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As you may be aware, the Huddersfield Cricket League (HCL) have cancelled the first weekend of fixtures (20/4 & 21/4) as a result of the poor weather we have seen over the winter/early spring. The inference is that it may also extend to the 2nd week, albeit it is a bit early to make a call yet.

In view of the above, and given it is unlikely any of our matches will go ahead until the HCL matches have started, we have considered how best to react. Please read through the comments below - we will provide further updates as and when we have more information.

Premiership

Given there are no restrictions on rearranging games, any matches cancelled should be rearranged at a future date before the end of the season. In view of the uncertainty, however, the 21 day stipulation (see Rule 15 on Rules tab) will be suspended for weeks 1 & 2. As soon as HCL restrictions are lifted, the 21 day stipulation will recommence.

See below re W/C 6/5 - Emmerson Cup week.

Bottomley & Stallard Conferences

Due to the additional fixtures played in the Conferences, there are restrictions placed on rearranging games (see Rule 15 - Sections NOT of 8 or 7 Teams). We have to be mindful that we do not want to create a big backlog that becomes difficult to manage, whilst making sure as many matches as possible are played. As it stands, we have decided the following:-

Week 1 (W/C 22/4) - all matches unplayed are to be rearranged at a time agreed between both teams before the end of the season. Like the Premiership, as soon as any HCL restrictions are lifted, the date of the rearranged game should be agreed within 21 days (doesn't need to be played within 21 days, just have agreed the date).

Week 2 (W/C 29/4) - if the HCL call off their week 2 matches, all unplayed Week 2 matches will be moved en bloc to be played W/C 26th August i.e. the last week of the season.

Premiership & Conferences

Twenty20 cricket is not a new phenomenon. The Huddersfield Evening Cricket League was founded in 1937, just before the outbreak of the Second World War, and its structure is remarkably similar to the “new” format that has taken the world of cricket by storm.

The League was established with a very simple goal. To provide competitive cricket for players who either did not have time for weekend cricket or did not consider themselves good enough. With a couple of minor changes, this is how the League runs to this day. Most players playing in any other competitive leagues are not eligible to play in the Evening League.

 

All matches start at 6.30pm on weekday evenings with the season running from late April to early August. Matches vary in length depending on the evening weather and can be as little as 10 eight ball overs, up to a maximum of 15 eight ball overs. The number of balls in the over means that there is less time wasted in changing ends.

 

The League is split into three sections and currently provides “friendly” competition for 18 teams. There are also two knockout competitions, the Emmerson Cup and the Priestley Cup, and an end of season playoff, the Allen Priest Trophy. The latter sees two semi finals and one final, played out on the same day in mid September - what does this remind you of? Even we, however, have succumbed to new fashions as, since the start of the 2010 season, all matches have been played with an orange ball.

 

Participating teams vary from works teams, to pub teams, to old boy’s teams. If you have a group of players that want to play on a competitive basis, the Evening League is ideal.

 

The Huddersfield Evening Cricket League has stood the test of time – long may it continue.