7 or 8. I dont see the down side. If u had a 2 hour drive the start time would change that.
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Same, only difference is your would finish at 5 or 6 rather than 7 or 8. I dont see the down side. If u had a 2 hour drive the start time would change that.
Anyone else find themselves waiting for 1pm on a Saturday? 10am start would save me agonising for 4 hours over my excuse for getting a blob... again.
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Nope Nick-nack - most of the surrey championship leagues at our level have been split into East, Central and west - not so many Croydon trips now.
Don't relish trips to Beaconsfield, Chesham, Newbury, High Wycombe etc.
Never been to Newbury but that's a hike for most of the TVL clubs as well! Not sure what you have against the Bucks mafia (including Marlow, Amersham, Chalfonts, Chenies etc) - probably an easier drive than 10 miles into London and some good tracks to boot.
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Never been to Newbury but that's a hike for most of the TVL clubs as well! Not sure what you have against the Bucks mafia (including Marlow, Amersham, Chalfonts, Chenies etc) - probably an easier drive than 10 miles into London and some good tracks to boot.
A lot easier than getting to Kew that's for sure!!
With the TVL tending to be split geographically I can't see Chertsey having to trek down to Newbury, or at least they shouldn't anyway, and potentially not High Wycombe.. Beaconsfield, Marlow, Amersham would all be possible away trips I'd have thought. Whilst I don't know who Chertsey play in the Surrey league I'd have thought they'd be more travelling involved with possible exception of getting a division exclusively made up of clubs around the Slough/Maidenhead/Windsor area.
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Being serious for a moment, I don't really care which league I play in, just as long as I'm playing. I was simply unsure that transferring to the TVL would be any better for travelling, possibly worse.
This is particulalrly noticeable as in my earlier post where a lot of the lower Surrey Champ leagues were divided into east, Central and West which has cut down a lot of the travelling. There were noticeably more youngsters making themselves available last year, particularly during their exams, and many more parents travelling to away games to watch and ferry them about.
Is it a coincidence that availability was stronger - two team promoted and 1 team were runners-up.
Out 1XI are still poo though :)
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As an update on the TVL expansion plans, according to their website 16 clubs have applied to join in 2018.
It appears some of my information on clubs who have applied was incorrect. The clubs I've now been told have applied are Taplow, Binfield, White Waltham, Harpsden, Wraysbury, Pinkneys Green (Chilterns League) and Peppard Stoke Row (Berkshire League). I believe a colts section is needed to join the TVL and if correct then I believe that could rule out Harpsden. Anyone else aware of any other clubs which have applied? I'm guessing there are a few more from the Berkshire League and at a guess the Mid-Bucks League?
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Chertsey and Ickenham (pretty sure they have their lower teams in already?). Rest are Berks League, 2 div 1 and rest Prem clubs including current league champs.
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Ah - the mighty Chertsey have applied have they.
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Ah - the mighty Chertsey have applied have they.
As per your exclusive scoop from last week ;)
Guy I know in the Berks League seems to have list of everyone who's applied and you guys were on it.
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Ickenham are in our league, they came down from the county league above(the better facilities better teams better everything). they clearly want out and I don't blame them
our league is like a weekend in a war zone
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@ppccopener - you want to join the TVL then - it seems to be what all the fashionable clubs are doing!!!!!
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@ppccopener - you want to join the TVL then - it seems to be what all the fashionable clubs are doing!!!!!
ive been trying to get our club out of our league and into the TVL for years cannot get it past the committee. but I do know some teams who have gone from our league and into TVL-not one regrets it
thanks for the offer(I think it was a subtle 'tapping up'
in 2018 we are moving to Arundel Sussex so last season in London for me
I played one season for Arundel cc about 10 years ago.
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in 2018 we are moving to Arundel Sussex so last season in London for me
I sense a "Good Life"-esque sitcom in the making as Carlo ditches the big city lights for a quieter countryside existence with comical cricket related mishaps
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Bumpy bumpy...apologies!
