Over 100 teams for HCB ‘micro bubbles’

The Hampshire Cricket Board are likely to receive over 100 entries for their ‘micro bubble’ mini-league tournaments.

Games are due to start on July

25, leaving five Saturdays until the end of August - though games could be played on other days as well.

Almost 100 teams representing 60 clubs have so far entered - 98 to be exact, 65 at regional level and 33 at county level.

The deadline has now been extended to noon today, with fixture lists expected to be released next Wednesday.

Organisers expect over 100 teams by the closing time.

The teams will be divided up into ‘micro bubble’ groups - the smallest being four and the largest possibly seven.

‘Geography will be the driver,’ said the HCB’s cricket development officer Simon Jones.

‘These groups will be totally flexible. It’s a club-run thing, we’re just organising the teams.

‘Clubs can be as innovative as they want.

‘They can play two 30-over games on the same day, they can play Sundays, evenings, bank holidays.

‘They could play T20 games in midweek or a 100-ball a side match, whatever they want to do.

‘They don’t have to play the same format in all their group games.’

There has been interest from all areas, with Shrewton - north of Salisbury - wanting to take part as well as Compton, from west Sussex.

Yateley, who don’t play in the Hampshire League, have also indicated their willingness to play.

‘It’s a different world now, and travelling is key,’ said Jones.

Another competition could be organised for September traditionally a month where very little grassroots cricket is played.

‘There has been lots of interest in doing something in September,’ said Jones. ‘That’s something we will look at.

‘Is cricket possible in September? We’ll find out.’

Jones is under no illusions as to the importance of playing games in what is left of the recreational cricket season.

‘It’s crucial that clubs try and get these games on,’ he said.

‘Along with the winter league games, they’re going to help as many people as possible to be on the start line next April.

‘That’s what all these games are going to be about.’

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