Haslingden lay out plan for summer
AT a time when they would normally be putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the season ahead, cricket clubs have been left facing an uncertain summer due to the coronavirus lockdown.
The game, like most sport across the country, has been suspended indefintely until such time as it’s safe to stage matches.
With so much uncertainty around, Haslingden Cricket Club have take the step of bringing their followers up to date on where the club stand.
They confirmed hat no cup competitions – apart from a T20 event – would take place this year in a bid to focus on the completion of a league programme.
A statement on the club’s website read: “Dear Members and Players, we are sure that you are aware of recent events surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic and at this time of uncertainty, we thought it appropriate to update you on how this is impacting on our cricket club and how our members could help to ease the strain over the months ahead.
“The ECB has taken the decision to suspend all junior and senior recreational cricket for the foreseeable future. There has been a meeting of the Lancashire League Cricket Executive where it was decided that there will be no Cup competitions apart from a T20 competition and once sanctions are lifted, teams will play each other once with no promotion or relegation.
“Clubs will not be penalised if they do not engage a professional. It is envisaged that cricket will not commence until the beginning of July at the earliest but obviously that will be kept under review.
“As you will be aware the club closed its doors on Friday 20th March in line with Government guidelines and all events and functions have had to be cancelled. This will have a significant financial impact on our club. Our Management Committee have taken steps to reduce our outgoings during this period of closure and we hope that there will be some financial support by way of grants from the Government. We are currently waiting for confirmation with regards to eligibility and accessing this funding.
“In the meantime, we are asking our members to continue to support the club by renewing their membership as soon as possible, where they are able to do so. We do know that some people have already renewed their membership and we are very grateful for that support. For those members who are players, we are asking you to pay a non-player membership at this time.
“Monthly Draw – In addition, we would ask if you could support the club by joining the Monthly Draw if you have not done so already. Entry is £ 5 per month per number and Prize money will be paid as follows: 1st prize 25% of the monthly pot, 2nd prize 15% of the monthly pot and 3rd prize 10% of the monthly pot.
“The first draw was Saturday 28th March.
“We thank you for your support through these difficult and unprecedented times. Stay safe and look after yourselves.”