7 out of the 16 applicants will be put forward at the EGM in a couple of weeks. My understanding is the clubs are White Waltham, Wraysbury, Taplow, Binfield (Chilterns League), Sulhamstead, Bradfield (Berkshire League) and I'm guessing the other one is either Chertsey or Ickenham?
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I have also heard Ickenham are planning to join TVl rather than play in Middlesex champ
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Yep, won't be Chertsey. The members voted 10-1 to stay in the Surrey Championship
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Yep, won't be Chertsey. The members voted 10-1 to stay in the Surrey Championship
Fair enough, have heard since that the other club is indeed Ickenham.
Sounds like the TVL ground inspection party were pretty thorough with their inspections! Some amusing rejection reasons I've heard including where there's no car park saying cars might get muddy/stuck if it rains 😂
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I have also heard Ickenham are planning to join TVl rather than play in Middlesex champ
Yes i play in the championship Ickenham came down from the league above and the facilities and totally different.
In middlesex most clubs with money or well established play in middx county rather than championship
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Yep. Unfortunately I will have the pleasure of visiting Osterley this year.
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Good luck with that, there are worse grounds thou. I've played in some right dumps with no changing rooms and syringes and needles all over the shop.
Have heard thou 2018 there is a planned restructuring, you obviously know my league. The plan is div 1 championship(where I play) is moved to a brand new div 4 of the county league...
That's quite a big change and also more limited overs gamez(45 overs each win or lose) are coming in slowly.
The idea to attract younger players to the games...there's even talk of a few league matches being 20/20.
Middlesex and let leagues around are desperate now to get young players in. So finally the penny has dropped.
Personally I've played 'time' league cricket for donkeys years, I think limited overs(45 each) is a good idea.
I'm sure I'm not the only one on here still been on the field at eight thirty in the evening :)
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Yep apparently there will be no promotion/relegation to or from Middlesex champ.
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Good luck with that, there are worse grounds thou. I've played in some right dumps with no changing rooms and syringes and needles all over the shop.
Have heard thou 2018 there is a planned restructuring, you obviously know my league. The plan is div 1 championship(where I play) is moved to a brand new div 4 of the county league...
That's quite a big change and also more limited overs gamez(45 overs each win or lose) are coming in slowly.
The idea to attract younger players to the games...there's even talk of a few league matches being 20/20.
Middlesex and let leagues around are desperate now to get young players in. So finally the penny has dropped.
Personally I've played 'time' league cricket for donkeys years, I think limited overs(45 each) is a good idea.
I'm sure I'm not the only one on here still been on the field at eight thirty in the evening :)
So by attracting younger players you start the decline in standards :(
Sad times. You'll not see it happen quickly but over 10 years you'll notice top order batting and bowling standards will decline. Middle order hitting will improve though.
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Fair enough, have heard since that the other club is indeed Ickenham.
Sounds like the TVL ground inspection party were pretty thorough with their inspections! Some amusing rejection reasons I've heard including where there's no car park saying cars might get muddy/stuck if it rains 😂
Getting stuck in the mud is perfectly valid. Played on a wet day at one ground and watched one poor sod get his car completely stuck!. TVL standards are perhaps the reason many clubs want to join? Played in the TVL for many years and you don't get many poor grounds at 1st/2nd Xi standard.
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Good luck with that, there are worse grounds thou. I've played in some right dumps with no changing rooms and syringes and needles all over the shop.
Have heard thou 2018 there is a planned restructuring, you obviously know my league. The plan is div 1 championship(where I play) is moved to a brand new div 4 of the county league...
That's quite a big change and also more limited overs gamez(45 overs each win or lose) are coming in slowly.
The idea to attract younger players to the games...there's even talk of a few league matches being 20/20.
Middlesex and let leagues around are desperate now to get young players in. So finally the penny has dropped.
