The future’s orange!

Welsh cricket set for colour changes

THE South Wales Premier Cricket League is next summer set to show its true colours, writes Tony Poole.

During the league’s Annual General Meeting – that was staged last week at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff – the membership voted to go next season with not only coloured clothing but also use orange cricket balls.

However, should they wish to do so, clubs can choose to remain with traditional white kit.

Coloured clothing has been on the Premier League agenda for a number of years, but it has now received sufficient backing to introduce it.

A number of other interesting changes also surfaced during the meeting.

Second XI matches in the East Division next season will be reduced to 45 overs, but will remain 50-over contests in the West Division.

There are, however, fears that its only a question of time before Second XI cricket is reduced to 40 overs.

Another change for 2020 will see umpires call no ball should bowlers send down more than two bouncers per over.

A further significant alteration in league rules for next season was also made, allowing clubs to select both players allocated to them by Glamorgan even if opponents only have one County man available. But under no circumstances would a side be able to field both Glamorgan men if opponents had neither of their allocated players available.

Meanwhile, Bridgend Town will open their 2019 campaign against newcomers Swansea at iconic St Helen’s on May 2 while the Second XI welcome the other promoted club, Cowbridge, to Newbridge Fields in a 45-over East Division match.

The opening home fixture for Bridgend Town in Division One is against Cardiff on May 9.

Fixtures run until August 29, but a request has already been made for the Premier League to on August 1 support Welsh Fire, who on this date challenge Northern Superchargers at Sophia Gardens in the inaugural season of “The Hundred” competition.

Clubs have a choice to make by either starting fixtures in early morning or by moving the entire programme to either a Sunday or September 5.

However, moving the fixture-list to the opening Saturday in September has already raised concerns, as some grounds like Bridgend Town and Swansea share with rugby and would be ruled out.

A decision is expected to be made early in 2020.