Halifax League clubs all set for the start of new season
LOCAL CRICKET returns to the field on Saturday when first teams in the ENCO Halifax Cricket League begin a new 11week campaign.
The truncated season will run until September 26, an extension of two weeks to the normal campaign, thus producing a term that is effectively half a season.
The matches will be 40 overs per side, allowing the teams to follow new ECB guidelines, and there is no change to the allocation of match points.
Washing the ball every six overs and frequent hand sanitisation from the players are among the new ECB guidelines that must be observed.
Details of fixtures and results will be published on the league’s website. Matches will start at 1.30pm, with the exception of those on September 19 and 26, when a 12.30pm start will be enforced.
Clubs should use up any supply of new cricket balls with the former sponsor’s logo and thereafter use those of the new sponsor, ENCO, that have been supplied this week.
Not all first XI teams will participate in the competition and Old Town and Sowerby St Peter’s have opted not to take part.
First teams not allowed to play at home due to the decision of landlords are Mount and Upper Hopton. Both clubs are requesting a review of this decision.
The second team competition will begin on Saturday, July 25.
Fixtures will be finalised this week and will be played in the period up to September 26.
The same conditions apply to matches as those in place for first teams.
Second teams not taking part are Booth, Leymoor, Mytholmroyd, Old Town, Oxenhope and Sowerby St Peter’s. Bradley & Colnebridge don’t have a second string.
Mount and Upper Hopton are requesting a review of landlords’ decisions to not allow home games.
Sunday cricket will start on July 26. The fixture list will be confirmed shortly to fit into the period up to September 27.
Matches will be of the standard 40 overs per side with all guidelines for Saturday cricket also applying. There is no change to allocation of match points.
Sunday teams opting not to compete are Honley and Northowram Fields.
There are no restrictions on the number of players allowed to play both second XI cricket and Sunday League cricket.
However, no first team player will be allowed to play Sunday League cricket if they played or were selected to play on the previous day, unless they are a junior player that meet the current rule criteria.
Clubs must make someone available as a stand-in umpire for first and second team games.
There are many other conditions regarding social distancing that must be implemented by clubs. More information is available from the league.