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Changes in the West of England

After discussions of changes to league cricket between the county boards of Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire, areas that need to be developed have been identified.

We had previously reported how the cricket boards of the three counties agreed a review of league cricket in the area should take place with the use of feeder leagues particularly under the microscope.

Some of the Feeders are already either holding league meetings or sending out questionnaires to elicit the views of clubs on specific and political issues.

The Wiltshire Cricket Board has requested clubs give consideration to the following issues and make their opinions known at the usual end of season meeting:

1. Travel problems at 1st and 2nd.XI matches, especially in Tiers 3 and 4.

2. Match formats, i.e. 50 overs or something else.

3. Please canvas the views of the 17 to 25 year olds in your club.

4. Ask older players whether a change in format or divisional structures could prolong their active careers.

A current ECB concern about participation in cricket is also reflected within Wiltshire cricket as a statement from Wiltshire Cricket explains:  “ECB, our governing body, is particularly concerned about the retention of players aged between 17 and 25 as, apparently, this is the age group now most prone to ‘go missing’ from the game. This concern is also reflected in the experiences of our sponsors Globe Sports.”