Thank you, Murton CC

posted by John Winn

Since last summer I have made several references to the reorganisation of league cricket in North East England in 2013 and expressed increasing frustration about the lack of information regarding the new structure. If you have read my previous posts on the changes you may recall that they involve the formation  of a second division of the NEPL and the creation of  a new league, namely The Durham Cricket League. Having trawled through numerous websites I have at last some information that goes beyond chat room rumour. My thanks are due to Murton CC, situated a little under ten miles south east of Sunderland, for on their website, murtoncc.co.uk, are the complete fixtures for the brand spanking new, Durham Cricket League.

There are 26 clubs in the new league, stretching from Evenwood in the south west of the county to Bill Quay CC on the south bank of the Tyne near Hebburn. For the first season the 26 will form one division and play each other once. Fixtures begin on April 27th and continue each Saturday until September 8th. There will be a full programme on the three summer bank holidays and on two Sundays, June 23rd and July 7th. On the basis of these matches the league will split into two divisions for 2014.

April 27 will be a historic day for the new league, not just because it is the inaugural day of competition but because the member clubs come from three leagues with hundred of years of history between them. Such a dramatic change does not come without resistance and there will be those who do not wish the new league 'all the best'. It will add to clubs' petrol bills but Evenwood to Bill Quay is a little over 30 miles, a relatively modest journey by the standard of some leagues. A fine day on April 27th would suit all pcws and would give the new league a good start. I, for one wish them well and may even be there to inspect a tea room or two