Two local Towns could be among the first clubs in the country to start playing competitive cricket in 2020

Peterborough Town could be one of the first clubs to start playing competitive cricket this summer.
By Alan Swann
Published 7th Jul 2020, 14:01 BST
Updated 7th Jul 2020, 14:39 BST
Peterborough Town cricket captain David Clarke in the nets at Bretton Gate earlier this summer.Peterborough Town cricket captain David Clarke in the nets at Bretton Gate earlier this summer.
Peterborough Town cricket captain David Clarke in the nets at Bretton Gate earlier this summer.

The Northants Cricket League - the biggest in the country with 14 divisions - is hoping to return on Saturday, July 18.

Town are the reigning Premier Division champions, while Oundle Town also take part in the top flight.

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The return is subject to UK Government guidance, although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appeared to take notice of a concerted campaign to re-start competitive cricket outside of the first-class game.

There will be no promotions or relegations if the Northants League is able to start with a 10-weekend programme. There could be adjustments to current divisions for this summer only.

A Northants League spokesman said: “The ‘Boris Statement’ was great news. However, we need to see the detail of the guidelines first before any decision of a return to cricket. Following a club survey, and ongoing work behind the scenes, we hope to put together a programme as soon as possible.

“But we are full steam ahead to get cricket on at the earliest possible date. We are working extremely hard to ensure NCL fixtures can commence on Saturday, July 18.

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“We are working on an ambitious programme that aims to deliver meaningful cricket for all divisions. There will be no promotion or relegation this season.

“We are working round the clock to put together fixtures for a 10-week period and to avoid blank weekends we need to make changes to some divisions of the current structure for this season only.”

Town are cautiously optimistic of the season starting aon July 18. They will play an inter-club match at Bretton gate this Saturday (July 11) as will Oundle, Market Deeping and several other local clubs.

Burghley Park are planning a friendly against Baston on Sunday.

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The Lincs Premier Division which involves Bourne and Market Deeping is currently aiming for an August 1 start, while the Hunts League have already called off their 2020 season and the Rutland League are still canvassing member clubs.

The Cambs League could not be contacted.

Related topics:Oundle TownBoris JohnsonGovernmentPremier Division

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