Plans by the ECB North East Premier League (NEPL) to introduce a new second division are taking further shape with a presentation evening confirmed for Tuesday evening at Chester-le-Street Cricket Club.

 The presentation, led by key members of the NEPL management committee, will be conducted in the attendance of the fifteen clubs who have expressed an interest in competing in the new division, scheduled to commence in April 2013.

 NEPL chairman Keith Robson, who will take a lead role in the presentation said: “I am delighted to have my confidence confirmed that there are more than sufficient clubs in the north east region with the confidence and ambition to participate in this exciting development.”

 The current England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) strategy is to establish a pathway "from the school playing field to the Test arena." The NEPL as the regional pinnacle for recreational cricket is a key component of the pathway.

 The evening will also allow clubs to ask questions and gain clarity about the NEPL’s proposals prior to making a formal application for league places.

 The proposal by the NEPL to form a Second Division emerged as a result of the demise of the previous pyramid system, which didn’t allow for effective promotion and relegation.

 And with the plans for the composition of the new division now in full flow, NEPL chairman Robson is confident everything will be in place for next season:

 "It is envisaged that there will be another meeting of clubs at the end of January where further discussions can take place before formal application forms will be issued.

 “And we remain confident that the North East Premier League's Second Division will begin in April 2013." 

Article by Martin Key