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 [...Continue Reading]

Arrangements for T20 Finals Day, next Sunday at Halstead Cricket Club. 11am - Semi Finals Halstead v Coggeshall (Pitch 1) Mistley v Springfield (Pitch 2) BBQ Vouchers will be available to players of all four sides. Approx 3pm T20 Final

Due to the increasing problem and lack of availability of obtaining neutral umpires for Sunday games, the league have decided that from the end of this rota (May), neutral umpires will no longer be appointed for Division 1 and T20 games. The only exception will be the T20 Finals Day, where we will appoint four umpires as per usual.

Distribution of Cricket Balls and Team Cards will take place at Boxted Cricket Club on Saturday 6th April, between 10.30am and 12 noon. Please ensure you have payment on the day or have paid by BACS prior to the day, for your cricket balls.

With the 2023 season now complete, it is time to look ahead to 2024 and make initial plans. If you wish to join the league as a new club please contact the Exec Committee on the Contacts page of the website, and make known your intention, and which competition you would like to enter. There is a critical requirement for teams to join the 40 over competition to make the second division sustainable, so if this is something that your club, or maybe your current NECL T30 side are exploring, then again please contact the Exec Committee. There is no automatic promotion from Division Two, only if the champion club wants to pit themselves against Division One ,will promotion and relegation occur. The Annual General Meeting will be at the end of October, but submissions for new clubs and teams should be in by Friday 6th October at the very latest.

As per the league rules, a reminder now that as we are past July 31st deadline the following rules apply ; No player can make their seasonal debut for a club without prior agreement from the Exec Committee, e-mail the Results Secretary to request this. In all likelihood if a player has a history of playing for the club, then the request will be accepted. Transfers can no longer take place. No match can be re-arranged due to poor weather.

Regrettably, West Mersea have taken the decision to withdraw from Division Two. Unfortunately with more juniors working at the weekend, they were unable to fulfil their Sunday fixture list with enough senior players. The results will be expunged from the league, and unfortunately, this means there will be just four teams in the competition for the remainder of the season.

Kelvedon & Feering have withdrawn from the T20 competition, having already conceded their opening two fixtures. These two results have been expunged from the record, and the tables updated accordingly today.

The date for the NECL Ball Distribution will be Saturday 1st April, between 10.30am and 12pm at Boxted Cricket Club, Cage Lane, CO4 5RE. Invoices will be issued shortly, and clubs should endeavour to make prompt payment.