Personally I've played 'time' league cricket for donkeys years, I think limited overs(45 each) is a good idea.
I'm sure I'm not the only one on here still been on the field at eight thirty in the evening :)
Time cricket proper cricket the game where you needed a cricket brain and the game that learned you how to play spin set the scene batting second 6 wickets down at no seven at 7pm on a Sunday last 20 overs 183 to win low sun in your eyes spin at each end nine players around the bat yelling like crasy every time the ball hits your pad playing with soft hands on the front foot outside the line trying to hang in there for a draw really miss it.
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Getting stuck in the mud is perfectly valid. Played on a wet day at one ground and watched one poor sod get his car completely stuck!. TVL standards are perhaps the reason many clubs want to join? Played in the TVL for many years and you don't get many poor grounds at 1st/2nd Xi standard.
There are a few horrible grounds in TVL to be fair who probably wouldn't be admitted now if they applied to join. Not sure the ground standards is the main reason new clubs want to join, being able to play a higher standard would probably be the driving factor in a lot of cases especially with the Chilterns clubs as plenty of nice grounds in that league.
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I have played at some below average grounds in the past couple of years. However most in the 1XI and 2XI are alright. It is when you go lower you have to worry!
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Time cricket proper cricket the game where you needed a cricket brain and the game that learned you how to play spin set the scene batting second and at no seven at 7pm on a Sunday last 20 overs 183 to win low sun in your eyes spin at each end nine players around the bat yelling like crasy every time the ball hits your pad playing with soft hands on the front foot outside the line trying to hang in there for a draw really miss it.
Sometimes hanging in for a draw is just as satisfying as a win, at least I find it is when I'm batting. Everyone round the bat, ohhing and arghhhing at every shot, 9 down 6 overs to go number 11 in with you but only 10 runs needed for another batting point. Do you take the runs or not, trying to pick the ball to get the single on the 5/6th ball of over. Bowlers trying to bowl to plans, captains trying all sorts of plans in setting the field. It's brilliant, don't know why people don't like it.
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So by attracting younger players you start the decline in standards :(
Sad times. You'll not see it happen quickly but over 10 years you'll notice top order batting and bowling standards will decline. Middle order hitting will improve though.
I can see this argument against limited overs and shorter games absolutley-i agree with a few of you on here-no one can really make a sensible argument shorter bowler limited(overs) games prepares anyone for playing at a higher level simply as the games are longer the higher you play.
But for a lot of leagues the question is do nothing and ameteur numbers continue to decline....
I think myself it cannot stay the same-something has to change.
The ameteur game needs a shot in the arm and it needs it now i think
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Why can't we have 2 different league set ups?
Saturday - Short format 20/20 league - No teas, cheaper subs, coloured clothing?
Sunday - Traditionalist 50/50 or time - full tea, whites
Or the other way around if people prefer, obviously a vote/poll of teams is required.
You can play either, or both if you're really keen.
Plus twice the takings behind the bar/match day subs.
Would need more volunteers though.
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Why can't we have 2 different league set ups?
Saturday - Short format 20/20 league - No teas, cheaper subs, coloured clothing?
Sunday - Traditionalist 50/50 or time - full tea, whites
Or the other way around if people prefer, obviously a vote/poll of teams is required.
You can play either, or both if you're really keen.
Plus twice the takings behind the bar/match day subs.
Would need more volunteers though.
Not sure 2020 is going to bring in much takings behind the bar, you'd be finished by 3 or 4 I'd assume and more people than at present would shoot off him due to the early finish.
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Why can't we have 2 different league set ups?
Saturday - Short format 20/20 league - No teas, cheaper subs, coloured clothing?
Sunday - Traditionalist 50/50 or time - full tea, whites
Or the other way around if people prefer, obviously a vote/poll of teams is required.
You can play either, or both if you're really keen.
Plus twice the takings behind the bar/match day subs.
Would need more volunteers though.
