League News

Following consultation with member clubs and the few replies we received, the NECL Exec Committee entered into a conversation with the Two Counties Championship with a view to amalgamation.

We can now update member clubs on the direction we propose to take with each of the current NECL competitions.

T40 – Of the seven clubs in our current T40 competition, two have stated that they were going to withdraw at the end of the season, and not compete in 2025. With this in mind, and the fact that 13 of the 42 scheduled Division One fixtures in 2024 were conceded, it has been decided to discontinue this tournament for 2025. If any of the five clubs still wish to participate in T40 cricket, they should apply to the Two Counties Championship Sunday competition, but bear in mind the size of divisions is currently 9, so there would be an expectation to play 16-18 Sunday fixtures, which we know has long been problematic for sides in our T40 competition.

T20 – the Two Counties championship currently does not have a T20 competition for Essex based clubs. Maldon CC run a competition for the Geoff Newman trophy, and there will be initial discussions with Stuart Coker (Maldon) to see if an amalgamation with this competition can be formalised. We will provide further details as soon as those discussions have taken place, but would ask that the eight teams currently in the NECL T20, and any clubs who are interested in playing T20 in 2025, complete the NECL registration documents supplied for 2025.

T30 – the Two Counties championship is committed to continuing this competition in its current format – allowing for the introduction of young teens into senior cricket, with retirements at fifty and restricted over to 5 overs per bowler. The importance of this competition is not the ‘winning’ but the taking part. Again the eight teams currently participating in the NECL T30, and any clubs wishing to enter a team in 2025, should complete the registration documents supplied for 2025.

Indoor League – the NECL took on responsibility for the financial payments to the Northern Gateway Indoor League, in the second complete season. Clubs paying invoices to the League for games played, and then the League paying Northern Gateway. The responsibility will pass over to the Two Counties Treasurer, but initially for the 2024/25 season the first half invoices will be issued by Emma Harris (NECL Treasurer). Fixtures have already been organised for the coming season, and Kevin Hewes will continue to administer in future seasons as well as the Play Cricket side.

Website Presence – obviously we will wind down the current NECL website, just giving transitional arrangements information. The Two Counties have given permission for a tab for Indoor League on their website, and similarly for the T20, although we expect much of the day to day running will be via Play Cricket.

Financial – the current balance held by the NECL will be transferred to the Two Counites Championship as part of the amalgamation. Entrance fees for competitions will be directed by the Two Counties Championship. All ball ordering for 2025 for outdoor competitions should be done on Two Counties paperwork.

Future Actions –

The Two Counties championship AGM is on the 14^th October, at which the amalgamation will be formalised. The NECL AGM will follow at the end of October, where the 2024 trophies will be presented, and the formalised closure of the league will be proposed.

The Exec Committee will be available during the transition, and some will continue in an admin role once the amalgamation has been completed.

Thank you for your participation in a competition that has served North Essex since 1976, unfortunately we are at a point where we are unable to continue in the current format.