Pennine five will move on to Lancs

CRICKET

FIVE clubs from the JW Lees Pennine Cricket League have been accepted into the Lancashire League for the 2018 season.

The Lancashire League delayed an official announcement until late last week, once the five – Littleborough, Norden, Rochdale, Walsden and Middleton – had accepted invitations to join.

Egerton, who played in the Greater Manchester League last season, were also invited to join the Lancashire League but did not accept the offer.

The five clubs now have to resign from the Pennine League by the end of June, and there are fears that there could now be a domino effect with other clubs looking at leaving the league.

During the latest Pennine League meeting three clubs – Greenfield, Moorside and Royton –indicated they would be looking at their positions.

Royton chairman Tony Spence asked: “Where do we go from here,” and there was some feeling that talks should now be held between the Pennine League and Greater Manchester League.

Club delegates were asked to determine the feeling in their clubs and report back to the April meeting when a decision could be taken on talks with the GML.

There was some criticism aimed at clubs who will be leaving the Pennine League, but in answer Rochdale chairman Mark Reynolds said: “I am feeling negative vibes.

“We will be joining the Lancashire League, but I think we can still play a productive part in the Pennine League this season.”

A decision could also be made at the April meeting on the Pennine League’s future in the senior inter-league competition.

The league does not now have a team manager.