That's what I'd do. Saturday for proper stuff and Sunday cba be 2020
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I can see this argument against limited overs and shorter games absolutley-i agree with a few of you on here-no one can really make a sensible argument shorter bowler limited(overs) games prepares anyone for playing at a higher level simply as the games are longer the higher you play.
But for a lot of leagues the question is do nothing and ameteur numbers continue to decline....
I think myself it cannot stay the same-something has to change.
The ameteur game needs a shot in the arm and it needs it now i think
I think the HCPL have done it right they play half the season 120 overs full on all day cricket etc... and the other half is 50 over win/lose.... so essentially you play 1 type of game each against all the other sides.
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Not sure 2020 is going to bring in much takings behind the bar, you'd be finished by 3 or 4 I'd assume and more people than at present would shoot off him due to the early finish.
True enough. I guess I was hoping people would put their hand in their pocket for crisps/bar snacks in lieu of the tea. I know lots of people think teas are bad value, so hopefully they'll feel better about spending a couple of quid on some snacks instead and eating whilst they watch their team bat.
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http://www.cricketaustralia.com.au/media/media-releases/junior-cricket-in-australia-to-be-transformed/2017-04-04 (http://www.cricketaustralia.com.au/media/media-releases/junior-cricket-in-australia-to-be-transformed/2017-04-04)
Cricket getting dumbed right down here, CA claiming majority in favour but everything I read and people I talk to are negative about it.
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[url]http://www.cricketaustralia.com.au/media/media-releases/junior-cricket-in-australia-to-be-transformed/2017-04-04[/url] ([url]http://www.cricketaustralia.com.au/media/media-releases/junior-cricket-in-australia-to-be-transformed/2017-04-04[/url])
Cricket getting dumbed right down here, CA claiming majority in favour but everything I read and people I talk to are negative about it.
Sounds like what I used to play at under 13s, bat in pairs, start on 200 runs, lose 5 runs per wicket and everyone bats for 4 overs.
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True enough. I guess I was hoping people would put their hand in their pocket for crisps/bar snacks in lieu of the tea. I know lots of people think teas are bad value, so hopefully they'll feel better about spending a couple of quid on some snacks instead and eating whilst they watch their team bat.
The only way I can see any kind of money being made is by getting spectators down to watch and opening the bar. Failing that, or indeed in addition if possible, have a BBQ running throughout and after the game.
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All 7 of the clubs were voted in last night for the 2018 season.
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Potentially with Binfield, Taplow, Wraysbury and Waltham leaving the Chilterns League, Chiltern will be merging with the Berks League. There would be a 'Prem' with the top five sides from the current Div 1s in each (so from Chiltern it would be Penn, Chalfont St Giles, Harpsden presumably and a couple of others as we are losing Taplow, Wraysbury and Binfield from last seasons top five), and regional leagues below with promotion for the sides that win each of the regional structures under it, so two relegated from ten team 'prem' and one promoted from each regional divisional structure. Or at least that's my understanding of it.
Doesn't matter to me though, so long as I'm playing I'm happy. And I'm back in Brighton full time next year on teacher training so will be playing at the lovely Firle CC rather than Chalfont St Giles.
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Potentially with Binfield, Taplow, Wraysbury and Waltham leaving the Chilterns League, Chiltern will be merging with the Berks League. There would be a 'Prem' with the top five sides from the current Div 1s in each (so from Chiltern it would be Penn, Chalfont St Giles, Harpsden presumably and a couple of others as we are losing Taplow, Wraysbury and Binfield from last seasons top five), and regional leagues below with promotion for the sides that win each of the regional structures under it, so two relegated from ten team 'prem' and one promoted from each regional divisional structure. Or at least that's my understanding of it.
Doesn't matter to me though, so long as I'm playing I'm happy. And I'm back in Brighton full time next year on teacher training so will be playing at the lovely Firle CC rather than Chalfont St Giles.
