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[it's_a_pudding]

Hi guys would appreciate some advice on my cricket. Basically I'm stuck in two minds about where to play my cricket this season. The dilemma I have is both sides are in the same league but one side wants me to bat at 5/6 bowl first change but they have a very good chance of promotion. The other side is where I've played cricket all my life and they want me to bat at 3 bowl first change but they aren't as good as the other team but this side is leaving the league at the end of the year and joining the New York/Yorkshire premier league set up so potentially in a year/ 2 years could be playing a very high standard of cricket which is the goal at the end of the day. I know either way it'll probably annoy someone but at the end of the day I want to play the best cricket I can and I can't do stuff to please others when at the end of the day it's my game. Club 1 is a players club run by the players but they don't have a particularly brilliant junior set up and they rely quite heavily on paying money out for players. Whereas club 2 have a really good junior set up 100+ juniors at training etc but they don't pay out money but always have juniors coming through the club. All opinions appreciated as I have put it off for a little while now but with the season so close I need to choose in the next couple of days ??

[Woodyspin]

My only advice would be choose where will make you happy, I thought about doing this a few years ago, 1 club has great junior set up much better sides and links to Sussex, My club doesn't have the best junior set up and we play at a decent standard... I stayed at mine because some of my best friends play there and I enjoy playing with them. at the end of the day I play because i enjoy it just as much as I want to get better. Hope this helps

[Gingerbusiness]

From personal experience, play where your heart lies.

If you want to make a career out of cricket, play a higher level. Push for that goal.

If cricket is a pastime/hobby, why not play where you will be happiest? It makes sense.

For all the clubs/levels I've played at, never been as happy as I am right now to be back at the club I joined as a 7-year old (I rejoined 3 seasons ago).

[Maverick79]

Play where you will enjoy playing the most. Speaking from experience, I left a club where the 1's were a Prem side - I played 2's and would bat at 7 most weeks and end up batting for the last 5 overs and have to go in and tee off. It was my only game of cricket in the weekend and I lost all enjoyment to the point were I only played 8 games in my last season with them.

Fast forward to now, i'm in my second season at my 'new' club. Played all bar 2 games last season and opened the batting every game (where i feel comfortable and think suits my natural game). The standard is similar, possibly slightly lower than 2's standard at my old club and we only one team on a Saturday as opposed to 3 at my old club but I feel at home, play with a great bunch of lads and am back loving my cricket again.

[ProCricketer1982]

Play where it's fun and you get most value for your time and effort. Playing high level is all well and good but if it's not fun it'll become a chore and unless your genuinely in with a shot of pro then it's supposed to be fun!!

Too many players just make up numbers at bigger clubs to fund the paid guys so they can say they play x division or y club. Pointless

[Buzz]

Stick with where you are.
Never believe what people at the new club are telling you as they are just trying to attract new members.
Enjoy your cricket with the guys you know best.

[Seniorplayer]

Has long has you Are happy where you are Better the devil you know

[it's_a_pudding]

I think I would enjoy both clubs as I have friends at both clubs. It's more the question do I join the new club and get promoted with them (hopefully) or do I stay with the original club knowing it's going to be a tough year but in a couple of years the standard would improve (hopefully) with the new system in place. Thanks for the thoughts guys !

[ProCricketer1982]

I think I would enjoy both clubs as I have friends at both clubs. It's more the question do I join the new club and get promoted with them (hopefully) or do I stay with the original club knowing it's going to be a tough year but in a couple of years the standard would improve (hopefully) with the new system in place. Thanks for the thoughts guys !

Batting 3 in a poor team is so far above batting 5/6 in a good team!! Stay and play for the 'weaker' team and it'll be more fun. Winning promotion isn't that good after that season as no one remembers it anyway

[edynamo]

Go for it mate, test yourself - do well and maybe get up a it in the order! Leagues are full of players who say they could have done this and that but always chose the comfort zone and blame the ones who achieve on luck / favouritism and othe bullshit to protect their own ego!

I was coach of a side who won promotion over 10 years ago - we are still al in contact - little moment still bring goose bumps to us all, and although we aren't all at that club we still meet there and it's a good night on the bar when we do!

[joeljonno]

If both teams are playing in the same league, do what is eat for yourself. Whether that is batting and bowling each week or batting most weeks, bowling and possibly getting promoted.

What are the two teams you are on about (if you are happy answering) as there is a lot more to club cricket than just the on-field aspect.

As you are looking to play in the new Yorkshire League set-up, where are you based as I can get you in touch with a number of possible avenues to teams in that premier league or one below.

[it's_a_pudding]

Rather not reveal the teams to be honest. And I get that batting at 3 gives me more opportunity as batting at 5/6 your not guaranteed a bat. Which aids me if other teams do look at me as an individual. The decision would be a lot simpler if the original club didn't always make promises about doing a lot more physical work in terms of training and for me they don't do enough to aid players or bring in players. Yeah I get as a club if you have that many juniors you will naturally bring players through as some would cut the grade but most don't. But for me you need to bring in players also to fill gaps or improve the clubs general play and they don't do enough of these things.