Central Yorkshire setback for Crossbank and Mount

Crossbank Meths have spent time and money refurbishing their clubhouse to help strengthen their bid to join the Central Yorkshire Cricket League.

Mount finished last season as runners-up in the Huddersfield Central League Premier Section, while Crossbank won promotion to the top flight and were also invited to participate in the CYL’s Twenty20 competition.

The CYL management committee have raised concerns about the playing standard at Crossbank and the facilities at Mount’s Staincliffe ground.

A letter to Crossbank, following a management meeting on October 3, read: “Playing strength and the ability to compete successfully at our current Division One level creates some concerns.

“We appreciate that playing strength is very much a perception matter, however, alongside this perception is a demonstrable comparison with recent entrants into the CYCL who have not to date demonstrated our hoped for playing strength at this level.”

Rodley, Azaad, Thornhill and Mirfield have all joined the CYL from the Huddersfield Central in recent times but, in some cases, found the step up tough.

Mirfield were relegated from Division One last season, although Azaad won the Division Two title.

However, the letter to Crossbank also indicated there are no actual vacancies to join the league in 2014, adding: “Given the current structure of the Central Yorkshire Cricket League there is no actual vacancy for membership in 2014.

“We currently enjoy a membership of 28 clubs and an increase to 29 member clubs would not provide a workable format.”

Crossbank state they have achieved ECB Clubmark standard, made necessary ground improvements and now run junior teams at Under-9, 11 and 13 level.

They have also achieved three successive promotions to Hudderfield Central Premier Section and believe they have the ability to cope with a switch to the CYL.

Mount, meanwhile, have 48 registered senior players and a further 103 registered young players aged from five to 16 and wanted to make the switch in order for their club to continue their progress.

A CYL management letter to Mount read: “At this time we are of the opinion that the quality of the facilities and ground at Mount CC are somewhat below what is currently required for membership of the CYCL.”

Crossbank have formally requested assistance from the YCB and ECB, while Mount have indicated they will seek legal advice as they bid to get the decision overturned.