I heard about the top 5 from Chilterns and Berks league, something like that needs to happen with Chilterns losing 4 clubs next season. By sounds of it Braywood have got their cheque book out and have pretty much brought in half of a new first team, from Burnham primarily so I'd imagine they'll be up there. If this is in place for next season then I'd be tempted to put Ley Hill in top 5 as I think they'll walk div 2 this year like Harpsden did.
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Be interesting to see how the TVL manage those sides into their existing structure - the last time there was an expansion, they brought sides in a level too low and there were some horrible mismatches for a year or two.
On the standard of grounds in the TVL, I think its pretty much the best around - some second grounds are a bit village but for the most part we're talking pretty good to better. Even the smaller clubs - like mine, tbh, have put a lot into improving facilities over the last five years.
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Be interesting to see how the TVL manage those sides into their existing structure - the last time there was an expansion, they brought sides in a level too low and there were some horrible mismatches for a year or two.
On the standard of grounds in the TVL, I think its pretty much the best around - some second grounds are a bit village but for the most part we're talking pretty good to better. Even the smaller clubs - like mine, tbh, have put a lot into improving facilities over the last five years.
Agreed. I'd be surprised if they do anything other than usual div 4 div 7 stuff. I haven't seen White Waltham this season but going on previous years div 4 would be about right for their 1s. Wraysbury, Taplow and Binfield would be competitive in div 3 based on my experience playing tvl divs 3 and 4.
Sulhamstead I would imagine are fairly strong and would most likely also be competitive in div 3. I was surprised Bradfield were accepted as standard wise they are by far the weakest applicant and I think they would struggle in div 4 and I'd be inclined to put them in div 5.
I know nothing about Ickenham but I'd expect then to be a decent side.
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We are playing Ickenham on Saturday in our league. I have a mate there so if he's playing I'll ask what the plan is....
I suspect the difference in quality of grounds and facilities from Middlesex to TVL would be a big factor in teams wanting to join Thames valley.
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We have the joys of the worst tea in the league at Harpsden this weekend - TVL dodged a bullet there! Gorgeous ground, but an awful wicket and the tea is dire. Or maybe I'm spoilt by Firle and CSG.
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We have the joys of the worst tea in the league at Harpsden this weekend - TVL dodged a bullet there! Gorgeous ground, but an awful wicket and the tea is dire. Or maybe I'm spoilt by Firle and CSG.
We've played there last three seasons in sept as a friendly. They are a very good side.
The teas ther are absolutely fabulous.
im tempted to join your club just for the teas, they must be out of this world! :)
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Maybe their standards slip for league matches, but the trips there have resulted in disappointing teas the last two years! Firle tea photos on Instagram from yesterday - I'm spoilt there for sure!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BThWSTOFMmR/?taken-by=firlecricclub (https://www.instagram.com/p/BThWSTOFMmR/?taken-by=firlecricclub)
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(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b448/araza1/24562C51-BCCA-490D-BE44-75A9897D3BA1_zpsxrcn9kog.png) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/araza1/media/24562C51-BCCA-490D-BE44-75A9897D3BA1_zpsxrcn9kog.png.html)
provisional league structure for next season
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That looks fantastic. Post me joining forms please. I'm past it now but pay my subs and get a round in👍
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Maybe their standards slip for league matches, but the trips there have resulted in disappointing teas the last two years! Firle tea photos on Instagram from yesterday - I'm spoilt there for sure!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BThWSTOFMmR/?taken-by=firlecricclub (https://www.instagram.com/p/BThWSTOFMmR/?taken-by=firlecricclub)
Sign me up! Happy to just umpire or score if I can tuck into that tea.
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The quiche was amazing but unfortunately they got promoted to ESCL Div 2 last season so have panel umpires. I've been asked to move down South to play this season, but I don't get my new house keys until 17/8, and I would have to transfer by 22/6 to be eligible for the second half of the season. Guess I will have to enjoy the last hurrah of the current Chilterns League.