Big shake-up on way

ISLAND cricket clubs are tonight expected to ratify the biggest shake-up of the Evening League in its 80-year history. At the Guernsey Cricket Association EGM at the Cobo Bay Hotel (8pm), a proposal has been put forward to the clubs to transform the shorter version of the game to a Twenty20-style format.

GCA president Mark Latter said that the feedback has been positive and he is hoping that the clubs vote in favour of the changes.

'I don't expect to see any problems, but you can never tell,' he said.

'The changes are twofold: one to freshen things up and make games as competitive as possible and, secondly, to prepare us for the 20-over cricket that the island side might be playing at whatever level in the future.'

The new structure would see Divisions One and Two decided under Twenty20 rules, the others by 20-over games with EL rules.

They would take place over the eight to nine weeks at the height of summer when the light allows a greater number of overs.

Evening cricket would continue either side of the Twenty20 slot with divisions split into two and, following a round robin, climax in a straight knockout for trophies named the GCA Cup, Trophy, Shield, Vase and Plate - one per division.

It had been originally proposed to extend the top two divisions to 10 teams each but following consultation with the clubs it has been decided to keep them at eight.

It is planned to get rid of Division Six and boost Divisions Three, Four and Five up to 10 teams each.

Latter is hoping for a full turnout but says that any clubs that cannot attend tonight's meeting can email him their wishes through the GCA's website - www.guernseycricket.com.

'We're hoping to see all the clubs there on the night,' he said.

'If they can't, they will be able to vote by email so that we get a 100% response.'